Resources

T.I.P.S. For Helping People with Vision Problems Course 

This Free course will empower caregivers, support staff, and those working in senior centers, assisted living facilities, and community centers with the skills to help individuals experiencing vision loss through practical strategies that enhance everyday living. Participants will learn to create a supportive environment that promotes independence and dignity. Topics include understanding vision loss, effective communication, and tips for including an individual in group activities. Equip yourself with the knowledge to provide personalized care and make a positive impact in the lives of those you support!

T.I.P.S. For Helping People with Vision Problems 

Commonly Used Terminology

Getting Started: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss

Helping Seniors with Visual Impairment Maintain Active Engagement in the Community

Vision loss can greatly affect the participation levels and safety of seniors experiencing difficulties with their vision due to age-related conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy. As people lose vision, they often isolate themselves and do not believe that they can still maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Different eye conditions affect the ability to see and function in varying ways. For example, macular degeneration affects central vision and the ability to read, see faces, and drive. Ask the individual how their vision is impacted or what they can and cannot see clearly. 

Tips to Adapt the Center and Help the Senior with a Visual Impairment

• Use appropriate window coverings and adjustable lighting to limit glare
• Paint door trim; replace covers on outlets and light switches; and put contrasting tape on steps to increase the use of contrast.
• Avoid the use of throw rugs and low-lying furniture to prevent falls. 
• Use at least a 14-point font on white or light-yellow paper for handouts. 
• Provide enlarged, tactile versions of playing cards and board games. 
• When walking with a senior with vision loss, offer your arm for the person to hold onto. Walk about 1/2 step ahead of the person to avoid objects in the pathway. This assistance is called “human or sighted guide.”
• Talk directly to the person with vision loss, “What would you like to drink?”
• Offer a tour and orientation to the facility, including how to find restrooms and point out landmarks that can be used to get around easily.
• Describe the place setting and food arrangement on the plate in terms of a clock face. 
• Use clear, verbal descriptions when giving directions. Not “over there.”
• If you move things around, let people know. 

For more information on how you can enhance a senior’s experience and adaptation to their vision loss, visit www.VisionAware.org. 
 

VisionAware provides extensive self-help information on adapting everyday activities and location helpful services and independent living resources for individuals with vision loss, their family members, and those who work with them. 

The Administration for Community Living, ACL, was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. Home Page | ACL Administration for Community Living

The aging and disability networks are made up of local, state, and national organizations and committed advocates working to support older adults and people with disabilities. Some organizations focus on a particular type of disability, age group, or type of service, whereas others have a more comprehensive mission. ACL helps support these networks and the programs and services they provide, including the following:

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers - These centers provide information and counseling to help individuals make informed decisions about long-term services and supports and help accessing programs.
• Americans with Disabilities Act National Network - This program funds 10 regional centers for providing information, training, and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and agencies with rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
• Area Agencies on Aging - These agencies address the needs of older adults at the regional and local level through services and supports (like home-delivered meals and homemaker assistance) to support independent living.
• Assistive Technology - These programs support making assistive technology devices and services more available and accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Centers for Independent Living - These centers provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.
• Protection and Advocacy Systems - These state systems work to protect individuals with disabilities by empowering them and advocating on their behalf to defend their personal and civil rights. 
• Senior Centers and Supportive Services for Older Adults - This program provides grants to states and territories that fund multi-purpose senior centers that coordinate services for older adults, such as congregate meals, community education, health screening, exercise and health promotion programs, and transportation. 
• State Councils on Developmental Disabilities - These self-governing organizations identify and address the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in their state or territory through conducting advocacy, facilitating systems change, and capacity building efforts to promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion.
• State Units on Aging - These state-level agencies develop and administer plans to provide assistance for older adults, families, and in many states also adults with physical disabilities.