The Vision Rehab Podcast is a short monthly podcast about topics and issues related to vision rehabilitation therapists and vision rehab. You can also listen on your smart speaker, just ask for, “Vision Rehab Podcast.”
Listen Now to Taking Charge of a Vision Loss this New Year
Transcript:
With a recent vision loss, you may find yourself no longer able to drive a car, but the need to be in the driver’s seat will be even more important to advocate for yourself and the services you might need to adjust to doing everyday activities with less vision. So, let’s talk about some of the basics.
The first step might take the longest time to get started, so that’s why it’s at the top of the list. Contact your state’s services for consumers who are blind and visually impaired. I know that many of you with a vision loss don’t identify as someone who is blind but, these services are often lumped together. Each state in the US provides services with slightly different variations, but all states have these services. Some states are more efficient than others so you may have to be patient. There are usually no charges for these services or they’re available on a sliding scale. If you use the computer, you can search for your state using the APH Connect Center Directory. Look for the phone numbers for your state’s vocational rehabilitation services and your state’s Unit on Aging. Both should offer vision rehabilitation for learning how to do everyday tasks with less vision, and orientation and mobility (O&M) training—basically how to get from here to there with less vision, including using a white cane if needed.
If you don’t use the computer, you can always call the Connect Center at 800-232-5463 and they will look these numbers up for you.
Next is Talking Books through the Library of Congress National Library Service 888-657-7323. There is no cost for this program. You will receive a very user-friendly Talking Book player that plays audio cartridges sent in the mail with books and magazines recorded on them. Once enrolled, if you are a smartphone or tablet user, you can use the BARD app to download and listen to these books.
Third on the list is Hadley, which offers a wide variety of workshops on daily living skills, technology, and braille delivered online or sent to you on Talking Book cartridges. You may even want to call Hadley first before Talking Books because they will fill out the Talking Books application on your behalf and send it in to your state’s library. There is no charge for a membership in Hadley or any of their training materials. In addition to their many workshops, they offer live discussion groups, podcasts, and support groups by phone. Call Hadley at 800-323-4238. Not sure where to start with Hadley? Just ask for the Adjusting to Vision Loss series.
If your vision loss is really impacting your ability to get around outside the house, consider learning to use a long white cane. As mentioned before, the art of using a white cane is taught by orientation and mobility professionals, usually working for the state or local agency for the visually impaired. The good news is, there’s usually no charge for this training, the bad news is, there’s often a wait. The National Federation for the Blind (NFB) has a free White Cane Program and you can request one by calling 410-659-9314. They’ll help you figure out which size is right for you to get started.
If you do find yourself on a waiting list for orientation and mobility services, Hadley has a workshop on White Cane Basics, and Mike Mulligan, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) offers some great YouTube tutorials at Blind on the Move.
Hey, it’s a new year and time to get started on some of those resolutions.