SSIL

If you or someone you know is blind or visually impaired, you are not alone. Coping with vision loss after a lifetime of independence is difficult. This is especially true when faced with the inability to perform many activities that may have been taken for granted such as reading the paper, preparing a meal, shopping, recognizing a friend, and driving a car. Being visually impaired or blind does not have to mean the loss of independence. Services are available to give you information, training, and support to help you make the most of your remaining vision, or to adapt to the loss of sight.

Sight Services for Independent Living is a statewide, community based program sponsored by the NH Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired. It was developed to help adults age 55 or older with functional vision problems to maintain their independence at home and in the community. It provides opportunities to talk with others who are experiencing or have experienced similar frustrations and solutions. Also, the program enables participants to get new information, to learn about and try low vision aids, and to develop new skills that help them regain confidence and cope more effectively with the effects of vision loss. Sight Services for Independent Living offers the following services, supports, and opportunities at selected sites throughout New Hampshire:

	One to one peer counselors providing information, referral and networking support
	Low Vision Information, Aids, and Skills Training
	Personal and Household Management Aids and Skills Training
	Community Integration and Independent Travel Aids and Skills Training
	Benefits Planning
	Communication Skills Training
	Information and Referral

Sight Services for Independent Living brings a service delivery team of professionals to sites located around New Hampshire. To find out more about the program, for a referral, or to locate a site near you, call 1-800-581-6881.

Sight Services for Independent Living helped Greta, a lay preacher, learn new skills and increase her self confidence. As a result, she was able to return to the pulpit as a guest preacher for the first time in many years.