Program Helps The Blind Live Independent Lives

Many people take the following things for granted: preparing food, turning on the stove and pouring a cup of coffee. But imagine having to do these things without your eyesight. That's what Mary Bradley faced when she lost her vision.

"It really dawned on me when I picked up my mail and I couldn't read it," she said. "I couldn't do my financial pieces, I couldn't shop for myself, I couldn't do any of those things." But today, Mary -- and many like her -- are living independent lives thanks to the Adaptive Living Center at the Lighthouse International.

"The adaptive living center is actually like a home," said Dr. Tara Cortes. "It's got a kitchen, it has a laundry, it has a bedroom. So, people really learn to function in their homes and be able to their activities of daily living."
From cooking in the kitchen to getting around outside, the Center helps the visually impaired learn a variety of skills. "We have orientation and mobility specialists who help people walk outside independently, and perhaps use buses and subways if they still want to do that," said Naomi Mendelsohn, who works at the Center. "We have social workers who address the emotional needs and concerns, and our Low Vision Department who would try to assist with any magnifiers or other devices that might be helpful."

Bradley used to help other people as a social worker for New York City, so she appreciates what the Lighthouse has done for her. "I came with the desire," she said. "They gave me all the tools to get to where I needed to go."
For more information about Lighthouse services and resources for coping with vision loss, call (888) 222-9320 or visit http://www.lighthouse.org.

In New Zealand, it's the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind www.rnzfb.org.nz