Self-Help, Self-Study, and Support Groups for Vision Loss

VisionAWARE's primary goal is to provide a range of rehabilitation options that can help you improve and increase your quality of life and independence.

When vision loss occurs, some people may choose to attend a local vision rehabilitation agency or training center [1] and receive direct individualized services from Vision Rehabilitation Therapists or Orientation and Mobility Specialists; other people, for a variety of reasons -- poor health, privacy concerns, limited transportation, or other commitments -- may choose different solutions.

There are many self-help, self-study and supportive opportunities that empower people to help themselves. The choice is yours. Choose and seek out whatever you feel most comfortable with. It may be, for example, that after using self-study materials you decide to pursue services at a rehabilitation center.

There are different solutions to help meet different needs at different times in your life. Here are some self-help and self-study options that you might find helpful.

Self-Study Resources

There are several self-help and self-study options that can help you learn more about vision rehabilitation:

• CIL Publications and Audiobooks [2] offers self-study audiotapes and audiobooks for people who are blind or have low vision. Subjects include indoor mobility, personal management, and sensory development.
• E.A.R.S. for EYES Program [3] provides free self-study audiotapes that teach adaptive daily living skills to adults who are blind or have low vision. Subject areas include kitchen techniques, eating skills, indoor mobility, and personal grooming.
• The Hadley School for the Blind [4] offers distance education courses for eligible students free of charge. Study areas include high school courses, GED preparation, braille and communication skills, independent living, recreation and leisure, and assistive technology.
• The VisionAWARE Bookstore [5] contains descriptions of, and links to, publications specific to blindness and low vision, including biographies and autobiographies of people who have successfully coped with vision loss.
• The VisionAWARE "My Story" series [6] provides real-life interviews with men and women who are blind or have low vision.

Vision Loss Support Groups

The following national organizations can provide you with information and databases to help you locate self-help and support groups in your area. Please note that it is the responsibility of the organizations and agencies listed below to ensure that the information in their databases is up-to-date and accurate.

• American Council of the Blind [7] is a membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people
• American Diabetes Association [8] is the leading nonprofit health organization in the USA providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.
• American Foundation for the Blind [9] provides a 'Where Can I Find…' [10] database of services in the United States and Canada, including rehabilitation services, volunteer services, employment and job training, and support groups.
• Council of Citizens with Low Vision International [11] is an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
• E.A.R.S. for EYES Program [3] provides free self-study audiotapes that teach adaptive daily living skills to blind and visually impaired older adults. Subject areas include kitchen techniques, eating skills, indoor mobility and personal grooming.
• Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults [12] provides advocacy, support groups, information, and services to people who have both a vision and a hearing loss.
• Lighthouse International [13] is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and helping people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Use the Lighthouse "Find Help in Your Area" [14] database to find information about local ophthalmologists, optometrists, government agencies, and support groups.
• National Federation of the Blind [15] provides services, support, information, and products for independent living.
• The Glaucoma Foundation [16] funds groundbreaking research and educates the public about the disease and the importance of early detection to prevent blindness. They also sponsor Glaucoma Support and Education Groups and Online Discussion and Support Groups.

Additional Information and Resources for Self-Help and Self-Study

• How to cope with the emotional impact [17] of blindness and low vision
• More about vision loss support groups [18]
• National organizations [19] of and for people who are blind or have low vision
• Employment-related support groups [20]
• State Rehabilitation Agencies and other vision services in your area [1]
• Vision Rehabilitation Services [21]
• Services Specific to Older Persons [22]
• Searchable Databases [23]