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Senior citizens with combined vision and hearing loss comprise the largest number of people who are deaf-blind in the United States. Yet, many of them remain unserved or underserved, for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is a lack of self identification as "deaf-blind."

The most common causes of vision loss in older adults are cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes/diabetic retinopathy. For a person who has been sighted all of their lives, it can be devastating for them and their families to come to grips with the impact of this loss. If this blind/hearing person also develops a mild, moderate, severe or even profound hearing loss, the results can be overwhelming.

HKNC offers consultation and specialized services to consumers, families, and professionals, nationwide, to help them develop a greater understanding of the abilities and needs of senior adults, age 55 and better, who are deaf-blind or who are experiencing combined loss of vision and hearing.  Our senior adult specialist and 10 regional representatives are the first point of contact in providing information, resources and training opportunities for seniors, as well as the professionals who work with them.

HKNC and the American Foundation for the Blind recently collaborated on a video series on adaptive techniques and devices for people with hearing and vision loss.

CONFIDENT LIVING PROGRAM

At our headquarters on Long Island, NY, we host 2 separate one-week CONFIDENT LIVING PROGRAMS (CLP) for this population. One program is geared toward consumers who are blind or visually impaired and hard of hearing and do not use sign language as their primary means of communication. The second is geared toward consumers who are deaf-blind or deaf and visually impaired and use sign language as their primary means of communication. The CLPs are designed to provide information, resources, and an introduction to skills necessary to maintain as independent a life as possible.

CLICK HERE to learn about the Confident Living Program For Senior Adults offered at HKNC headquarters. 

CLICK HERE to find out what do participants say about the Confident Living Program.

CLICK HERE to see pictures from previous Confident Living Programs.

"ON THE ROAD" CONFIDENT LIVING PROGRAM

For consumers who cannot, or choose not to come to NY for this program, we offer an alternate "On the Road Confident Living Program." HKNC partners with other agencies and organizations that host from several days to a weekend to a full week training program, in the state or region near where the consumer lives. Since local service providers assist with the training, it can serve as in-service training for providers who may not be as familiar with providing services to older adults with both hearing and vision loss. Some of the training areas for the CLP are: understanding my hearing and vision loss; mobility considerations; technology; home safety; elder law issues; communication skills and strategies; and having fun! So we will come to you! CLICK HERE to read about the Confident Living Program on the Road!

CLICK HERE to learn about a seminar for professionals working with senior adults who have combined hearing and vision loss.

CLICK HERE for more resources for older adults with vision and hearing loss.

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For more information, contact:

Paige Berry, Coordinator

Senior Adult Program

Phone: (804)-827-0920 (V/TTY)

E-mail: hkncpaigeoap@aol.com

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