According to our “Adults with Vision Loss in Philadelphia” report, 36.9% of adults with vision difficulty in Philadelphia are age 65 or over. That number is expected to grow as the region’s senior population grows, increasing the demand for care related to vision loss. Thanks to a new $50,000 grant from The Sarah Ralston Foundation, VisionLink is preparing to ramp up a “train the trainer” program to address that need. Through our Collaborative Staff Education Project, our team is developing modules for customized training of staff at senior centers and long-term care facilities. The aim is to help these direct care professionals better understand the needs of patients with vision loss, adopt practical techniques for assisting those patients, integrate accessible technologies into their practices and facilities, and understand how to promote independence and enhanced quality of life for the seniors in their care.
We first piloted this program at the Mercy Life West Senior Center in Philadelphia, and 93% of staff participants reported that the training helped them feel comfortable with basic sighted guide techniques to assist individuals with safe navigation and enhanced their understanding of communication techniques for working with people with vision loss. With the support of The Sarah Ralston Foundation, we will be working in the coming year to expand the program’s reach.
Thank you, Sarah Ralston Foundation, for your continued support!