There's nothing like a wish list to help you
focus in on priorities. Over the years, when we
asked ourselves and many of our grant recipients
what we would most like to accomplish on
behalf of the blind and visually impaired, one
answer was almost always at the top of everyone's
list: Increase public awareness of lowvision
programs and services!
The message is loud and clear. All the resources
in the world won't make a difference to a person
who doesn't know about them. Even though
public awareness has always been one of our
primary goals, with many new programs being
created with the aid of our funding, it's more
important than ever to get the word out.
To that end, Partners for Sight is spearheading a
major effort to raise public awareness of available
low-vision/blindness services. Here are some
of the initiatives the campaign will pursue:
1. Work with our partners, networks and
resources to ensure that millions of people with
vision impairments, including many elderly, are
aware of rehabilitation services, assistive
devices, training programs, community services,
and other resources available to them.
2. Continue to utilize to an even greater
degree the powerful communications platforms
of our publishing businesses, including Reader's
Digest publications, websites and other media.
3. Get the word out through eye care professionals,
TV and talk radio programs, magazines,
libraries, and pharmacies—which can be valuable
conduits for relaying important information
about available programs.
4. Make use of the aging network, including
the National Association of Area Agencies on
Aging, the AARP, the National Council on Aging
(NCOA), senior centers, assisted living facilities,
and adult day care centers to boost awareness
of low-vision services.
And finally. there's you. Word of mouth is still
one of the most powerful and pervasive ways to
pass along vital information. So tell everyone,
even those without vision loss, about the programs
and services you've read about here.
With everybody working together, imagine
how greatly we can enhance the independence
and quality of life of the blind and visually
impaired!
