The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been closely monitoring the situation in regards to the global pandemic, as well as the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the government.
After careful consideration, we have made the decision to close all of our in-person programs for the foreseeable future. We have also canceled the upcoming Essential Low Vision One Day Program, scheduled for April 1st. The staff at VLANJ is currently working on finding ways to increase remote engagement with our students – we will communicate any updates accordingly. We are hoping to resume normal operations with our Spring Session, in a few weeks.
Thank you for your continued support of our programs. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us via e-mail at info@vlanj.org.
Jeffrey Tan, a senior at Dublin High School, created an innovative new display that allows people who have visual impairments read Braille on computer screens.
The display uses electro-tactile stimulation to create the feeling of reading Braille in the user’s fingers.
We know these are troubling times, causing anxiety for many of us. One way to remedy that is by meditating! (Bonus: it can be done from the comfort of your own home, and is great for social distancing.)
Meditation has been proven to lessen stress and anxiety, along with improving people’s quality of life by lowering levels of cortisol. Studies have also shown that relaxation programs with meditation can lower intraocular pressure – the pressure inside the eye. That’s fantastic news for people who have Glaucoma!
Click the link below for a 15-minute guided meditation video.
Happy Tech Tuesday! Here’s our app pick of the month:
1Timer – Voice Interval Timer
⌛ The app provides timers with voice reminders at a frequency of your choice. It’s fully compatible with VoiceOver, and the developer has paid extreme attention to the accessibility of the app, using the iOS built-in voices to remind you how much time remains from the timer you set, and making setup easy for users who are blind or have low vision.
⏱️ The possibilities of using this app are endless – from setting a kitchen timer, to creating time-bound habits like a bedtime every day, exercise interval timing, setting count-downs for events or disciplining kids and more!
Special considerations during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic for people who are blind/low vision:
People who are blind or have low vision must rely very heavily on touch. Please do your part in cleaning all touchable surfaces that you know they may come in contact with.
If you are blind/have low vision, please continue to wash your hands frequently, especially if you have to be in contact with high-touch surfaces, and avoid touching your face.
Check in! With the CDC urging us to socially isolate, a lot of people who are blind/low vision are now cut off from their connections with others. Are your friends or loved ones affected by this? Call them and check in!
If you are feeling ill and showing symptoms of having the virus (coughing, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath) avoid coming in contact with other people and reach out to the appropriate medical facilities.
There may be people in your community who are blind or have low vision who are now unable to shop for necessities. With product shortages, long lines, and increased risk of viral spread from being at stores, consider offering your help to these members of our community. They may not need any help and may decline your offer, but they may also be in need and have no one to turn to. Again — check in!
Let’s help each other, and not be afraid to ask for help during these uncertain times. Please share this message.
