If you’ve experienced recent vision loss from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or other eye condition, chances are you left the doctor’s office hearing there is nothing more that can be done medically. That may be true, but there’s plenty more you can do to adjust to your vision loss and learn some new adaptations to your daily tasks.
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Here are some suggestions on how to get started living with a vision loss or low vision:
- Apply for vocational rehabilitation or independent living services in your state. Each state offers services at no cost or sliding scale for vision rehabilitation services. The scope of services and the possible waiting time for services varies widely by state. Make this your first call to get on the list for services when they are available. Check out this directory of services to find your state, or call the Connect Center at 800-232-5463. Here’s a tip: if you also have a hearing loss, you may be eligible for services from I Can Connect, which has an affiliate for each state. Just a reminder, there may be a waiting list, so make this your first contact to get on the list.
- While you’re waiting, contact the National Library Service Talking Books program (888-657-7323). This is a no cost federal program that provides audio books and magazines to individuals with any condition that makes reading print difficult. Audio books and magazines are sent in the mail on digital cartridges (like cassette tapes back in the day) and inserted into the player. For users comfortable with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, there are apps that can be used to connect directly to BARD (part of Talking Books) to download audio books directly). Regardless of whether you are an avid reader or not, the Talking Books player is used by other agencies, like Hadley (below), to provide audio workshops on skills related to vision loss and blindness.
- Hadley (800-323-4238) is a non-profit that’s been providing self-paced, at-home training for those with a vision loss for over 100 years. Membership, workshops, discussion groups, peer groups and podcasts are all available at no cost. Hadley members can take self-paced workshops online, or have the material sent on Talking Book cartridges, large print, or braille. Hadley is staffed with vision rehab professionals to support their workshops. You may have to wait for local state services, and Hadley workshops are a way to get started right away learning about magnifiers, using a smartphone with a vision loss, and much more. Here’s a tip: if you haven’t already signed up for NLS Talking Books, the Help Desk staff at Hadley will fill out an application for you and send it in.
- If you are an avid reader slowed down with vision loss, Bookshare.org (650-352-0198) may just become your next best friend! Bookshare has well over a million digital books that can only be downloaded by patrons with a verified print disability. An annual subscription is $79 which allows 100 downloads a month! If you are a member of Hadley, this fee is waived because there is no cost to students for Bookshare. To read Bookshare books you will need access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with the free Bookshare Reader app installed. If you have an Amazon Echo with Alexa, there is a Bookshare Reader skill called the Bookshare Reader that will read books by using voice commands.
- Newspaper readers may find the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Newsline (866- 504-7300) service a great next steps. Most states support free digital audio newspapers through Newsline. Newsline newspapers can be accessed using a landline phone, on an app with a smartphone or tablet, by computer, and using an Amazon Echo using the National Federation Skill. NFB also offers a Free White Cane program (410-659-9314) as well, so if you are on a waiting list for orientation and mobility training, you may want to get started in advance with this option.
- Handheld magnifiers can be so handy with low vision. It’s best to get an assessment from a low vision specialist before purchasing, because there are many types and powers and it is easy to waste your money on the wrong one. The Low Vision Prescriber Network and the Living Well With Low Vision directory of state and local agencies may be helpful resources for finding a place to get an assessment or try out handheld magnifiers. Hadley has a workshop on the different types of magnifiers in the Magnifier Series. If you’re unable to get an assessment, LS&S Products (800-468-4789) sells a wide range of devices for low vision, including magnifiers. A 5X Coil magnifier with an LED light will cost just under $80.
- A pocket digital voice recorder is also one of the handiest items to consider after a vision loss for quick notes, phone numbers, etc. The Micro-Speak digital recorder, also, from LS&S, is simple to use, and has a spoken menu. Here’s a tip: your smartphone and many flip phones also have voice recorders built right in so check to see if you have one on your phone.
- Lastly, if you are on a long wait list for orientation and mobility training—learning to use a white cane to travel more independently, Leader Dogs ( 248-651-9011) offers free O&M training at their Michigan campus.
Making changes and learning adaptations is a process and may take some time. Be patient with yourself in the process and approach some of the new techniques and tools with curiosity. You may find that nearly all your daily activities and those that are most important to you can be done in alternate ways that can be just as fulfilling.
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