ASPECT Program from Prevent Blindness, A Testimonial

by Anisio Correia, an experienced vision rehabilitation professional who is blind. Editor’s Note: As we approach the anniversary of the signing of the ADA on July 26, it is important to remember the critical role of advocacy whether for ourselves or for a cause. Find out about the benefits of becoming involved in ASPECT, a … Continued

The Retina and Alzheimerā€™s Disease

In June 2023, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) [of the National Institutes of Health(NIH)] released a report on changes in the retina (the layer of cells lining the back wallof the inside the eye that perceives light and signals the brain so one can see) and theirrelationship to stages of Alzheimerā€™s disease (AD). As noted … Continued

Communication Devices for Helping Individuals who are DeafBlind

Communicating with others can be challenging. For individuals who are DeafBlind, communicating with others presents some additional challenges. Some devices (low and high tech) are available to assist DeafBlind individuals in communicating with those around them. The APH DeafBlind Pocket Communicator The DeafBlind Pocket Communicator (DBPC), a low-tech device, is available through the American Printing … Continued

The Next Phase of Telehealth: Adapting to Post-Pandemic Healthcare Changes

by Amanda Bernath During the height of the pandemic, many services, including healthcare, education, shopping, and entertainment, shifted to online platforms. My favorite pandemic changes were the rise of online shopping and the expansion of delivery options and curbside pick-up. The new level of convenience was amazing, especially when it meant I didnā€™t need to … Continued

Smart Speakers Bring New Access and Opportunities for Blind and Low Vision Residents in West Virginia

As discussed in the April 5, 2023, APH VisionAware blog entitled, APH Huntington Conducts Needs Assessment Study for Rural West Virginia Counties, APH Huntington partnered with the Marshall University Research Corporation to conduct a needs assessment study for Cabell and Wayne County West Virginia residents who are blind or have low vision. This study determined … Continued

Big Data Project Provides Critical Information About Prevalence of Vision Loss Among Older People

Editorā€™s note: This post is the last in our series for Older Americans Month. It represents a call to action to increase the availability of vision rehabilitation services for older people in this country. For years, the vision rehabilitation field has been talking about the tsunami of older people with vision loss coming our way. … Continued

Healthy Vision Month-A Family Focus

This year, National Eye Institute’s Healthy Vision Monthā€™s goal is to encourage and equip families to protect their vision together! Their aim is to highlight their Spanish content to support Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino families and caregivers. Spanish/English Materials The National Eye Institute (NEI) created campaign materials using a Spanish-first approach, meaning the information is written first … Continued

Vision Changes and Your Mental Health

by Amanda Bernath May is here! And while many around the country mark the month with buzz about the end of the school year, it also holds significance as a month we take the time to address a topic that deeply impacts the lives of millions of people around the country (and world) ā€“ Mental … Continued

Transportationā€” A Critical Need for Older People who are Blind or Low Vision

Editorā€™s note: This post is another in our series related to Older Americans Month. Transportation remains an ongoing problem for people who are blind or low vision, and this post lays out some of the efforts that are underway to increase accessibility. Guidance Documents on Making Transportation More Accessible Recently, Neva Fairchild, National Aging and … Continued