OIB-TAC September Webinar: Suicide Prevention: Reducing Risks and Sharing Resources

Join OIB-TAC on September 20, 2024, at 2:00 CST, for our next webinar!  Although suicide in the general population has been described as a crisis, with rates at all-time highs, research has demonstrated that those with a disability are at four times higher risk. This presents an incredible need for research as well as opportunity for intervention.  Dr. Michael Nadorff and Ms. Chandler McDaniel, from Mississippi State University, will explain why we believe suicide is so high among those with a disability, and more importantly, how we can reduce suicide risk.  Although the problem may seem too large for us to take on alone, the good news is that there are simple steps that all of us can do that can make all the difference in someone’s life.  Please come and learn how to save a life!

Click here to register for the September webinar!

Job Opening with the OIB-TAC

The OIB-TAC is currently accepting applications for our Older Blind Specialist position. Please visit our website to learn more about the open position and to apply.

New Publication by Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youth and Adults

HKNC has a new publication entitled, “Recognizing the Needs of Older Adults with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss.”

In recent years, the aging population has increased dramatically, making those age related dual sensory loss the largest sub-population of people who are DeafBlind. This growing population experiences unique challenges that are largely unknown to care givers, direct service providers, and healthcare professionals who could use this information to enact preventative measures in care to better support this unique group of consumers. Therefore, the purpose of this survey study and presentation is to bring awareness to the needs of older adults (55+) who are DeafBlind to inform professionals and policy makers of service needs and priorities for this diverse population.

Click here to access this new publication by HKNC!

Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging

On May 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Community Living, released “Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging.” The report lays the groundwork for a coordinated effort — across the private and public sectors and in partnership with older adults, family caregivers, the aging services network, and other stakeholders — to create a national set of recommendations for advancing healthy aging and age-friendly communities that value and truly include older adults. The national plan on aging will advance best practices for service delivery, support development and strengthening of partnerships within and across sectors, identify solutions for removing barriers to health and independence for older adults, and more. Information is being collected through two surveys to consider ways to include vision impairment:

• If you are representing an organization, click here to take the survey!
• If you are an individual, not representing an organization, click here to take the survey!

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