Disability

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Vision Impairment and Older Adults
Vision Impairment and Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Americans with Disabilities Act

As it Applies to Persons with Visual Impairments

ADA INFORMATION RESOURCES

 

U.S. Dept. of Justice ADA Website            www.ADA.gov/

ADA Information Line                              800-514-0301 (Voice)

 

Title III: http://www.ada.gov/t3hilght.htm

  • Businesses (including all health care providers) that provide goods or services to the public are called “public accommodations”

 

  • Health care providers must modify their policies and procedures when necessary to serve customers with disabilities and take steps to communicate effectively with customers with disabilities.
    • Assistance with filling out paper work
    • Provide materials in large print, Braille, or other accessible format
      • Admission information
      • Doctor’s orders, discharge plan
      • Information on community resources from home health agencies
      • Prescription information
      • Test procedures

 

Internet Resources:

  • ADA Accessibility Requirements

www.adaag.com/ada-accessibility-guidelines/index.php

  • ADA and Health Care

www.pacer.org/publications/adaqa/health.asp

  • ADA and People with Visual Impairments

www.ada.gov/effective-comm.htm

  • ADA and Deaf and Hearing Impaired

www.ada.gov/hospcombr.htm

 

Tax Credit and Deduction

http://www.ada.gov/taxcred.htm

  • To assist small businesses to comply with the ADA, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code includes a Disabled Access Credit (Section 44) for businesses with 30 or fewer full-time employees or with total revenues of $1 million or less in the previous tax year.
  • Eligible expenses may include the cost of making material available in accessible formats such as Braille, audiotape, or large print and sign language interpreters

 

 

After a patient with a visual impairment leaves their doctor’s office or is discharged from a health care facility and is unable to read the doctor’s orders or discharge plans, how can they be expected to follow the doctor’s orders, improve health outcomes and avoid rehospitalization?

 

Reasonable Accommodation Requirements

 

Doctor’s Office

  • Provide assistance with filling out paperwork
  • Doctor’s orders, test procedure instructions, prescription information, etc should be provided in large print or other accessible format
  • Examination areas need to be wheelchair accessible
  • Efforts must be made to communicate with hearing impaired patients

 

Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities

  • Brochures that describe the facility’s services and admission information must be available in an alternate format.
  • Clear paths of travel on each floor are necessary.
  • Menus should be read to patients with visual disabilities.
  • Examination areas and labs must be accessible.
  • Are discharge plans written in large print or other accessible format?
    • How can we expect patients to follow discharge plans if they cannot read and understand them?

 

Note: Assisted Living Facilities must also provide printed materials in alternate format

 

Home Health Care

  • When a home health care patient is given a stack of papers that are difficult to read, how are they expected to improve health outcomes and prevent rehospitalization?
  • Admission booklets and important information on community resources and agency policies need to be available in an accessible format so the patient can refer to them as needed

 

Staff should receive training on the requirements of the ADA and other disability rights laws and working effectively with people with disabilities

 

 

For information on staff training, disability rights laws or to arrange an appointment to review your policies and procedures contact Robert Goodman at 954.806.7321 or rgoodlobby@aol.com.

 

Visit our website at www.americanswithdisabilitiesact.net

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Patient and Disability Rights in the Health Care Setting
Patient and Disability Rights in the Health Care Setting 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Patient and Disability Rights in the Health Care Setting

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

Patient’s rights cover such topics as access to care, patient dignity, confidentiality, and consent to treatment. Patients with disabilities have  some additional rights under three different laws: The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Florida Civil Rights Law. These laws guarantee that people with disabilities will have the same access to health care and other services as people without disabilities.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications

To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.

ADA Title III: Public Accommodations

Title III covers businesses and nonprofit service providers that are used by the public. These include hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and home health agencies.

Health care services must provide equal treatment in the way they serve patients with disabilities. This means removing barriers in existing buildings where it is easy to do so without much difficulty or expense.

Patients who are deaf or hearing impaired have the right to a sign language interpreter. If one cannot be provided the health care professional needs to find another way to communicate with the patient. A family member cannot be required to assist in the communication process.

Patients with visual disabilities have the right to have any written materials either read to them to given to them in an alternate format such as large print, Braille or on tape. This includes assistance with filling out paper work, having hospital admission booklets, home health agency information, doctor’s orders, and discharge plans available in a format that is accessible to the patient.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

This law has similar protections for patients with disabilities. This law applies to Federal, state and local government and to any non-profit organization or health care provider that received federal funds such as Medicare and Medicaid.

The Florida Civil Rights Law

Florida has a law that also protects its residents against discrimination in public accommodations. It is against Florida law to refuse accommodations or services to any person on the basis of physical disability. It is also unlawful for an individual to be denied access or to receive poor service or lesser quality accommodations because of his or her disability.

The Architectural Barriers Act

The Architectural Barriers Act mandates that new or newly renovated public buildings be accessible. For other buildings it depends when they were built. Accessible features include restrooms, examination rooms, water fountains, etc.

There are other laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing. The Air Carrier Act protects people with disabilities against discrimination by airlines. They must provide assistance to customers with disabilities.  There are two voting rights laws, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act and National Voter Registration Act that ensure assistance at the polls if requested.

To file a complaint under these laws make note of the date, time and location of the discriminatory act, the name of the person spoken to and their response upon requesting a reasonable accommodation. For more information on a person’s rights under these laws or to file a complaint log onto www.ada.gov and www.americanswithdisabilitiesact.net. For information on Florida’s Civil Rights Law log onto http://fchr.state.fl.us.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Disability Related laws
Disability Related laws 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Disability Related laws

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

  1. What rights do U.S. citizens with visual impairments have today in terms of receiving materials in large print, braille, or audio with pertinent health information?

 

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides for the same requirement, but for government agencies and health care providers that receive federal funds such as Medicare.

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990 states that local and state governmental entities and businesses, including all health care providers, must provide reasonable accommodation in the way they communicate with their clients or patients. This includes printed materials that must be available in an alternate format such as large print, braille, or audio.

 

Doctor’s offices: reports, instructions for diagnostic tests, instructions for pre- and post-surgical care

 

Home health agencies: information on services, privacy, instructions on care and other important information

Health care facilities: welcome packets, admission forms, discharge instructions

 

  1. In your opinion, what percent of South Florida health companies provide the proper information style (large print, braille, brochures) for people with vision impairment or disabilities?

I would guess less than 1% based on my experience in trying to get companies to comply and avoid (ACHA), Agency for Health Care Administration tags and lawsuits. I would hope I am wrong and more providers are complying with the law. My website disabledamericansact.com will list providers that do comply as we compile this information.

 

 

  1. In your opinion, what percent of U.S. health companies provide the proper information style (large print, braille, brochures) for people with vision impairment or disabilities?

I would say the same as above. Many of the health care providers are national companies and are not complying with the law even after being requested to do so.

 

  1. How can working with an MSW, like yourself, assist health care providers to become compliant with these laws?

 

By working with me, as a consultant, and my graphic designer, health care providers can learn about their obligations under these laws and learn how to accommodate people with disabilities. We can help health care providers convert their materials into large print. There are other companies that can help convert materials to audio or braille.

 

 

Contact: rgoodlobby@gmail.com or

561-465-2224.

 

 

  1. What are the most effective ways you’ve found to get people with visual impairments or disabilities to effectively communicate their needs for health information?

I have been speaking to various organizations who serve people with visual impairments about their rights under these laws. I have also published a handy guide to the ADA for businesses and people with visual impairments. We give out cards that patients can show their health care providers with information on these laws. These are available in large print and on CDs. However, I need sponsors to help reproduce more copies of these materials.

 

 

  1. How did you get involved in helping people with visual impairments or disabilities get health information in the proper format?

 

I am legally blind and need materials myself in large print. I and many of my neighbors received the large packets of information given out by home health agencies and were not able to read it. If we cannot read the materials given to us, how are we supposed to follow doctor’s orders. This can have a negative impact on health care literacy and outcomes and could end with rehospitalizations. That can result in hefty fines by the Federal government.

 

 

  1. What are your hobbies and passions in life outside of health care?

 

Politics. I have a large collection of campaign buttons going back to McKinley.

 

Traveling with my wife. We have visited many countries and taken many cruises. We have toured 45 states.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Will Your Vanity Be Your Downfall?
Will Your Vanity Be Your Downfall? 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Will Your Vanity Be Your Downfall?
By Robert A. Goodman, MSW
Wikipedia defines vanity as “the excessive pride in or admiration of one’s appearance”. Is vanity preventing you from ignoring your safety?
Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control millions of older adults fall annually. Each year, 2.5 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries. One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. This can lead to permanent disability.
Falls can be prevented by taking proper precautions in the home and when traveling. The chances of falling increases with a physical or visual disability.
Which is more important to you: your vanity or safety? As a geriatric social worker I am constantly meeting people who refuse to use a mobility device because “it won’t look nice” or “what will people think of me” or “I will look old”. These are the same people who tell me about falling off curbs, getting lost, running into objects, tripping, falling and breaking bones. There is a lot of stigma associated with the use of a hearing aid, cane, long white cane (for people with visual disabilities), walker or wheelchair. We are so afraid of what others think that we ignore things that will make our lives safer.
People with visual disabilities are in greater danger of falling due to loss of depth perception or loss of peripheral or central vision. These changes can cause an inability to see changes in surfaces (curbs, steps, etc) or obstacles in their path.
If you feel embarrassed to use a long white cane consider how you feel when you see others using a long white cane. You probably barely notice them or if you do, you may want to help. People with partial sight who use a white cane are safer walking in their community than if they did not use one. The American Foundation for the Blind reports that the majority of people with vision problems (including those who use a white cane) have some remaining useful vision.
Benefits of using a white cane

  • Safely navigate your environment. The use of the white cane helps you detect changes in surfaces, curbs, obstacles (grass, cars, litter, etc).
  • Feel less afraid and more confident when moving around your community
  • Others (pedestrians, bus drivers, store clerks) will be quicker to assist when they see someone using a white cane
  • The cane is a reminder to friends and family that you have a visual disability and may not see them approaching

An orientation and mobility specialist can instruct a person with a visual impairment on the proper use of the white cane.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins recently found that people with mild hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. The study found that people who can’t hear well might not have sufficient awareness of their overall environment, making tripping and falling more likely. (www.hopkinsmedicine.org).
The wearing of hearing aids increases one’s quality of life. In spite of this fact, many people who are in need of hearing aids refuse to wear them for purely aesthetic reasons.

The benefits of hearing aids

  • You will be able to hear sounds that you have not heard previously.
  • You will be able to hear speech over the telephone more clearly.
  • You will be able to communicate more easily with family and friends.
  • Your ability to communicate may improve in noisy listening situations (e.g. a restaurant or in a large group of people). www.fda.gov/medicaldevices

People with balance, gait, or coordination problems who are not using a mobility device are at greater risk for falls. The thought of using a walking cane or walker by many older adults is an inconceivable idea. They associate the use of a cane or walker with someone who is old or frail. When used properly a cane or walker can improve one’s balance, ability to participate in activities and overall independence. Their proper use can prevent falls and injuries. The improper use of a mobility device can result in an injury. Mobility device users need to undergo training by a physical therapist on the correct use of their mobility device. (A good article on this topic can be found at www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0815/p405.html.)
So put aside your vanity and get a mobility device that will increase your independence, keep you safer, and less likely to fall.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Vision Impairment and Older Adults
Vision Impairment and Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Vision Impairment and Older Adults
By Robert Goodman, MSW
While visual impairments are NOT a normal part of aging, it is estimated that vision loss affects millions of older adults each year. The Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute of Lighthouse International reports that 17% of adults age 65-74 and 26% of Americans over age 75 report some form of vision impairment. The leading causes of vision impairment among older adults are macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
Loss of vision is a leading cause of lost independence among older adults. Visual impairments are a major risk factor for falls and hip fractures. One in three individuals aged 65 and older will fall each year and may represent the most serious problem facing elderly individuals in the United States. Acute illness only accounts for 10% of falls in older adults, with the remaining 90% being due to the presence of multiple risk factors such as vision loss and other sensory issues.
Vision loss can decrease visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, color discrimination, and the ability to adapt in different lighting conditions. By themselves, each of these vision impairments may cause an individual not to see hazards that are present, thereby causing a fall, stumble, or trip.
Vision loss can affect one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (dressing, eating, grooming, bathing, and housekeeping). It can mean loss of ability to drive or participate in leisure activities.
Vision loss does not have to mean dependence on others. Persons with visual impairments can still lead independent lives and fully participate in activities in their community. There are many resources available to help one become and remain independent. Agencies for the blind provide training in activities of daily living and teach mobility skills. There are organizations that provide books in large print and on tape.
There are things you can do to help make your home more accessible. Bright lights are available from many retailers. Use color contrast to help differentiate different surfaces. Black on white or black on yellow are good color combinations. Use large letters or raised dots to mark your appliances. You may want to consider getting rid of small rugs. The Lighthouse for the Blind can teach you these skills and help modify your home to make it easier to get around.
Reading material is available in large print from the library and from many private organizations. Talking books are available for people who cannot read print. There are special low vision aids such as magnifiers and other devices available from private companies.
Support groups are important in helping a person adjust to visual impairment. We Care in Century Village sponsors a group for people with visual impairments. Participants learn about visual impairments, community services, aids and appliances that help one remain independent, and government programs that assist people who have experienced a loss of vision. Members also support each other and offer assistance in learning to adjust to this new chapter in their lives. The group works closely with the Lighthouse for the Blind in providing classes for people with visual impairments.
The Visually Impaired Support Group meets the first Wednesday each month (except August) at 10 AM in the Clubhouse. If you know someone who has a visual impairment and could benefit from this organization please call 487-2827.
Other services for people with visual impairments include:
Rehabilitation Services
Florida Division of Blind Services 866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200 
Reading and Listening
Talking Book Library 888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 800-273-6677
Religious books in large print and on tape:
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 800-995-1888
JBI International 800-433-1531
Braille Bibles International 800-522-4253
Low Vision Aids and Appliances
Florida Reading and Vision Technology 954-525-5311
LS & S 800-468-4789
MaxiAids 800-522-6294
Freedom Scientific (computer technology) 800-444-4443
Transportation:
Palm Tran Connection 877-870-9849
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
We Care 487-2827
General Information
Lighthouse International 800-829-0500
Prevent Blindness America 800-331-2020
Macular Degeneration Association 941- 870-4399
American Macular Degeneration Foundation 888-622-8527
Blinded Veterans Association 800-669-7079
Canadian National Institute for the Blind 800-563-2642
For more information on vision impairment and statistics log onto www.lighthouse.org/research/statistics-on-vision-impairment.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Services for People with Visual Disabilities in Palm Beach County
Services for People with Visual Disabilities in Palm Beach County 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Services for People with Visual Disabilities in Palm Beach County

Compiled by Robert Goodman, MSW

 

General information on Community Services:
Information and referral 211
Area Agency on Aging (Elder Helpline) 561-684-5885 
Palm Beach County Department of Community Services 561-355-4700
General Information on Vision
Lighthouse International 800-829-0500
www.lighthouse.org
Prevent Blindness America 800-331-2020
www.preventblindness.org/
Macular Degeneration Association 941- 870-4399
American Macular Degeneration Foundation
888-622-8527 https://www.macular.org
Blinded Veterans Association
800-669-7079 www.bva.org/
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
800-563-2642 www.cnib.ca
Rehabilitation Services
Florida Division of Blind Services 866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 516-586-5600 
Florida Outreach Center for the Blind 561-642-0005
Reading and Listening
Talking Books Library 1-888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 1-800-273-6677 x7
NFB Newsline 1-866-504-7300
Religious Materials
JBI International 1-800-433-1531
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 1-800-995-1888
Lutheran Braille Workers 1-800-925-6092
Braille Bibles International 800-522-4253
Assistive Technology
Florida Reading and Vision Technology 954-525-5311
www.floridareading.com
Humanware 1-800 722-3393
www.humanware.com/
LS & S 1-800-468-4789
www.lssproducts.com/category/assistive-technology
MaxiAids 1-800-522-6294
www.maxiaids.com
Freedom Scientific (computer technology)
1-800-444-4443 www.freedomscientific.com/
Free 411 information from your phone company
AT&T Special Needs Center 1-800-982-2891
Comcast 1-866-853-1851
Verizon 1-888- 262-1999
Note: Many cell phone companies offer this service. For information contact your cell phone provider.
Counseling and Support Groups
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services (561) 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbores (561) 531-9844.
Transportation:
Non Driver’s ID Cards Delray Beach
501 S. Congress Ave.
Palm Tran Connection 1-877-870-9849
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
We Care 487-2827
Senior Services
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
Adult Day Care, Senior Center, Transportation
 
For people with disabilities and certain health conditions:
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc.
561-966-4288 
Pathways to Independence
561-626-6611 
Free Phones for the Hearing Impaired
Audiology with a Heart 561-366-7219
Deaf and Hearing Resources of Palm Beach County
561-802-3353
 

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Grandparenting with a Disability
Grandparenting with a Disability 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Grandparenting with a Disability
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Grandparenting, in general, can be fun and also exhausting. Adding a disability into the mix raises a number of issues. Having a disability gives you the opportunity to teach your grandchildren how to interact with people with disabilities.
The question of grandparenting with a disability was raised at our visually impaired support group last year. Many members were concerned that they could no longer care for their grandchildren. Grandparents with disabilities can still enjoy their grandchildren.
Young children are curious and notice changes in your health. They are eager to be helpful. The best approach is to explain your visual, hearing or physical disability in a way they can understand. Explain your abilities and limitations and how the grandchild can be of help. For example, if you have a visual disability you can explain that you cannot see small print but ask if they have any books with big print. Many children’s books are written in larger print. You can explain the proper etiquette in meeting a blind person such as not leaving a room without telling the person with a visual impairment. Teach about color contrast and use it when interacting with them. There are many games that are available in large print such as cards, Scrabble, and more.
Teaching your grandchildren about disability and people with disabilities can make them more compassionate toward others as they grow up. It also teaches them the best way to interact with someone with a disability. Another lesson you teach them is about overcoming obstacles in their lives. You have to have a positive attitude about your disability so that your grandchildren will better understand you and learn not to fear people with disabilities.
Babysitting was raised as a concern for someone who has a visual disability. My experience has taught me to be sure the grandchildren are in a safe place where you can see them or know where they are. Interact with them with games while they are awake. Putting them to bed should not be too difficult if they cooperate. Perhaps an older child can be of assistance. A monitor could help you keep an “eye” on the sleeping child.
There are two websites that offer suggestions on how to interact with grandchildren when you have a disability: www.karmanhealthcare.com/learning-from-grandparents-with-disabilities and
http://grandparents.about.com/od/grandparentingtoday/a/DisabledGPs.htm.
Some of their suggestion include the following:

  • Eat right and get plenty of rest. This will help with your interaction with your grandchildren.
  • If you are in a wheelchair ask someone to place a young baby in your lap so you can hold him or her
  • Tell stories about your life and family history
  • Use technology to communicate with your grandchildren. They can probably help you with your tech concerns. There are computer programs and games that can make it easier to interact with grandchildren.
  • Be a good listener. Discuss with them their concerns about their lives
  • Use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs to travel with your grandchildren.
  • You can do art and crafts projects with your grandchildren. If you can help them visually you can explain how to make things that you may have done in your life.
  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Living and Aging with a Disability
Living and Aging with a Disability 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Living and Aging with a Disability
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Have you recently lost your vision, become disabled, in need of services to help you become more independent? Are you living with a lifelong disability and notice changes in your functional capacity? There are services available to help you become and maintain your independence. Some of these services are listed at the end of this article.
It is difficult to be functioning independently one day, suddenly end up in a hospital, and have to learn to walk or function independently over again. There are services that can help you learn activities of daily living (walking, bathing, eating, personal care, etc). Other agencies help with the psychological aspects of adjusting to a disability. There is no harm in asking for help. Support groups offer support, friendship, and love.
Perhaps you have reached a point where it is becoming dangerous for you to continue driving. There are options available to help non-drivers. First, Boca Raton has several bus routes that take you to most places. The 91 bus that leaves from the clubhouse will help you connect to these routes. Century Village has buses (with steps) that go into the community. Palm Tran Connection provides door to door service throughout Palm Beach County for people who cannot use public transportation. If you are concerned about keeping your driver’s license for identification purposes, you don’t have to worry. Florida offers a nondriver’s ID card for those who need a form of identification to replace a driver’s license.
There has been a lot of research in recent years on what changes occur in the physical functioning of persons living with lifelong disabilities, such as polio, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and mental illness. The research has found that some people with lifelong disabilities have noticed more joint pain/arthritis, problems with balance, and fatigue at an early age.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Adjustment to Disability
Adjustment to Disability 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Adjustment to Disability – The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Older adults age 65 and over are at higher risk for many types of injuries that can have devastating effects. In some cases, leading to loss of independence, disability, or death. Falls are the leading cause of injury death for Americans 65 years and older. Twenty percent to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. People age 75 and older are in one of the age groups at highest risk for Traumatic Brain Injury.
What happens when someone suddenly becomes disabled? How do you react? What do they go through? What resources can help both the accident victim and the caregiver?
The individual with a new disability may be in shock, disoriented, and confused about the future. They may be asking themselves “how am I going to go on with my life, remain independent, or get help? “ They may experience a variety of emotions such as anger, denial, sadness, or depression.
Family members may experience similar feelings. They may feel isolated, not knowing what the future will bring or who can help them in this time of crisis.
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of grief that the person with a disability or family members may experience: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. A person can go through these stages in any order and they may be repeated. Each stage may last different amounts of time.
Various things affect how people live with their disability:

  • Type of disability
  • Cause of disability
  • Severity of disability
  • Visibility vs. invisibility of the particular disability
  • Coping abilities of the patient and family
  • Previous attitudes toward disability and illness
  • Reactions of family, friends, and health care professionals
  • Personality
  • Availability of supportive services

When illness or disability strikes the patient and families may become overwhelmed with questions and information. Your doctor is key to the process of treatment and recovery, whether you have a progressive illness that develops over time, or a sudden disability caused by an accident.
Becoming disabled means you may need support from health and social service agencies. The hospital social worker or case manager can assess your needs and connect you with services. These services may include home health care, financial aid, counseling and support groups, and other services for older adults.
Patients and families need to ask their health care professionals questions about the disability or health condition, treatment and recovery, and what services are available to help the individual and the family.
Caregivers need to take care of themselves. You need to take breaks, enjoy your own leisure activities, and delegate responsibilities to others if possible.
The following services are available for Palm Beach County residents:
For general information: Call 211
Area Agency on Aging (Elder Helpline) 561-684-5885 
For people with certain health conditions:
Alzheimer’s Association 24-Hour Crisis Line 1-800-272.3900
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
954-786-2305 
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
MS Society for South Florida 800-344-4867
American Cancer Society 561.394.7751
American Diabetes Association 1.800.342.2383
American Heart Association 561.697.6600
American Lung Association 561.659.7644
Coalition for Independent Living Options 561.966.4288
For people with visual impairments:
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200 
Talking Books Library 888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 800-273-6677
Florida Outreach Center for the Blind 561.642.0005
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: West Palm Beach Blind Rehabilitation Center 561. 422.8426
NFB Newsline 1.866.504.7300
For people with hearing impairments:
Deaf Service Center 561-278-6444
Caregiver assistance and support:
Caregiver Magazine www.caregiver.com
Caregiver Action Network 800-896-3650, www.caregiveraction.org
Well Spouse Association 800-838-0879
Counseling and Support Groups
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333
Faulk Center for Counseling 561-483-5300
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbors 561.531.9844
Transportation:
Palm Tran Connection 877-870-9849
Non-Driver’s ID card 501 S. Congress Ave, Delray Bch
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333
The Volen Center 561.395.8920
Senior Services (Adult Day Care, Senior Center)
Weisman Delray Community Center 561.558.2100
Alzheimer’s Community Care : 561.391.6955

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Services for People with Visual Disabilities
Services for People with Visual Disabilities 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Services for People with Visual Disabilities

in Palm Beach County

Compiled by Robert Goodman, MSW

For general information on services in the community:
Information and referral 211
Area Agency on Aging (Elder Helpline) 561-684-5885 
Palm Beach County Department of Community Services 561-355-4700
 
For people with disabilities and certain health conditions:
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc.
561-966-4288 
Pathways To Independence
561-626-6611 
 
For people with visual impairments:
Florida Division of Blind Services 1-866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200 
Talking Books Library 1-888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 1-800-273-6677
NFB Newsline 1-866-504-7300
Florida Reading and Vision 954-525-5311
 
For people with hearing impairments
Deaf Service Center
Voice (561) 278-6444 TTY 278-1444
 
 
 
Counseling and Support Groups
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services (561) 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbores (561) 531-9844.
 
 
 
Transportation:
Palm Tran Connection 1-877-870-9849
Non Driver’s ID Cards Delray Beach
501 S. Congress Ave.
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
 
Free 411 information from your phone company
AT&T Special Needs Center 1-800-982-2891
Comcast 1-866-853-1851
Note: Many cell phone companies offer this service. For information contact your cell phone provider.
 
Senior Services
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
Adult Day Care, Senior Center, Transportation
Religious Materials
JBI International 1-800-433-1531
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 1-800-995-1888
Lutheran Braille Workers 1-800-925-6092

Enter your
text here