→ Health
From the issue: October 2009 Quarterly
Do you Know Someone With Vision Loss?
by Kate Fewel
For those adapting to vision loss, an encouraging and understanding support system is a valuable resource; family and friends can make a difference in vision rehabilitation.  Since each person’s experience of vision loss is different, open communication fosters mutual understanding. Some people have poor peripheral vision, while others may have limited central vision. One person might have trouble seeing at night, and another might have difficulty seeing colors or details. It is even possible for one’s vision to be affected by lighting conditions.
For example, a person with advanced Macular Degeneration (which causes central vision loss) finds recognizing faces or reading challenging, but they can still move around easily using peripheral vision. By comparison, a person with peripheral vision loss may have difficulty becoming oriented in space, but has no trouble reading.
The following are suggestions for friends, family, and caregivers, from people with vision loss. To avoid confusion and offer helpful assistance, it’s always best to ask the person how your support could be most effective.
- When greeting me, say your name. Let me know when you enter or leave a room.
- By looking directly at me and addressing me by name, I’ll know you are talking to me. Unless otherwise requested, there is no need to raise your voice or direct questions to my sighted companion.
- Let me do as much as I can, even if it takes me longer.
- If you think I need help, ask me if I want it. If we talk about it, I can tell you what I need or how we can do it together.
- When providing directions, be as specific as possible. Instead of saying, “It’s over there,” try “the tape recorder is on your left.”
- I may have an easier time reading text if it is printed in large, bold, black print. Eighteen point font, (.25" letters) or larger, is the easiest to read.
- It is helpful for steps and curbs to be colored with contrasting colors; white or yellow is best.
- Provide adequate lighting for tasks in stairways, and in hallways.
- If I am walking with you, I will take your arm. I’ll keep a half step behind you to anticipate curbs, steps, and doorways.
- With a few additional verbal and/or tactile directions/descriptions, I can participate in most activities.
- Keep the environment predictable and consistent. If you rearrange common rooms, I need orientation to my new surroundings.
- Dining is easier with contrasting food and dinnerware: mashed potatoes on a dark plate, beets on white, etc. I may appreciate a clockwise identification of food placement on my plate.
- As I adjust to vision loss, I may experience a wide range of emotions including: worry, anger, frustration, and fear. I will let you know what you can do, whether it is just listening or offering help.
Please keep in mind that the above tips are only suggestions. Each person will want to be treated differently. The most important thing you can do for someone with vision loss is listen, and ask before assisting them.
Community Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted
Founded in 1965, CSBPS is the largest private not for profit vision rehabilitation agency in the State of Washington. Our mission is to enhance the ability of people with vision loss to lead independent, active lives. Each year we serve thousands of people in the Northwest through our low vision clinics via counseling, training in independent living, travel skills, and our adaptive aids store, SightConnection. For more information, or to make a contribution that supports independent living for people with vision loss, visit us at www.csbps.com or call 1-800-458-4888.
Have you explored the world of adaptive vision aids? Visit SightConnection, our independent living store, and receive a 10% discount using coupon SG909; for a limited time only. Visit SightConnection at 9709 NE 3rd Ave #100/Seattle, WA 98115, or www.sightconnection.com. Call 1-800-458-4888.
« Go back | View more articles in 'Health'
|
