Why is Low Vision Awareness Month important to VisionAware readers? The numbers of older people with low vision are increasing and are projected to grow dramatically over the next several years. As noted by the National Eye Institute, “The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people with vision impairment learn how to stay … Continued
by Elizabeth L. Sammons and Empish J. Thomas Every reader of this post has surely experienced forgetting names or failing to recognize someone. However, many sighted people can say, “But I never forget a face.” Since our blindness community doesn’t share this ability, we wanted to discuss issues around recognizing friends or identifying strangers. Elizabeth: … Continued
Topics That Have Resonated with Readers COVID-19, of course, is the big news anywhere you turn, and VisionAware has responded to this crisis for people who are blind or visually impaired by offering content on staying safe, finding transportation, maintaining your household, and looking out for your eyes. VisionAware uses tags for our blog content and has a great search function, so you should be able to find … Continued
One of the things I enjoy about beginning a new year is the opportunity to think about a personal project, such as a new skill I can learn, or a direction I’d like to step toward with a measure of courage and optimism for the year ahead. If I can find a quote that captures … Continued
Editor’s note: Maribel wrote this post for the International Day of People with Disabilities, which occurs on December 3. According to the organizers, “It is a day for optimism – to look towards the future and the creation of a world where a person is not characterized by their disabilities, but by their abilities.” Creating … Continued
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, now called Blind Americans Equality Day. In this series we will 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: … 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