Guide To Prescott Arizona Low Vision Assistance

This website “Catch The Vision” identifies resources in the Prescott Arizona area for people with sight loss and their helpers. In 2018 a few Prescott area residents with years of experience with vision loss offered their advanced technology skills to the community. Meetings at the Prescott Public Library brought technical insights to us and several community members. We learned more about the organizations mentioned here and reviewed the accessibility of an important library iphone app. The pandemic shut down our meetings in 2020 while we remained in contact. This website will be maintained for Comments and announcements that expand knowledge of our problems and adaptations.

“Ask A Librarian!

Prescott Public Library compiles vision-related information. Large print and narrated books are available in designated sections. Patrons with disability limits have six-week check out periods handled by US Mail. On-site computers have screen readers and WIFI. Public meetings adhere to vision and hearing guidelines.

Librarians assist people with disabilities to complete applications for easy reading devices from Arizona Talking Book Library. This federal library then helps the local reader to select narrated books and magazines to be mailed to them for playing on the electronic device.

Medical and Rehabilitation Services

Note: Living with vision loss is complicated by: mixed models of medical and social treatments; insurance-based, nonprofit, and self-funded support; certified professionals in occupational, medical, and social fields; industry influences. The Vision Aware website provides an excellent overview of rehabilitation terminology and services.

Medical Services

Physicians at several eyecare centers provide standard diagnostic and treatment of vision conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Major optometry and ophthalmology offices include: M&M Eye Institute; Rummel EyeCare; Southwestern Eye Institute; Premiere Eyecare Center. Phoenix-based specialists coordinate monthly a appointments in Prescott.

Rehabilitation Services

1. Northern Arizona Veterans Services coordinate extensive vision rehabilitation, including a facility in Tucson.
2. Arizona state-funded services are accessed through “Older Adults” section in the Department of Economic Security. A phone interview is often required to qualify for a waiting list.
3. SAAVI Senior Services cover education, workplaces, and homes to provide certified training in living with vision loss.
4. Arizona Technology Access Program (AZTAP) offers advice and trials for assistive technology from an inventory of 4000 devices.
5. Arizona Center for Blind and Visually Impaired is one of many facilities that offer months-long training in living with low vision and using assistive technology.

Support Groups

1. Polara Health Senior Peer Program vision Support Group meets twice monthly in downtown Prescott. Some independent and assisted living facilities have in-house vision support groups.
2. People Who Care offers volunteer personal transportation to doctor appointments and shopping. Fitting and training for magnification and other assistive technology is available. A multi-session seminar on “Confident Living With Low Vision” is offered regularly.

Other Assistance

Transportation

1. Yavapai Regional Transit runs coaches from Chino Valley along a Prescott downtown shopping route.
2. Prescott Valley YavaLine micro-transit offers flexible inner city transportation.
3. Groome Shuttle runs regularly to Phoenix and other Arizona cities.

Legal Issues

1. Prescott city A.D.A (American Disability Act) information is listed under “Prescott Accessibility”. This includes rights and grievances.
2. A.D.A provides legal considerations for communication.
3. Arizona Center for Disability Law offers legal advice on remedies and self-advocacy related to disability.

Effective Communication

1. Could the home of the “oldest rodeo” be an up-to-date and smart city about how people with disabilities get around?
2. Consider these tips for interacting with a person with vision limitations.

Living with Vision Loss

1. Life experiences with various tykes of vision loss are described in the Yavapai and Talking Book libraries.
2. Podcast audio articles appear weekly from Hadley Institute, Eyes On Success, and Apple Tutorials. Podcasts provide continuing education through personal stories, technology tutorials, and industry news.

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More From “Catch The Vision “?

1. Origins of “Catch The Vision”
2. A starter kit for adapting to vision loss
3. Recognition of “White Cane Safety” day, October 15

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Contact Susan L. Gerhart, slger123@gmail.com, 928.848.9292