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Resources by Disability
Blindness
Definition: Blindness is visual loss or impairment. A person is legally blind if their vision is less than 20/200, and cannot be improved with corrective lenses or surgery. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are legally blind, and 82% of them are over the age of 50.
Symptoms: Blind people may have mild, moderate, or severe vision loss.
Cause: The leading causes of blindness in the United States are age-related eye diseases. 97% of all blindness results from macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Other degenerative eye diseases (such as diabetes), eye injuries, congenital malformation of the eyes, and birth defects, can also cause vision loss. Getting regular eye exams, following safety precautions, using proper eyewear when needed, and seeking prompt treatment after an accident can help prevent vision loss.
Treatment: Depending on the severity of the case, treatment may involve visual aids, seeing-eye-dogs, text-reading software, or other assistive devices.
Myth: It is often assumed that blind people are less capable than people with full vision. In truth, blind people can lead relatively ordinary lives and accomplish common goals. About 45% of Americans with severe blindness have a high school diploma and 32% of legally blind Americans are employed.
Notable People with Blindness:
- Stevie Wonder, an American singer/songwriter, instrumentalist, and record producer.
- Ray Charles, an American rhythm and blues pianist and singer.
Support Groups:
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
42 South 15th Street Suite 222
Philadelphia PA 19102
Phone: (215) 988-0888
Fax: (215) 988-0879
Website: http://www.nfbp.org
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19107
Tel: (215) 627-0600
Fax: (215) 922-0692
Website: http://www.asb.org
Delco Blind/Sight Center
100 West 15th Street
Chester PA 19013
Tel: (610) 874-1476
Fax: (610) 874-6454
Website: http://www.cbvi.net
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Free Library of Philadelphia
919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19107
Tel: (215) 683-3213
Website: http://www.library.phila.gov/lbh/lbh.htm
The Little Rock Foundation Family Resource Room
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia PA 19104
Tel: (267) 426-7285
Email: hughess@email.chop.edu
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