|
SSB offers variety of vision services
Are you having problems with your vision? Think
it might be "just because I’m getting
older?"
Many people used to think that body parts –
much like car parts – would just wear out with age
and use. But we now know that while the physical
changes do take place with age, there can be big
differences between normal age-related changes or
something that is seriously wrong.
About 21 percent of adults 65 or older in the
U.S. report some form of vision impairment. Among
the most common vision disorders as we age are
macular degeneration (the deterioration of the
central area of the eye), glaucoma (resulting in
damage to the optic nerve), cataracts (a clouding of
the lens) and diabetic retinopathy (caused when
blood vessels leak and damage the eye).
There are many signs to watch for that might tell
you something is wrong with your vision. You may
experience double or blurred vision, faces become
unclear, print is distorted or faded or parts of
letters or words are missing. You may have
difficulty judging depth perception on stairs or
curbs. "Floaters" may appear in your
vision or you may have sudden pain in one or both
eyes. If you encounter any of these situations, see
an eye care professional immediately.
If you do experience vision loss, State Services
for the Blind (SSB) is here to help eligible
Minnesotans whose vision loss has created a barrier
to their independence, offering rehabilitation and
other services to improve their daily lives. Among
those services are:
• Cassette Talking Book Services are provided
in partnership with the Regional Library for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped in Faribault
• Radio Talking Book Services provides free
access to the printed word, broadcasting books,
newspapers and magazines throughout the state, 24
hours a day.
• NEWSLINE for the Blind provides free access
to local and national newspapers via touchtone phone
anywhere in Minnesota.
• Dial-In News provides free access to local
newspapers within the metro calling area via
touchtone phone, allowing you to read what you want
when you want it.
• Braille and Audio Services transcribe the
printed word into Braille and audio formats.
• The SSB Resource Center has computers and
information systems using speech, Braille and large
print that can assist you in employment or personal
independence.
• The Self-Sufficiency Unit will give you
accurate information about blindness and visual
impairment. You may want to attend one of the
periodic open forums in St. Paul or attend forums in
your local area to learn more about what’s
available. More information is available by calling
651-642-0870 or 1-800-652-9000.
Many of the services that SSB provides are free
of charge. However, there may be certain items that
will be based on financial need, i.e. magnifiers and
other adaptive devices.
More information about SSB is available by
contacting its communication center at 651-642-0500
or toll free at 1-800-651-9000.
|
