[Greater-Baltimore] For Seniors | National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

[MILDRED Rivera]

I may be interested but I don’t know what the workshop is for I couldn’t
figure it out from reading the email please reply thank you! If it’s not
too late. Take care Millie

On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 9:59 PM William Borner via Greater-Baltimore <
greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> All,
> sAIL needs one more blind person 55 years or older to form a class of 10.
> The current workshops are being extended through June and hopes we can
> find one more to join a wonderful crew.
> Please pass the word.
> Best, Bill
>
>
> https://www.nfbmd.org/seniors?back=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fclient%3Dsafari%26as_qdr%3Dall%26as_occt%3Dany%26safe%3Dactive%26as_q%3Dseniors+achieving+independent+living+at+Blind+industries+and+services+in+Maryland%26channel%3Daplab%26source%3Da-app1%26hl%3Den
>
> For Seniors | National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
> Helping Seniors Live the Life They Want
>
> What is the Mission?
>
> The Mission of the Seniors Issues Division (SID) of the National
> Federation of the Blind of Maryland is to help seniors maintain
> independence. Our goals are to provide information, support and
> encouragement to seniors who are losing vision. The SID of Maryland also
> helps seniors who have been blind or visually impaired for years obtain
> information and services as they transition to retirement and senior
> living. The SID conducts special seminars at the Annual Convention of the
> NFBMD and also holds special activities throughout the year.
>
> SID will help you probe answers to such questions as:
>
> Will I still be able to enjoy my grandchildren?
> How will vision loss affect my relationship with my spouse?
> How will I manage if I live alone?
> Can I still enjoy leisure and recreation activities?
> What if I still want to keep working?
> Adjusting to vision loss doesn't happen overnight. You can still live the
> life you want. SID is here to help. Contact Ruth Sager, President, by phone
> at 410-602-9030 or by email.
>
> What is Independence?
>
> According to the National Federation of the Blind “Independence means
> choices, and the power to make those choices stick.” To explore this
> intriguing definition further read "The Nature of Independence" by Kenneth
> Jernigan.
>
> The Nature of Independence (Text)
> The Nature of Independence (Audio)
> The aging process is a series of transitions. Some transitions are
> liberating because they allow seniors the freedom to pursue hobbies and
> lifelong interests and dreams. Other transitions are more difficult. The
> best way to face transitions is head on. Denying that you are losing vision
> will not improve your eye sight or your quality of life. Asking for and
> accepting help will reduce your frustration and allow you to continue to
> manage your own affairs. Asking for and accepting help does not diminish
> independence if you keep our definition of independence in mind. The
> National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has many senior members who
> are leading full, active lives. We have experience and knowledge about how
> to deal with visual impairment, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
>
> Independence Comes From Within
>
> Developing a positive attitude is essential for seniors who wish to
> maintain independence. Independence is not achievable unless one believes
> that he is capable of it. Coming to that belief may take time. The
> following articles will help you to get started on this journey. Jim
> Deremeik, a low vision specialist who is the Education and Program Manager
> at the Johns Hopkins Lions Low Vision Center offers thought-provoking
> insights on low vision. This Article, "NonVisual Techniques—An Asset for
> People With Low Vision" encourages people to investigate and learn all they
> can about nonvisual ways of performing everyday tasks. In his article "Am I
> Blind?" John Pare, a leader in the National Federation of the Blind, raises
> thought provoking questions and issues which everyone who is losing vision
> must face.
>
> Join the Conversation
>
> Members of the SID automatically become members of the National Federation
> of the Blind (NFB) Senior Division. The NFB Senior Division holds special
> seminars each summer at the National Convention of our parent organization,
> the National Federation of the Blind. The NFB Senior Division also sponsors
> an email list called nfb-seniors. Ask questions, share answers and provide
> encouragement to the fastest growing part of the blind population. Let's
> show all the computer wizards that we seniors are alive and well in the
> 21st century. Join the email list! The NFB Senior Division also conducts
> periodic telephone conferences on issues that affect seniors. To find out
> more about these teleconferences and to read literature of special interest
> to seniors, visit the NFB Seniors Division website. The NFB Seniors web
> page has additional information relevant to seniors.
>
> Training: An Important Step to Independence
>
> You can choose the training provider that best serves your needs. The
> important thing is to get started.
>
> DORS Services
>
> If you are over 55 and experiencing vision loss, you should contact the
> Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to receive help through their
> Independent Living Older Blind Program (ILOB). DORS has offices across the
> state. Rehabilitation teachers come to an individual's home and customize
> services according to a person's individual needs. To locate the office
> nearest you call 1-866-614-4780 or visit DORS website. Services include:
>
> Information and referral to other needed support services
> Evaluation and training in assistive technology, household devices and
> communication/low vision aids
> Braille training
> Orientation and mobility skills training
> Home arts and activities of daily living training
> Interpreter services for deaf-blind individuals, readers, and
> transportation or guide services
> Eligibility Requirements:
>
> You are blind or severely visually impaired.
> Your ability to function independently with your family or in the
> community is substantially limited.
> Independent Living services would improve your ability to function in the
> family, community or in employment.
> You are age 55 or older.
> BISM Services
>
> Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) offers a program for
> seniors called SAIL (Seniors Achieving Independent Living). This program is
> run by blind people (most of whom are seniors). These small group classes
> are taught in Salisbury, Cumberland and Baltimore. Seniors meet twice
> weekly for a full day of education and instruction in Braille, computer
> technology, independent living, cooking, adjustment to vision loss, and
> cane travel (advanced travelers will learn to use public transportation
> systems). Seniors enjoy making new friends, peer interaction, off-site
> training excursions, community activities, and special classes such as
> gardening, rug making, crafting, and more! Participants benefit not only by
> learning many basic skills, but from meeting others in similar
> circumstances. BISM also provides workshops on various topics, monthly
> support groups, and peer support. For more information call 410-727-2600 or
> visit the BISM rehabilitation services for seniors web page. To learn more
> about training and other resources visit our Losing Your Vision: What Now
> and Blindness Resources pages.
>
> Other Resources of Interest to Seniors
>
> The Maryland Department of Aging
>
> The Maryland Department of Aging has lots of information particularly for
> seniors. It also contains explanations of senior rights. Each county and
> Baltimore City also have a department of Aging which contains valuable
> resources.
>
> Maryland Access Point
>
> The Maryland Access Point (MAP) is the gateway to long term services and
> supports in Maryland. MAP specialists work with caregivers, professionals,
> and all individuals with long term care needs to plan, identify, connect,
> and assist with accessing private and public resources for long term
> services and supports.
>
> Senior Call Check Program
>
> The Senior Call Check program is the first-in-the-nation, statewide, free
> program designed to help keep older adults safe while aging in their homes.
> All Maryland residents, 65 and older, are invited to sign up for a daily
> call at a time convenient to their lifestyle.
>
> The Senior Call Check participants receive an automated call every day.
> These calls will take place within a time frame chosen by the participant.
> If the participant does not answer their first call, they will be called
> two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an
> alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified. This
> alternate could be an adult child, a neighbor, or anyone designated as a
> reliable contact. The alternate will then be asked to check on the
> participant. For those who do not have an alternate or whose alternate is
> unresponsive, the state will call local law enforcement to conduct a
> wellness check.
>
> For more information and to register, call 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-4325)
> or visit the Maryland Department of Aging Senior Call Check program web
> page. Please help spread the word to seniors living alone at home.
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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