This free, self-paced online course provides literacy teaching techniques and an understanding of the issues faced by adults with visual impairment and low literacy skills.
Source: American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Tips for Working with Seniors with Vision Loss
For Professional Caregivers and Healthcare Workers, this section connects caregivers and health professionals with advice for working with older adults with vision loss. These sites offer basic tips and guidelines for interacting with people who have a visual impairment, suggestions for identifying vision loss in older people, hints for caregivers, and ideas for program design and best practices.
Guidelines for making hospital stays as easy and comfortable as possible for patients who are blind or visually impaired.
Source: Vision AustraliaCreative and practical advice for improving the quality of life of the visually impaired. Describes how to recognize vision loss in older people, the social and psychological effects of low vision, and advice on adaptations and devices.
Source: Illinois Council on Long Term CareThis 40-page pdf-format handbook includes sections on understanding and adjusting to vision loss, low vision aids, and caregivers’ checklists for nurses, dining room staff, social workers, and others. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
Source: Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)The dangers of ignoring vision loss in older adults; specific steps to ensure better care.
Source: Network of CareHelpful tips for people who have limited experience interacting with people who are blind or visually impaired.
Source: Vision AustraliaTips for hospital personnel caring for people who are blind or visually impaired; includes suggestions for communication, guiding, and orienting the person to the room.
Source: Blindskills, IncA downloadable PowerPoint file with information on referral, vision rehabilitation, and service provision for staff of aging and disabilities resource centers.
Source: American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)