Articles

Summer is here and we are spending more time enjoying the bright sunshine. It is a perfect time to highlight and educate people on protecting their eyes and skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Both UV-A and UV-B, which are emitted from the sun, can be harmful to your eyes and skin. UV-A […]

As we age, changes to the body occur; our eyes are no different. It is estimated that approximately 30% of the population will develop some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. Any sudden changes in vision, ability to perform activities of daily living, reading, or writing, may warrant an eye exam. […]

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the world, accounting for approximately 42% of blindness. Risk factors for cataracts are long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun, diseases such as diabetes, inflammation in the eye, hereditary influences, long-term steroid use, eye injuries, smoking and a family history of cataracts. The three common […]

The holidays are here and gift giving is a tradition that is celebrated by millions of people. We gather with family, fill our bellies with good food, and exchange neatly wrapped presents with the people we love. Ok, not all presents are wrapped neatly, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Although a lot of […]

Voting. All Americans have the right to have their voices heard.  With election season around the corner, we want to highlight a few ways for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to cast their ballots. Before we talk about the options available to you, it is important to highlight several laws that ensure individuals […]

Submitted by Mitchel Hansen, Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist All travelers need to know where they are and where they are going. This is called “orientation.” Everyone routinely uses one or more basic methods to set up and define relationships between themselves and the objects or space around them, in order to keep track of […]

What is white with a touch of red, and is a basic Mobility tool allowing great independence for blind travelers? Yes, it is the “long cane.” Its white color is exactly the feature that makes it effective during outdoor travel. People understand what it means, and that fact can lead to increased safety for cane […]

When you walk, you probably notice a series of small yellow domes in a grid pattern on sidewalks. While these may seem like an aesthetic choice, they are there to help those living with a visual impairment safely navigate their surroundings. What is Tactile Paving? These patterns are called tactile paving (also known as ground […]

The white cane. A tool that many who are blind or visually impaired rely on to navigate their surroundings. While at first glance, these canes might look the same. However, they are many variations on the simple white cane that allows users to safely navigate the world around them. Here are some of the different […]

Books can transport you to new worlds, help you learn about new topics, and expand your way of thinking. Vision loss can make experiencing those stories a struggle. However, adaptive technology makes it possible to enjoy your favorite stories. Here are a few ways to read books with a visual impairment: Using Magnifiers and Screen […]