Denville, NJ. It is an unfortunate reality that many people experience vision difficulties as they age. When a magnifying glass is needed even with glasses on, threading a sewing needle is impossible, or a vision professional has diagnosed the problem as low vision or worse, it may be time to look into smart ways to cope with the challenges of vision loss.
A new program called the One Day Essential Low Vision Program is an innovative answer that offers lots of help to both the adult with low vision and their friend or family member who may feel responsible for some level of caregiving.
The program is simple, affordable, and easy to register for. In one day up to 40 strategies may be discussed or demonstrated which reduce the risk of falls or injuries, foster independent living, and provide a complete package of resources that could take months for an individual to find and assemble on their own.
The program is led by a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, one of only 13 in the state. A team of vision rehabilitation instructors show simple solutions as well as assistive technologies that can increase independence and quality of life. Caregivers are there every step of the way to help process the information and learn dozens of tips on how they and their loved one can adapt their lives to vision loss.
“The program is conducted in small groups of 3 to 6 individuals with low vision and their family members,” says Iris Torres, executive director of NJFFB. “There is so much sharing and conversation among the group, you’d think it was reunion among old friends.”
Indeed many who attend this One Day Essential Low Vision Program need the support of people who are experiencing the same emotional turmoil as themselves. Coming to this program is the first step in adjusting to vision loss and building the confidence and skills to remain independent for as long as possible. The program includes lunch and some time in the Diamond Spring Vision Store which is stocked with talking products, magnifying glasses and other adaptive aids and products.
The One Day Low Vision Program connects NJFFB with many adults who are living with sudden or gradual vision loss. They learn NJFFB is made up of top vision rehabilitation professionals who are caring and compassionate. If and when needed, NJFFB can also provide one-hour tutorials on specific issues or comprehensive 10 day programs that include wellness activities like art therapy, yoga, nutrition and chorus as well as vision rehabilitation programs on computer technologies, orientation & mobility, and home management skills.
The One Day Essential Low Vision Program is funded by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, The Grotta Fund for Senior Care and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. While funding lasts, participants pay only small fee to cover incidental program expenses.
One Day Essential Low Vision Program has scheduled several daytime programs in the months ahead. All programs take place at NJFFB at 230 Diamond Spring Road in Denville. Pre-registration is necessary. For registration information, call 973-627-0055, or visit www.njffb.org.
NJFFB is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization established in 1943. Also known as Diamond Spring Center, it receives no public funding and is supported through the generosity of individual contributors, foundation and corporate grants and program fees.
