Compassionate Capitalism - March 2005

Technology Helps Visually Impaired

At the Blind Center of Nevada

When Americans are asked about growing older, the large majority (over 70 percent) report they fear blindness more than any other physical impairment (Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss, 1998). The number of people affected by vision impairment represents a major health issue:

1 in 6 adults, age 45 years or older, are moderately or severely visually impaired. (Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss, 1998)

1 out of 4 Americans over the age of 65 will experience significant or total vision loss. (Helen Keller National Center, 2000)

Of Southern Nevada’s approximately 160,000 senior citizens, nearly 28,000 are visually impaired or legally blind. (Bureau of the Census).

Vision changes due to normal aging can usually be corrected, but eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy can take away a person’s ability to drive a car, read, watch TV or live alone within a matter of months or even weeks.

Technology can be the great equalizer for someone who is facing the loss of his or her sight. Ask yourself, would regaining the ability to read your mail so you could pay your bills help you remain independent? If you knew how to use the Internet so you could order your groceries or prescriptions online and have them delivered to your home, enable you to stay independent in your home, even though you don’t drive? Could learning to use a computer with adaptive devices enable you to find employment again? If you have no family living close by (or you hate bothering them) and you knew about other resources available in Las Vegas, would that make the difference between living on your own or moving?

Help is available. The Blind Center of Nevada, in partnership with Easter Seals Southern Nevada, sponsors the ATTN Program (Assistive Technology Training Network) on the first Friday of each month at its facility at 1001 N. Bruce Street in downtown Las Vegas. Offered in a friendly environment, the classes show members of the public how technology can improve the quality of life for someone who suffers from low vision. The ATTN Program is also offered at various locations in the community through a grant from the MGM MIRAGE Voice Foundation and a donation from West Charleston Lions Club. There is no charge to attend an ATTN Program, although appointments are needed.

Through a grant from the state of Nevada’s Fund for a Healthy Nevada, the Blind Center purchased state-of-the-art, low-vision equipment for demonstrations and hands-on use. This includes a variety of magnifiers, telescopes, reading glasses and monoculars, as well as monitors that magnify reading material and computer stations outfitted with adaptive devices. Many visually impaired people are not aware of the fact that inexpensive, simple things – like talking watches and timers or telephones with large numbers – can make life much easier. Having the opportunity to actually operate an unfamiliar device, with guidance from the Easter Seals-trained technologist, builds confidence and encourages independence.

Since 1955, the Blind Center of Nevada has been assisting blind and visually impaired persons of all ages in reaching their highest physical, social, intellectual and economic potential. The Blind Center is the only place in Southern Nevada where visually impaired people can spend all or most of their day, enjoying educational classes, recreational activities or just talking to other people who face the same daily challenges. Additionally, the Blind Center of Nevada is the only facility in the state offering a community-based workshop for people who are blind or visually impaired.

To make an appointment to attend an ATTN workshop or to host a low-vision workshop at your facility, call the Blind Center at 702-642-6000 or e-mail ronnie877@aol.com.