Adjusting to vision loss can be difficult. It does not have to be incapacitating, but it does have an impact on many daily activities. This requires both physical and emotional adjustments. Each person reacts in a way that is unique based on their individual situation and personality. Anybody who experiences significant vision loss will need to learn new techniques for doing things that they previously did routinely. There is life after vision loss, however it takes motivation, determination, encouragement and a positive attitude.

Having a good support system can make the challenges easier. This may be a combination of professional services and informal supports such as friends, neighbors, family members, colleagues, or church members. You are not alone. There are services available to help you to make the most of your remaining vision, handle . daily tasks, and to move about safely at home and in the community. There are individuals available to talk with who have experienced similar frustrations and discovered solutions for coping with vision loss. The following services can help in getting information and resources to learn to live independently despite vision loss.

Low Vision Services: When ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses do not provide clear sight, a person is said to have "low vision". People who have low vision still have some usable vision that can often be enhanced by both optical and non-optical aids. Low vision services can help an individual make the most of their remaining usable vision. Low vision technology includes optical aids such as hand held and stand magnifiers, telescopes, spectacles, and CCTVs. It also includes non-optical such as high intensity lights; and specialized techniques to help people better use their remaining functional vision. Due to the wide variety of low vision problems and available aids, it is important to work with a low vision professional who has the knowledge and skills to assist you in trying a number of aids and selecting the best one for your individual needs. Most Iow vision aids and devices require patience and practice to use them effectively.

Personal and Household Management: Training and services are available that can enable you to remain independent in your home and community as well as'to continue engaging in your favorite activities. Rehabilitation teachers are professionals that work with visually impaired persons to help them to learn new ways of doing everyday tasks. There are many non-optical aids that can help a person in managing day to day household responsibilities and tasks such as talking clocks and check writing guides. Auditory aids are also available. These include talking books, and a device called a "say when" that signals when liquid is near the top of the cup. Techniques can be taught to help a person to recognize different coins and bills, manage their medication, feel comfortable eating at a restaurant, and to organize cupboards and closets so that items can be found despite vision loss. Each person's situation is unique, but general and specific organizational techniques and skills can be learned to help in personal and home management.

Mobility and Travel: Learning the skills necessary to travel safely around one's home and community is important for blind and visually impaired persons to remain active and independent. Some people with vision loss are reluctant to travel or go out in public because they are uncomfortable getting around. Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors are professionals who are trained to teach people with limited or no sight how to travel. O&M instructors are available to teach techniques to travel safely and independently with or without a cane. Instruction can also help a visually impaired or blind person orient to a new environment. Friends and family members can learn ways to help by learning sighted guide techniques.

Peer Counseling: Peer counseling is based on a national movement consisting of persons who have experienced an illness or disability providing services and supports to others who are experiencing a similar situation. Peer counselors are selected based upon their success in coping, interest, motivation, and ability to engage and work with others. Peer counselors are supported by professionals and work as part of a team to provide information, referral, and support. They understand what the person is going through because they have "been there". Trained peer counselors help visually impaired persons cope with their vision loss. They are trained to help peers develop basic skills and techniques to cope with their vision loss, listen and share coping strategies, and link them with resources and services.

Technology: There has been tremendous growth in the area of technology for blind and visually impaired persons. These developments are enabling individuals to access information and engage in activities that previously were unavailable, or could only be accessed with difficulty. Evolving technology is enabling people who are blind or visually impaired to function more autonomously than at any time before. Computer hardware and software can enlarge print, and even "speak" to the user. The following options are some of the more popular devices that are nm available. Just about anybody can be taught to use this technology, however it is likely to require practice and some technical support during the learning period.

To find out more about these options and other evolving technology, contact Geoff Howard at the NH Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired at #271-3537 or at 1-802-479-5983.