CABVI seeks to empower the blind and visually impaired with opportunities to seek independence.
What can cause sudden vision loss in African Americans?
How do you know if you’re losing your vision?
Is blindness a normal part of aging?
Going through life with limited vision can be very challenging. The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is ready to help with those challenges and bring independence back into one’s life. Their certified instructors work with young children to elderly adults and are committed to assisting them in finding a comfortable, independent lifestyle that works.
CABVI is the only private, not-for-profit organization in our community that provides services to help improve the quality of life and independence for those with vision loss. Those services include but are not limited to access to technology, low vision service, and early childhood and youth services.
The African American community is more prone to vision loss due to high rates of health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and even sickle cell anemia when left untreated. Macular degeneration and glaucoma are other eye conditions commonly found in seniors and can lead to blindness.
In 2016, the National Federation of the Blind reported that 3% of African Americans (1,215,600) said living with a visual disability, meaning African Americans have the second-highest rate of blindness in the United States.
Related Article: Here’s how to stay on top of your vision health.
CABVI encourages people experiencing sight loss to seek help through one of their many services. Regular eye exams are essential and can help early detect the diseases above, heart disease and stroke. Services are based on one’s ability to pay, and other funding is available.
Today CABVI helps nearly 5,000 people each year through all of its services. Vision aids and unique computer training help clients live active lives. CABVI also makes news and information accessible through its Radio Reading Services with around-the-clock broadcasts and a Personalized Talking Print voice mail system.
Related Article: Cincinnati Police Department Recruitment is accepting applications.
For more information on how the CABVI can help you or a loved one, contact them at 513-221-8558 or www.cincyblind.org.
Written by: Trevon Mathews
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
Images provided by CABVI
