Living with a visual impairment can feel overwhelming. Fear, sadness, and anger are common emotions that people may experience when contemplating the potential implications of vision loss on their lives.
The good news is that people with visual impairments live healthy, active, and independent lives. Using a wide range of tools and learning some adaptations allows you to continue working, traveling, cooking, engaging in hobbies, and enjoying your favorite things.
The roadmap below outlines our programs and services. Most are donor-funded, so there is no cost to you. The best first step is to talk with a member of our staff who can provide you with information about the next steps in your vision loss journey.
Even if your vision is still good enough to drive, read most things, and go about your daily routines, many conditions that cause vision loss are progressive, and your vision could diminish over time. Learning about what is available now will significantly reduce the anxiety that you may experience in the future.
Understanding Vision Loss
This informative workshop, offered at least once a month, is designed for individuals with a visual impairment and their family members, friends, or caregivers who want to learn more about the services available to help them remain independent. The workshop covers common eye diseases that cause visual impairments, the process people undergo while adapting to living with vision loss, key tools, services, and resources available to help individuals maintain their independence, and how to connect with these resources. For more information or to register for an upcoming session, click here.
Peer Support
Vision loss can sometimes feel isolating. Meeting and talking with people who can relate to how you are feeling, knowing that you are not alone in facing these challenges, and learning how they have overcome them can be a big help.
We highly recommend attending one of our VISION groups. These gatherings, which are held frequently at locations throughout Rhode Island, allow you and your family to meet members of the IN-SIGHT staff and other people with visual impairments and their families.
Click here for our calendar of events, which includes a listing of upcoming VISION Groups.
Caregivers Connect
Facilitated by IN-SIGHT’s social worker, Caregivers Connect is a safe place for family members, friends, and caregivers to discuss the stressors, challenges, and rewards of supporting an adult who is living with a visual impairment.
The group meets once a month and primarily features an open-topic format, providing ample opportunity to share stories, seek information, and receive support. At times, there may also be a specific topic that the group decides to focus on for part of the meeting.
Low Vision Evaluation
Magnification, lighting, and glare control can help you maintain your independence by maximizing your remaining vision. An evaluation with one of our low-vision specialists will help you determine which tools will most benefit you. Click here for more information.
Transportation
Access to reliable transportation enhances a person’s sense of independence and facilitates their ability to shop, socialize, and utilize community resources.
While family members and friends may be available for transportation, being familiar with and connected to other options will ensure you can always get where you need to go.
Transportation options depend on where you live in the state. Urban and suburban communities typically offer a broader range of services than rural areas.
Assistive Technology
Advances in technology have enabled people with visual impairments to participate in a wide range of activities at home, school, and work. Our staff can help you evaluate which tools best meet your needs and provide comprehensive training. Click here for more information.
Activities of Daily Living
Living with a visual impairment can make doing some things more challenging, but not impossible. Our staff can work with you individually or in small group workshops to learn new approaches and techniques. We can teach you how to safely and confidently cook, clean, travel, do laundry, organize clothing, and do dozens of other daily tasks. Click here for more information.
Connect
If you would like to speak with a member of our Client Services team to learn more about any of our programs or if you have a question or concern that we can address, please fill out the form below. We will contact you as soon as possible.
