by Sylvia Stinson-Perez, MSW., Director of Mississippi State University OIB-TAC Editor’s note: Please register for our webinar on March 10 at 2 p.m. eastern, “Vision Loss: It’s a Family Matter.” This panel discussion will give an overview of how families are impacted as their loved one experiences and adjusts to life with vision loss. Specific … Continued
Everyone knows Stevie Wonder and the late Ray Charles: exceptionally gifted, groundbreaking musicians who also happen to be both Black and blind. But many other Black Americans have shared their talents with the world – or are still doing so – often working to advance the field of blindness and create a more inclusive society. The Black History Month 2021 theme is … Continued
In the APH ConnectCenter we field all types of calls and questions. They range from “how do I learn to cope with my blindness?”; to “what type of technology might work best to help me?”; to “how do I maintain my independence?”; to questions about careers and employment. When the phone rings, I’m reminded of a popular quote from the movie Forrest Gump. “…life is like … Continued
Technology Enhances Date Night At Home This Valentine’s Day – or any date night in the near future – many people won’t be going out for fancy dinners or to the movies, given the risks and restrictions related to COVID-19. But there’s no reason not to plan a special celebration at home enjoying your favorite movie or TV … Continued
Editor’s note: Please plan to join our webinar on February 18, “Living with Low Vision: Insider Perspectives.” VisionAware peers with low vision will share their experiences of living with loss at different times in their lives including how they coped with their diagnosis and adjusted to life with vision loss. According to the National Eye Institute, “Low vision can … Continued
Though age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of low vision and blindness in Americans age 60 and older, research has improved prevention, treatments, and outcomes of this disease over the last 10 years. During this month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) wants to remind people with AMD that they can save their vision with lifestyle changes and new treatment advances. Early detection of … Continued
Losing vision later in life is an overlooked yet rapidly growing public health crisis, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19. The Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition plans to address this looming crisis and bring attention to aging and vision loss at the highest levels. The purpose of the Aging & Vision Loss National Coalition, administered … Continued
According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), “glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Many people don’t know that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages.” NEI further states that “the only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and … Continued
Elder abuse is a growing concern with 1 out of 10 adults age 60 and older reporting some form of abuse in the U.S. In this difficult time of increased social isolation, family stress, and limited resources due to the pandemic, there is a chance that elder abuse is increasing. What can we do about this? We … Continued
Editor’s note: This post was written by Alan Lovell, Information and Referral Coordinator for the APH ConnectCenter. Alan often receives calls that are especially good examples of what we strive to do in the ConnectCenter and from time to time he is sharing them here on the blog. Be sure to read his first post in … Continued
