It may be that it is no one sees the world through our own eyes but ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we have to see the world alone. There are times in life, short and longer term, when our vision is not at its best, when illness, injury, or a natural decline is affecting our vision, and that can feel exceedingly lonely.

Our eye doctors and vision support specialists at our optometrist office are the first to remind us we are not alone in this journey. With their careful evaluation and guidance, we can take initial steps to help preserve and improve our eyesight before any impairment becomes more severe.

The support of family and friends is also invaluable any time we are struggling with our health or vision, but even with all these support systems, or for those where these are less available or accessible, there are support resources out there to help.

Resources for the Visually Impaired

Healthy vision allows us to navigate our lives, work, recreation, and leisure without significant difficulties due to vision impairment, but when our eyesight is weakening, there are support organizations and resources available to help ensure we can still thrive and enjoy full and fulfilling lives.

The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI), “is the only private agency to offer training, services, and support to visually impaired Vermonters” The organization’s stated mission is “to enable Vermonters who are blind or visually impaired, to be more independent, cultivate adaptive skills and improve their quality of life.”

VABVI offers services for both adults and children including orientation, transportation, and mobility assistance, adaptive technology and equipment, peer assisted learning, vision rehabilitation, compensatory or functional academic skills including braille instruction, independent living skills, career education, recreation and leisure skills, and so much more.

The online VABVI Information and Resource Guide provides links to Vermont state resources including the ABLE Library where users can access free braille, large print, and audio books; medical alert and safety resources and systems; adult day care options; low vision doctor directory, and more.

VABVI provides services and resources for individuals who are not only permanently or completely blind, but also suffering from temporary or partial vision loss or impairment You can find out all about the services VABVI has to offer at vabvi.org.

See Yourself Active and Adapting

Vermont also boasts two incredible organizations whose mission is to empower people of all abilities through recreational inclusive sports and recreational programing.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. Vermont Adaptive offers year-round programs for people with cognitive, developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities including vision loss.

Green Mountain Adaptive Sports similarly endeavors to improve the quality of life for people living with a disability residing in or visiting Vermont through access to sports and recreational activities including kayaking, indoor rock climbing, swimming, and more.

Both organizations also have committed staff and dedicated resources beyond their own organizations to assist the visually impaired achieve and live their best lives through whatever level of difficulty their vision issues present them with.

Other Vermont Resource for Vermonters with Vision Loss or Impairment

As always, start with your eye doctor who will always have your health and wellness at the forefront of their care strategy.

The Vermont Council for the Blind, and the Vermont Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind are also great options for anyone looking to connect with other resources, support systems, and staff.