February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in Americans over the age of 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.8 million people have AMD and another 7.3 million are at substantial risk of vision loss from AMD. To increase awareness of AMD, Steve Kelley, certified vision rehab therapist, assembled a list of resources briefly outlined in the Macular Degeneration Resources Video.
Two books clients report are helpful resources include:
The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Daniel L Roberts;
Bert’s Eye View by Maine author Bert Silverman and Nina Fuller.
Both books offer many resources resources and discuss in-depth the initial impact of Macular Degeneration on those affected by the disease and their families.
It is often the case that many people experiencing vision loss or unaware of many of the adaptive daily living aids, such as tactile labels, task lighting, and magnification available through a number of mail order catalogs or through low vision clinics such as the one at the Iris Network. Three resources include:
Independent Living Aids Catalog
800-537-2116
www.independentliving.com
LS and S
800-468-4789
www.lssproducts.com
American Printing House for the Blind
800-223-1839
www.aph.org
Some of the most common adaptive living aids include the following items that are readily available through the catalogs listed above or local sources:
Bold line paper is available in either white or high contrast yellow and with various line spacing to allow for larger print. This paper may be used for lists, phone numbers addresses or any kind of written communication.
Bold lined Pens with either a felt tip, or wider ink line are often much easier to see, particularly when the writing is larger as well. Some useful bold lined pens include:
Reizen 20-20-style Bold Pen (this pen is usually only available online or through mail order). The following pens are available in retail stores locally:
Paper Mate Flair Pen
Pilot Bravo Pen
uni-ball Pen
BIC Mark-it
A large print calendar will be easier to read and allow more space to record appointments using a bold line pine. Large print calendars are available from the Iris Network for $10.45 by calling 207-774-6273.
Large Print Checks are usually available directly through your local bank. Many banks use Deluxe, Harland Clarke checks, or both for printed checks. Each has a version of a large print check, that is larger than most personal checks, and is printed with bolder lines, making them easier to read and fill out. These check companies may be contacted directly:
Deluxe Guideline Check 877-838-5287
http://www.deluxe.com/ click on personal checks;
Harland Clarke 1-800-275-1053 https://www.ordermychecks.com click on Personal Products then look for Sight Checks.
The Sight Checks were $49.95 for 150 checks through the author’s bank.
Reading the newspaper or books for leisure is often identified as one of the greatest challenges for people with AMD. Many states, offer newspaper reading services—programs that allow people to listen to local and national newspapers read by readers or computer software. Check the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS) or call (800) 280-5325. Many Radio Reading Services broadcast over the internet, and if you have an Amazon Echo, you can find a radio reading service with Alexa.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) offers access to newspapers and magazines in most states at no cost to anyone with a disability affecting their ability to read. Sign up online at NFB-NEWSLINE® or call 866-504-7300.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) offers the NFB Newsline in many states, that provides access to local and national publications through the telephone. Call
1-866-504-7300 for more information.
Accessible library books and periodicals in large print or audio formats are available in Maine through the National Library Service (NLS) Talking Books Program. There is no charge for this program, and reading materials will be sent directly to a consumer’s home. For more details, call toll-free 1-888-657-7323. Program may be contacted through the National Library Service Talking Books by calling toll-free 888-657-7323, or on the Web at http://www.loc.gov/nls.
Many people with AMD may not be aware that even if one is seeing a regular ophthalmologist or optometrist a low vision exam that focuses on maximizing existing vision through the use of low vision aids and techniques is a resource covered by both Maine Care and Medicaid (with the usual co-pay). The Iris Network offers a low vision clinic in Portland Maine and will direct consumers to low vision providers in their area. If you live outside Maine check the VisionAware Directory of Services or call the APH ConnectCenter at 800-232-5463.
For more online resources, check out the many workshops at Hadley where you will find instruction for adapted daily living skills covering everything from using your iPhone to labeling medication.
As a final note, a fun low vision product, Lou’s Large Print Playing Cards was designed by a consumer in Maine with AMD. Read the story of Lou’s Cards or by a deck by calling (207) 655-9007, or visit the Web site at www.louscards.com.