RDPFS Update: Three Grants Awarded to Build Education, Training, and Access to Services
At its recent meeting, the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation (RDPFS) Board of Directors approved awarding three grants to not-for-profit providers helping people who are blind and visually impaired realize their full potential in society. Following are descriptions of each of the programs receiving support. [...]
Grant 1: Rutgers University Eye2Eye Program: Building a Model for Peer Support
Losing vision is often highly stressful and traumatic and associated with a higher incidence of depression. However, few seek treatment, and few mental health services exist with professionals knowledgeable about vision loss. Recognizing this, the Rutgers Eye2Eye Peer Support Program for Vision Loss, a free, phone-based support program, assists adults who are blind or visually [...]
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Grant 2: Teach Access: Expanding the Curriculum Repository
For individuals with disabilities, technology can foster independence and enhance quality of life. A volunteer-driven collaboration among industry, academia, and disability groups, Teach Access develops models for teaching and training students in technology to help ensure that new products are accessible to people with disabilities. The organization approached RDPFS to expand its ability to accomplish [...]
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Grant 3: Chicago Lighthouse: The Current State of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services in the United States of America--Meeting and National Survey
Although the need for low vision care is growing, most people experiencing vision loss do not have access to comprehensive low vision rehabilitation services. Few providers offer services because of the low economic gains they derive compared with other eye care services. The Chicago Lighthouse approached RDPFS to secure initial support to study a more [...]
Advocating for a Child with Vision Loss: A Tele-Support Talk on October 16, 2023
Recognizing that advocating for educational or medical services can be “frustrating and confusing,” Lighthouse Guild is offering a free tele-support program, “Advocating for Your Child with Vision Loss, on October 16, 2023 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm ET. Those attending via Zoom will learn more about tools and strategies to help advocate while developing relationships [...]
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Upcoming Virtual Events on Accessibility and Employment
by B. E. Lewis, RDPFS Intern: In the coming weeks, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is holding a number of events related to “celebrate the organized blind movement.” These include the following free, online programs (via Zoom) on accessibility and employment: On October 18, 2023, from 8 to 9:15 pm ET, the “Where [...]
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October 14, 2023: Solar Eclipse and Eye Safety
by B. E. Lewis, RDPFS Intern: The autumn skies will be filled with wonders for stargazers this October. An annular solar eclipse will be partially visible across the U.S. on October 14, 2023. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse means that the outer corona of the sun will be visible to the eye. Viewing [...]
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“LightSound” Device Brings the Solar Eclipse Experience to People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
by B. E. Lewis, RDPFS Intern: Designed and developed at Harvard University, the “LightSound” was first used for individuals with vision loss to experience the 2017 “Great American Solar Eclipse” with sound. Since then, it has been redesigned for subsequent eclipses, with several hundred built for the upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023. [...]
Increasing Awareness About Blindness and Low Vision in Older Hispanic Populations
In commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, the Aging and Vision Loss Coalition of Vision Service Alliance (VSA) and The Ohio State University College of Optometry have published an article offering insights regarding the Hispanic population of adults age 65 and older in the U.S. The article features “groundbreaking data regarding the rate of blindness and low [...]
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“Data Spotlight:” Employment of Hispanics with Vision Impairment and Other Disabilities in Skilled Trade Professions
Also in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Disabilities Employment Programs (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently published a “data spotlight” exploring the employment of Hispanics with disabilities in skilled trade professions, a key element of the DOL’s Good Jobs Initiative. This program provides vital information to workers, employers, and government [...]
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