The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) understands that information is power. We are committed to connecting people to life-changing information, resources, local services, and a vibrant and supportive community.
That’s why AFB launched VisionAware—which is now stewarded by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter—a free, comprehensive resource for basic information about adjusting to vision loss, including tips for adapting your home and daily living. Adults who are losing their sight, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals will all find rich content and practical tips on living with vision loss.
Recommended Links from VisionAware
- VisionAware helps adults who are blind or have low vision continue to live full and independent lives through timely informational services, tips and resources, and a free directory of services. There are also resources for family members, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.
- The Roadmap to Living with Vision Loss lays out a step-by-step, proactive path to the types of services, devices, and information regarding the vision rehabilitation process, which will help maintain independence as people experience vision loss.
- The Getting Started guides provide helpful tips, techniques, and information for people living with blindness and vision loss. The 2020 versions, A Guide for People New to Vision Loss, are available online and as downloadable PDFs in both English and Spanish. The 2024 versions, A Guide for Families New to Blindness and Low Vision, provide ways to support raising your child at home, from birth to 3rd grade and from 4th to 12th grade.
- For Professionals seeking resources and techniques to serve people who are blind or have low vision, check out A Guide to Helping People Who Are Blind or Low Vision.
- VisionAware also offers solutions for everyday issues such as traveling, reading and writing, and technology usage.
Other AFB Resources for Aging and Vision Loss
- The Visually Impaired Seniors’ Independent Travel Opportunities and Resources (Project VISITOR) study explored the challenges and solutions to independent travel for seniors with vision loss. Conducted in two phases, the project surveyed organizations and individuals across the United States to identify practices, challenges, and solutions concerning transportation.
- Visit our Fact Sheet on Aging, discussing how systems and services must be easier to use by older adults who are blind or have low vision.
- Check out AFB's Statistics About Older People with Vision Loss, where you can find the estimates for older people with vision loss from two major surveys, the American Community Survey (ACS) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
- The Twenty-First Century Agenda on Aging and Vision Loss—a past initiative facilitated by the American Foundation for the Blind—was a dynamic, nationwide collaboration that started yielding results by bringing together the most significant national stakeholder organizations and experts. This coalition had a commitment to raising awareness, facilitating increased and improved services, and protecting and promoting the rights of seniors with vision loss to lives of enjoyment, inclusion, and independence.
For more information about Americans of all ages with vision loss, visit Statistical Snapshots from the American Foundation for the Blind.
