The Sight-Loss Support Group of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.(SLSG) is a non-profit, self-help organization made up of people who are coping with varying degrees of sight-loss. Our goal is to offer a supportive atmosphere where individuals can adjust to loss of sight, learn what resources are available for assistance, and develop strategies to regain independence. Through shared experiences and a positive approach, the Sight-Loss Support Group helps people to answer the question, "What do I do now?"
We are proud that many people who come to our center for help in regaining independence, reach out to others. Some may use the group's resources only when the need arises; others serve the group in a variety of ways, including providing peer support to others.
The office staff includes the group's director and co-founder, who has a congenital eye disease and uses a guide dog. There are also two part-time employees, both of whom have been trained in, and are sensitive to, issues concerning sight loss.
SERVICES
The goal of our services is to provide individuals with sight loss with the support and resources needed to learn about their eye condition and help them regain independence. These services are also extended to family members, friends and co-workers who need help in understanding the issues pertaining to the individual with sight loss.
A. Support
Blindness is considered one of the most emotionally upsetting life crises anyone can face. A person losing sight can often become immobilized and small problems can become overwhelming. Interacting with others who have faced these fears can be very helpful. The group offers emotional support in the following ways:
- Office Visits or Phone Contact - The SLSG provides one-on-one support in our office or by phone and with our "buddy" phone system
- Starter packets - provides new members with some daily living tools and information sources.
- Monthly Support Group Meetings - The SLSG meets monthly, September through May, to discuss issues of importance to our members and their families. Meetings often include guest speakers.
- Small Group Meetings - Our meeting room is available at the center for use during the day by small groups of members.
- Active Adults - Active men and women with sight loss who work, raise families or volunteer in the community get together for support, recreational activities and to share information.
- Lunch Bunch - Members who prefer to meet during the day use our meeting room to socialize and discuss issues of importance to them.
B. Information and Referral
Access to information and resources is critical to regained independence. We are constantly expanding our resource library, and we invite members to contact us for needed information. Information and referral are provided in the following ways:
- Monthly Newsletter - "The Outlook," provided to dues-paying members, gives information on activities and resources and is provided in three formats: large print, on tape and via e-mail.
- Resources - Resource information is available in the Sight-Loss Center for members, families and friends. We provide information on eye diseases and other materials pertaining to sight loss which is available by mail, phone, fax, tape, via e-mail and via our web site: www.slsg.org. We also have a small selection of non-optical aides for demonstration and loan, a library of videos with descriptive video service and a small library of books on tape. We have an Optelec closed circuit magnifying system for use in our office by appointment.
-
Agency Liaison -
Support Group offers liaison services with Blindness and Visual
Services (BVS) in Altoona and throughout the state, and North
Central Sight Services - Bellefonte and Williamsport as well
as other Pennsylvania Associations for the blind by:
- - Providing information on available services and eligibility requirements
- - Sharing personal experiences in working with these agencies
- - Using our center as a setting to introduce individuals to agency personnel
- - Having representatives of both agencies on the Advisory Boards
- - Inviting agency representatives to present programs at monthly meetings
- Demonstration of print-enhancing technology in the Sight-Loss Center for people with low vision.
- Scientific and General Advisory Boards - comprised of eye care professionals, agency representatives and other professionals serving people with sight loss.
C. Programs
- Volunteer Program - Trained volunteers provide one-on-one assistance with reading, shopping, and driving, and also lend assistance with office projects and meetings. All volunteers are interviewed and are required to participate in Sensitivity Training.
- Eye On Youth Program - Children with sight loss interact with one another, their families and sighted friends. Also, an opportunity for sighted children and children with sight loss to be trained as volunteer "buddies" for younger children with sight loss.
- Low Vision Equipment for Infants and Children - Specialized equipment, owned by the SLSG, is available for loan to families of children with sight loss to provide visual stimulation and early intervention. This is done by referral from Blindness and Visual Services and low vision specialists.
- Accessible Arts Programs/Festival Eyes - People with sight loss and other disabilities can access the many visual and performing arts events as well as cultural and recreational activities in our community through Sighted-Guide and Audio Description programs. Trained Festival Eyes guides, including Junior Guides, escort children and adults with sight loss and other disabilities through the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
- Audio Description/View Via Headphones Program - This program provides professionally trained audio describers to theaters, museums and conferences allowing a person with sight loss to hear a verbal description of what they are unable to see. Only the person with sight loss hears the description through a special receiver. Audio Description is a grant-funded program currently run through the Sight-Loss Center.
- Cultural/Recreational Activities - People with sight loss who wish to attend community events such as the Antique Show, Grange Fair, Festival of Trees, etc., can be accompanied by an accessible arts guide. Several theatre performances are also made accessible throughout the year. Recreational Activities include bowling, ice skating, swimming, nature walks and more.
D. EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY
The educational mission of the Sight-Loss Support Group is to educate the community about the needs of people with sight loss. We accomplish this goal by providing the following educational services:
- Speakers Panel - visits schools, colleges, houses of worship, clubs and other organizations. Our speakers have also appeared on local radio and television programs. They are frequently invited to speak at state and national conventions on topics relating to low vision. Conventions also provide the opportunity to gather updated knowledge on resources and technology.
- Workshops - presented on topics such as mainstreaming, starting support groups, and early intervention.
- Sensitivity Trainings - impart a better understanding of the needs of people with sight loss. Individuals learn about different eye diseases as well as the best way to assist a person with sight loss.
E. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Sight-Loss Support Group is a member of the Centre County United Way and participates in the Centre County Council for Human Services as well as their Committee on Disabilities. We also work with Penn State University and State College businesses on the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance issues.
F. FUNDING
Approximately 1/3 of SLSG funding is provided by the community through Centre County United Way. We receive additional funding through the Lions Clubs of Centre County and the Delta Gamma Fraternity as well as the Rotary, Kiwanis, Altrusa Clubs and a number of other local civic organizations. Our annual fundraiser also provides approximately 1/3 of our annual income. The remainder of our income comes from membership dues and donations from our members and the public at large. Since this is 1/3 of our income, membership and accompanying donations are critical to our financial well-being.