Independent Living Adult Blind (ILAB) service organizations face a unique challenge as baby boomers become seniors and many experience vision loss. The impact of a rapid loss of vision can be devastating. In very short order, a person loses every point of reference. They feel cut off, isolated, disoriented, and afraid. A once-friendly world is suddenly an alien place with everything that was once familiar, now strange and threatening. We who are blind know that with time, a person can find a new equilibrium – well-oriented and secure. Millions of blind people live independently and there is no inherent reason why a newly blind senior can’t recapture an independent lifestyle. But it requires the help of caring and skilled organizations and individuals to make that transition. ILAB’s job is to be a lifeline, offering support in re-achieving independence and helping newly blind seniors find a path to: OrientationMobilitySafetyHome and personal management skills such as identifying money, cooking, cleaning, and labeling foods and medicationsEmployment skills such as typing and computer useQuality of life skills including talking books, Braille, writing guidesSelf-actuating skills such … [Read more...] about An Open Letter To Independent Living Adult Blind Professionals
ILAB
