Judy Curtis has been legally blind for the last 24 years. She has some vision, but not much. When tested she can see the large E on the eye chart, but that’s about it. As someone who had lived with impaired vision or more than two decades, Judy had learned to adjust to a lot of things. But last March she needed more help, and that’s when she contacted the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss Mission in Duluth.
A member from the Lighthouse came to Judy’s house to see what help could be provided. In the end the biggest need was to improve the lighting throughout the house.
Curtis also received help through the “Training and Technology for Independence” program.
“I was taught computer skills, braille, home safety, and travelling skills,” said Curtis.
“I can’t drive and I can’t read standard print. But through technology now I can read standard print. Right now as we speak I am using a CCTV on a table tray to read,” she added.
A Lighthouse Assistive Technology instructor will help individuals who are blind or who have low vision to learn to use computers and use other technology.
Some of the technology includes learning to use ZoomText magnification software and JAWS and NVDA voice output screen readers. There is even software for your iPod, iPhone or a computer.
Since benefitting from the program, Curtis has also become a mentor for the agency. “I mentor to two people. I talk to them once a week. More sometimes. I’m there for them to offer emotional support.”
Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss used to be called Lighthouse for the blind. There are programs for all ages of visually impaired people. Below are some of the services listed: . For older adults who are vision impaired the Safe at Home with Vision loss program offers: Training in independent living skills to reduce the risk of home injuries, including burns and falls. . Basic home safety improvements. . Training on how to use adaptive technology, like cooking and mobility aids. . Education on available services and how to access them. . Caregiver training and support. . Support for better integration of medical and community services – including services like eye exams, transportation, occupational therapy, and support groups.
Who is eligible for Safe at Home?
Seniors, 65 or older who are experiencing vision loss and living in the Arrowhead region of NE Minnesota (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake or St. Louis Counties).
There is a support group in Grand Marais but it is over for the season. It is held at the Cook County Senior Center on the Third Thursday of the month, from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (for the months of May through October only). For more information about the mentor program contact Lynne Maine at 1-218- 624-4828 ext. 8 or if you would like to talk to Judy about the help that she has received from Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss, her number is 877-7357.
Leave a Reply