HHS to host webinar on vision services that can help older adults who are blind live independently at home

BISMARCK, N.D. – An estimated 21,000 North Dakotans are affected by blindness or have serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses.*1

North Dakota Health and Human Services will host a 30-minute lunch and learn program on Thursday, May 18, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. CDT, to share information about vision services that can help older adults affected by blindness and serious vision loss remain independent. People can participate online or by telephone.

Details on joining this Multigenerational State Plan for Aging lunch and learn program can be found hhs.nd.gov/adults-and-aging/multigenerational-plan-aging.

The presentation is the second in a series of lunch and learn programs offered as part of North Dakota’s Multigenerational Plan on Aging. This initiative, led by HHS Adult and Aging Services and involving partner agencies, aims to help North Dakotans become aware of services supporting quality of life and independent living so they can plan for how they want their needs met as they age. It also encourages partner agencies who serve older adults to learn more about other service providers so they can collaborate and connect people to desired services and resources.

At the May 18 webinar, Aimee Volk, vision services administrator in the HHS Vocational Rehabilitation Section, will discuss vision services offered through HHS and how to find services or refer someone to services. She will also talk about common assistive devices that can help people safely tackle everyday tasks such as reading mail, cooking and more.

HHS employs seven vision rehabilitation specialists who meet with individuals in their homes across the state to assess needs, discuss options, and provide training on strategies and devices that can help people live safely at home in their communities.

Adults ages 55 and older affected by serious vision loss, partner agencies that serve this population, and others are invited to attend this and other upcoming Multigenerational Plan for Aging lunch and learn programs.

Remaining lunch and learn sessions in May include “Retirement and Social Security” on May 25. A summary of all upcoming lunch and learn programs can be found at hhs.nd.gov/adults-and-aging/multigenerational-plan-aging.

*1 Paul, S., Rogers, S., Bach, S., & Houtenville, A.J. (2023). Annual Disability Statistics Compendium: 2023. Durham, NH: University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability: Table 1.5

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