Occupational Therapists can help older people with low vision

Have you noticed someone you know struggling to keep things as clean as they once did? Maybe you are noticing other adjustments or changes like difficulty reading or less reading; avoidance of paper work; reduced activities requiring driving or limiting driving to certain times of the day or specific areas; and comments such as things just are not painted, printed or as clear as they used to be. Any of these may be signs that there are changes in your eye health and/or vision. Hopefully you are getting regular eye exams, but if you haven't had one in the last year and notice any of these changes, it is time to stop procrastinating making an appointment. There are a lot more options to deal with changes in vision than previously available. Once you and your doctor have addressed your eye health and prescription lenses, there are additional technologies and services that can help. Among those people who can be helpful are occupational therapists. To learn more about how an occupational therapist may assist someone with low vision visit this link. Therapists can help older people with low vision

U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords

By now most people have learned Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords from Arizona has stepped down. A relatively young, dedicated, public servant, Gabbie held elected office for much of the last 12 years. I’m sure she will have many colleagues and constituents who will miss her and her work. The reason Gabby is leaving the House and her work representing the people of the eighth district of AZ is well known. The mass shooting on January 8, 2011, which seriously injured 12 and killed 6, received much press. Gabby’s public statement announcing her resignation suggests that she wants to focus on her continued recovery and in the future would like to return to work. Though Gabby and her husband, Scott Kelly, have rightly restricted the media access to her medical treatment and rehabilitation, we can imagine that relearning to walk and talk after being shot in the head is extremely challenging. At 41 Gabby’s acquired disabling condition certainly have changed the outlook she had for herself in midlife and beyond. I look forward to the day when she returns to elected office. It’s true that Gabbie will need the career support and technology necessary for her to function in such a professional role. Looking ahead, I hope these supports and technologies will be available to her and the millions of others who could use them to continue to work and be engaged in their communities.