Ten Steps to Encourage a Productive Lifestyle
1. Clarify diagnosis and prognosis of the eye condition with a medical eye care professional. Make sure you understand how the eye condition affects the field of vision and acuity. Find out if there is a diagnosis of "legal blindness" (acuity of less than 20/200 in best corrected eye or visual field less than 20 degrees), and if so, get a letter from the doctor as proof. Copies of this letter may be used as proof of vision loss when registering for different services.
2. See a Low Vision Optometrist for a low vision assessment to determine what needs exist for magnification, lighting and contrast. Obtain magnification devices. If the ability to pay for these aids is an issue, funding or other assistance is available through:
- Illinois Assistive Technology Program, www.iltech, 800-852-5110
- Centers for Independent Living (ask about the Elder Blind Grant). Find the closest center online at www.ilusa.com.
- Local public libraries sometimes have CCTVs (video magnifiers) for loan
3. Call the local blindness agency, state department of rehabilitation services/bureau of blind services or veterans hospital for assessment and instruction of daily living skills and orientation and mobility training. Be aware of what services and programs are offered in the community.
4. Become familiar with adaptive products and technologies available to help your loved one carry out everyday tasks. Obtain catalogues from vendors who sell these products.
5. Determine who and what is necessary to move your friend or loved one toward a more independent lifestyle. Take time to learn about the vision rehabilitation professionals who are trained to support people with vision loss. These include Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). Attend conferences and educational workshops with your family member to better understand the vision rehabilitation process.
6. Sign up for FREE 411. Call the telephone service provider and speak to the Customer Service/special needs department to request free 411. They will send a form to be completed by a medical doctor. After sending it back, directory assistance calls will not be charged within the local calling area. (This is an example of when a letter from the doctor describing the vision diagnosis would be very helpful).
7. Sign up for reduced fare and paratransit service by contacting the RTA ADA Paratransit Certification Program at 312-663-4357.
8. Sign up for other services to help your loved one stay informed and active:
- National Library Service Talking Book Program lends digital audio books and magazines, as well as descriptive videos sent and returned free of charge). Call 888-657-7323 to connect to a local library.
- Learning Ally, provides digital audio books, 800-221-4792
- NFB Newsline (free access to newspapers, magazines and TV listings from across the country at anytime via the telephone). Call 866-504-7300 for a registration form. This service may also be acquired through your Talking Book center.
9. Encourage your friend or loved one to reach out to their support systems. Offer information about counseling services and support groups with others who have similar vision issues. Confront your own stereotypes through self education. Get yourself connected by attending caregiver support groups.
- The Guild offers a variety of support groups focusing on topics such as independence, anger management, coping strategies and depression awareness.
- Contact the Guild to find out if there is a support group in your area (Chicago metropolitan-area only). Call Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
10. Continue to have your loved one see an eye care professional at least once a year to monitor vision health. Many newsletters are available on the latest developments in research and treatments that can be discussed with an eye care professional.
