Questions deal with vision loss, rehabilitation

Over the past few months, The Iris Network has written a series of articles on various aspects of vision loss and rehabilitation. I hope you have reached the understanding that there is a lot that rehabilitation professionals in the field of blindness and vision loss can do to help people continue to live normal lives once the doctor says he or she needs assistance.

This is my last article, at least for now, and I would like to thank the many people who have called or written to say thank you. I know we have received many referrals from the Bangor area since these articles have appeared.

The Iris Network continues to strive to meet the needs of our clients. If you have more questions or want to refer yourself or someone else for services, we can always be reached at (800) 715-0097. Here are some of the more common and interesting questions that come my way.

Q. My mother says she is blind, but she can see the dirt on the floor. I think she is just trying to get our sympathy.

A. Our clients often complain that people think they are lying. It is important to keep in mind that once someone has been labeled “legally blind,” the person is not necessarily totally blind, but more likely considered functionally impaired.

However, the word the person hears from the doctor is “blind.” Depending on the cause of the vision loss, it is very possible that your mother can see some things and not others, depending on where she is looking.

For example, with a peripheral field deficit, she may not see you approaching her from the side, but she might easily be able to read or see details, even from a distance.

Your mother is surely not trying to get your sympathy, but rather she can see some things and not others, or perhaps can see in some lighting conditions, but not others.

Try to find out what you can about your mother’s eye condition so you can understand why it is so puzzling to you.

Q. My husband has been told by his doctor to get a Seeing Eye dog. We don’t really want a dog. What should we do?

A. First of all, it is my very strong opinion that no one should be telling your husband what he should or shouldn’t be doing.

Sometimes, professionals in any field can overstep their bounds or knowledge by making this kind of statement without really knowing enough.

In a past article about mobility, I talked about choices and the use of a white cane for traveling as a perfectly acceptable choice. You would be wise to call the Iris Network or the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and find out about orientation and mobility services.

The specialist in your region can talk to your husband about the pros and cons of a guide dog vs. a cane, and provide training in using the cane and traveling independently.

Q. I really miss reading. What can I do?

A. You have several choices. The Talking Book program is a free service to anyone who is print-impaired, and that includes people with learning disabilities and people who can’t turn a page for whatever reason.

This is a federally funded program that allows you to borrow recorded tapes from the State Library.

Dial (800) 762-7106 for more information or an application. You will need your eye doctor or rehabilitation teacher from the Iris Network to certify your vision loss. These tapes are recorded on a slow speed that can only be played on specially made tape players from this program.

Keep in mind that most libraries and bookstores now carry books on tape for the general public. You can buy or rent those and read them on your regular tape player.

If you look hard enough, you can find these unabridged, whereas those from the talking book library are always unabridged.

The use of proper magnification is also a possibility for reading. Speak to your rehabilitation teacher or low vision specialist for more information.

I also think the Internet offers many sites where you can download books, and then read them using access software. Please ask the Computer Access Specialist from the Iris Network for more information on this.

Finally, Maine AIRS presents a reading program called “The Maine Reader” each evening at 7 p.m. and on Sundays 2-4:30 p.m. “The Maine Reader” features books by Maine authors or stories that feature a Maine setting or individual.

I am always a phone call away if you would like more information about any aspect of the services offered by The Iris Network. I can be reached at (800) 715-0097.

Ruth Mlotek is Director of Rehabilitation Services, South, The Iris Network, formerly the Maine Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Maine Audio Information and Reading Service, directed by Les Myers, is a program of the Community Services Department of The Iris Network. Maine AIRS broadcasts local stories, obituaries and ads from the Bangor Daily News and other Maine daily and weekly newspapers from studios in Brewer. If you know of an individual who is blind, visually or print impaired who will benefit from these broadcasts, call 989-0058.