NFB-NEWSLINE®�a
free newspaper service which only requires a touch-tone telephone. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), located in Baltimore, Maryland, has more than 50,000 blind members in over 700 local and state affiliates. NFB members believe that with effective training and equal opportunity blind people can reduce the impact of this disability from tragedy to physical nuisance. The NFB improves blind people�s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation�s blind.
The NFB promotes a positive attitude about blindness to seniors with vision loss and provides information and services to help them maintain control over their lives. The NFB philosophy toward blindness and vision loss mirrors an essential attitude in today�s society, one of confidence in and respect for the ability of older people to determine the course of their later years.
The NFB believes that with proper training and opportunity all blind people can lead full and productive lives. This includes those who have lost vision as part of aging or those who have had sudden vision loss late in life. The NFB starts with a positive attitude and philosophy about blindness. Then, the NFB works to provide the advocacy and services to help those seniors with low vision or blindness.
As an individual ages, he or she may notice changes in vision. A person who is nearsighted may need stronger glasses. Some people need two kinds of correction and receive prescriptions for bifocals. In addition, there are several eye conditions that may occur for the first time after a person has reached the age of retirement. In short, Americans are living longer, and vision loss occurs more frequently among those who are older.
Therefore, we must find ways to assist older Americans who are experiencing poor vision for the first time. The number of people who need this assistance is growing.
The NFB is committed to helping seniors with vision loss continue living independent lives. Many seniors who are losing vision are often unaware of the resources and services available to them. NFB low vision resource fairs provide information about and demonstrations of effective strategies and techniques to seniors with vision limitations and to professionals working with them. Topics include using speech accessible newspapers and other print media, learning to use computers, using magnification devices and other gadgets and gizmos, and developing new strategies for better mobility.
NFB-NEWSLINE®�a
free newspaper service which only requires a touch-tone telephone.
Voice
of the Diabetic�a quarterly publication and the national magazine
of the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB. Those interested in all aspects
of blindness and diabetes read it. It shows diabetics they have options regardless
of the ramifications they have had, and it promotes a positive philosophy.
Possibilities
Fair: For Seniors Who Are Losing Vision and for Their Families�a hands-on opportunity for those fifty-five and older who are losing
vision (and for their families) to learn how to improve their lives.
National
Organization of the Senior Blind�a membership organization
of elderly blind persons providing support and information to other blind seniors.
Issues include concerns such as remaining active in community and social life,
maintaining private homes or living in retirement communities or nursing homes,
learning the techniques used by the blind, independently caring for oneself,
and maintaining a positive approach to vision loss.
Diabetes
Action Network�a support and information organization of
persons losing vision due to diabetes. The Network provides resource information
and contact with other blind diabetics. Network members share nonvisual techniques
for independently managing diabetes, monitoring glucose levels, measuring insulin,
and other matters concerning diabetes. Publishes Voice of the Diabetic, the
leading publication about diabetes and blindness.
Successful Role Models for Seniors�older NFB members continuing to
lead full and active lives. Members like Donald Capps, retired insurance executive
and civic leader; Priscilla Ferris, homemaker, Girl Scout administrator, and
community activist; Diane McGeorge, medical secretary and agency director;
Art Schreiber, retired manager of a radio station; and Connie Conolly, member,
Board of Directors, Louisiana Center for the Blind have never let blindness
or aging keep them from the activities they enjoy. These NFB members and many
others can be referred to you through the NFB.
The
National Federation of the Blind Research and Training Institute�will
open in January 2004, and will be the nation�s first research and training
institute dedicated to the development of innovative technology, education,
and training for the blind and the first research and training center developed
and operated by an organization of blind people. A key component of the Institute
will be the development of programs designed to help blind and visually impaired
seniors remain independent and continue to participate in the kinds of activities
they had hoped for in their retirement years.
Legislative
support�the NFB monitors legislative actions which either
improve or decrease opportunities in training and rehabilitation for seniors
who are losing vision.