The vast majority of these individuals do not have access to vision rehabilitation services, choose not to reach out for services, or are unaware such services exist, and therefore do not seek help. These people form an enormous "hidden majority" and most try to manage on their own, as best they can.

AWARE's Mission

Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation and Education (AWARE) was founded in 1990, and is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit public charity. Our prime mission is to broadly promote self-help vision rehabilitation hints and adaptive techniques, and disseminate information on services and independent living resources to individuals with recent vision loss, their family members, and those who work with them.

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AWARE's Solution

Increase the wide-spread dissemination of practical self-help skills and adaptations; information on the range of vision rehabilitation-related services and resources, and the professionals who are available to help. AWARE will also further increase the visibility of other organizations and resources that are equally committed to addressing the unmet needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted.

What does AWARE do?

AWARE has developed an extensive range of self-help information for adults who are recently blinded or have low vision. We believe people feel empowered when they have their questions answered and they obtain the answers they need to make decisions. VisionAWARE.org was launched in November 2006 and provides a broad range of self-help resources that include:

1. Information and links on eye disorders and diseases, such as cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy---the leading causes of blindness and vision loss in older Americans.
2. An overview of the professionals who are specially educated to provide "vision rehabilitation services" to adults with vision loss.
3. How to locate vision rehabilitation services in your area.
4. How to cope with the emotional impact of vision loss.
5. How to maximize the use of your remaining vision.
6. A wide array of adaptations so you can continue everyday activities, such as personal self-care, writing, reading, meal preparation, household tasks, and shopping.
7. How to feel safe moving around your home or traveling outside.
8. The importance of lighting and environmental adaptations.
9. How to continue enjoying sports, home mecanics, crafts, and other leisure or recreational activities.
10. Consumer organizations; support and self-help groups; organizations that serve older adults in general; and other disability groups.
11. Government and private organizations that provide services to people who are 'blind' or have 'low vision.'
12. Where to find useful adaptive equipment.
13. How to respond to questions children ask about vision loss.
14. What's happening to people of different ages who are blind or have low vision and living in other parts of the world.

Meet the VisionAWARE Team

Click here to Meet the VisionAWARE Team — the experts who bring you the adaptive techniques, tips, and resources on the VisionAWARE site.

For more information about AWARE, e-mail Anne.Yeadon@visionaware.org or phone 914-528-5120.

Link to VisionAWARE

Help spread the word about how VisionAWARE can help those with vision loss continue to lead independent lives. Insert the following code in your web site:

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<td><a href="http://www.visionaware.org" target="_blank" title="VisionAWARE Self-Help for Vision Loss"><img src="files/awarelogo-sm.jpg" alt="visionaware.org - self-help for vision loss" width="74" height="72" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.visionaware.org" target="_blank" title="VisionAWARE Self Help for Vision Loss">VisionAWARE Self Help for Vision Loss</a> is a web site with a wealth of information designed to enhance quality of life and independence for people who are blind or have low vision.</td>
</tr>
</table>

This will appear as

VisionAWARE Self Help for Vision Loss is a web site with a wealth of information designed to enhance quality of life and independence for people who are blind or have low vision.

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Add our RSS feed of the Are You Aware? newsletter to your RSS news reader or web site by using this link:

http://www.VisionAWARE.org/view/are_you_aware_rss