Going through life with limited vision can be very challenging. The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is ready to help with those challenges, bringing independence back into one’s life. CABVI is the only private, not-for-profit organization in our community that provides services to help improve the quality of life and independence for those with vision loss. Those services include, but are not limited to, rehabilitation, providing employment and access to technology. Their certified instructors work with young children all the way to elderly adults and are committed to helping them find a comfortable, independent lifestyle that works.
The African American community is more prone to vision loss due to our high rates in diseases like diabetes, cataracts and sickle cell anemia when left untreated. Macular degeneration and glaucoma are other eye conditions that are commonly found in seniors and can lead to blindness. In 2012, the National Federation of the Blind reported that African Americans make up 2.9% (1,117,000) of the vision loss community, holding the second leading spot for ethnicities.
CABVI encourages people who are experiencing sight loss to seek help through one of their many services. Regular eye exams are important and can help with early detection of the mentioned diseases plus heart disease and strokes. Services are based on ability to pay, and other funding is available.
Today CABVI helps nearly 5000 people each year through all services. Vision aids and special computer training help clients live active lives. CABVI also makes news and information accessible through its Radio Reading Services with around-the-clock broadcasts and Personalized Talking Print voice mailsystem.
For more information on how the CABVI can help you or a loved one, contact them at 513-221-8558 or www.cincyblind.org.