Editor’s note: This post is part of a series VisionAware is doing during White Cane Awareness Month. Be sure to read our post on October 15: White Cane Safety Day – VisionAware in which we describe the history of the day and how it has evolved since it was first proclaimed a national day by President Johnson in 1964. It’s a great time to … Continued
World Sight Day is held annually to focus global attention on vision impairment, including blindness. In 2021, World Sight Day is October 14th and the theme is “Love Your Eyes.” The International Agency for Prevention of Blindness wants everyone to make a pledge to protect their vision such as getting a comprehensive eye exam. Since COVID is at the forefront of everyone’s minds … Continued
Editor’s note: October 15 is White Cane Safety Day, so this month is a good time to talk about what you need to know about white canes and how useful they are when you are blind or visually impaired. This post is the third in our series on white cane awareness. To find out about the history of the … Continued
Editor’s note: This post is the first in a series that VisionAware will offer during October to celebrate White Cane Safety Day and to bring you information about how to obtain a cane and the training to use it appropriately and safely. Read the other posts in the series: Low Vision and White Canes – VisionAware and Free … Continued
In 1991, the United Nations (UN) adopted October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. According to the UN’s webpage on international observances, “By creating special observances, the United Nations promotes international awareness and action on these issues…International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources … Continued
Recently the APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line received questions about the effects of Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine sulfate) on your eyes. This is of particular interest during the pandemic as Plaquenil has been discussed as a possible treatment for COVID-19. It was approved by the FDA for a short time as an emergency treatment for the virus at the beginning of the pandemic, until … Continued
“S U I C I D E” There, your computer didn’t blow up. Your phone didn’t burst into flames. I guess it’s no secret that people are afraid of blindness and, by extension, blind people. But what about suicide? If you want to empty a room in ten seconds flat, start talking about suicide! … Continued
According to the Census Bureau, there are 54 million adults 65 years of aging and older and that number is expected to grow to 80 million by 2040. Likewise, the number of older people with vision loss is expected to double by 2050. What does this mean to you? Part of healthy aging is taking care of your eyes. According to … Continued
This month VisionAware is offering a special fall prevention webinar on September 14 at 2:30 p.m. eastern. Presenters will provide an overview of fall prevention programs with detail about the Matter of Balance program, including its adaptation for people with low vision. Falls Free Initiative The National Council on Aging has raised the alarm about falls through their Falls Free® Initiative, a national … Continued
Now that the Delta variant has arrived, it is time to think about keeping up with the supplies that we need to keep a household going while staying safe. Being aware of how to take care of your shopping and health and safety needs in a pandemic or other crisis is a critical skill. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who are blind … Continued