Editor’s note: This post is the second in our series leading up to White Cane Safety Day on October 15. Be sure to read the first: October 15: White Cane Safety Day – VisionAware. Not Just a Guide Dog School Leader Dogs for the Blind in Michigan is dedicated to preparing people with vision impairments to travel safely and independently with either … 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
Editor’s note: Several VisionAware peer advisors share their personal perspectives on getting started with vision loss. They encourage you to watch our new video about VisionAware and the resources that the site provides to people with vision loss, family members, and professionals. Also be sure to check out the Getting Started Guide, which provides excellent tips for living with vison loss. Lenore Dillon When I became a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) … Continued
Editor’s note: Be sure to watch our archived webinar on Self-Advocacy and Low Vision. By: Cindy Schaffner, VisionAware Peer Advisor As Melanie Peskoe noted in her recent post on self-awareness, self-advocacy can be a common struggle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Having the confidence, courage, and know-how to speak up for your rights, needs, and accommodations can be mentally and emotionally challenging. … Continued
As a result of advocacy efforts over the years, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal government and many states offer assistance and exemptions for people who are blind or visually impaired. These cut across many areas of life, and we cover a few examples below. You may also want to read our post Everyday Implications of the ADA for People with Vision … Continued
Over the years the VisionAware Peer Advisors have observed this holiday by writing about what independence means not only for our country but for people with vision loss. This year, we’re compiling some of their most insightful thoughts. Angela Whitfield, former VisionAware Peer Advisor, wrote July is a Powerful Month of Independence, observing that, “…We started the month with Independence Day- the day we … Continued
The title of the book When You Can’t Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss & Personal Recovery immediately grabbed me. My curiosity was peaked because when you are dealing with a visual impairment you honestly can’t believe what you are seeing all the time. In my 20+ years of total blindness, I have learned to depend on everything else but my vision such as my other senses, … Continued
Editor’s note: Please join us on May 20 at 2:00PM ET for a panel discussion with Becky and other professionals to discuss words, feelings, and so much more! Please register and learn more. Importance of Processing Feelings in Healthy Ways Our feelings matter. According to Brene Brown, when we deny our emotions, they own us. As the Clinical Director of Resilient Solutions, … Continued
Meet a VisionAware national partner, the Independent Living Older Individuals who are Blind, Technical Assistance Center of the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University (OIB-TAC). The OIB-TAC provides training and technical assistance activities to state program staff that serve older people with vision loss. Among other services, they offer continuing education courses that address aging and vision loss related topics. Additionally, … Continued