Psychological and Cognitive Adjustment to Vision Loss

Abstract

This chapter describes psychological and cognitive adjustments to blindness recognizing that for each individual this is a personal journey and emphasizing that with the proper training a blind person can live an independent and productive life. Achieving independence through rehabilitation is documented by pre- and post-surveys of 400 former adult clients of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. More than 98% of survey respondents reported positive results in attaining greater independence and other outcomes related to adjustment to blindness. Technologies that give the blind access to information through screen-reading software in order to access information on websites through the Internet or to Microsoft Office technology such as Word and Outlook and other technologies including the “voice over” setting on iPhones and Apple devices are discussed. Resources for blind individuals, with their web addresses, are listed. Typical vision rehabilitation programs available for all ages are described, such as blind babies early intervention, pre-kindergarten, training on independent living skills, Braille instruction, computer and mobility skills, and vocational training. The author, who is blind, is one of the very few blind Chief Executive Officers leading a major vision rehabilitation institution. During her career as a very successful university financial executive, she lost her eyesight. Ms. Jacko attributes her business acumen and success as President and CEO to her lifetime career as a financial executive, but more importantly to the vision rehabilitation she received at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.