I Read an interesting article and thought I would pass on some of the key information. I found this very helpful.
"When you lose your eyesight, you lose contact with things. When you lose your hearing, you lose contact with people." Helen Keller (1880-1968)
Vision and hearing are the two senses that are an essential part of our everyday life. We depend on them constantly as we go through life. Whether we are at work or enjoying a leisurely day with our family these two senses allow us to interact with lobed ones more completely. Unfortunately many people in the United States go undiagnosed with hearing loss despite its importance. Didi you know that an estimated 1.7 million adults age 65 and over report both vision AND hearing loss?
There are many causes for hearing and vision loss which result from somewhat similar genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Exposure to oxidative stress, cigarette smoking and atherosclerosis and its risk factors have been linked to age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and hearing loss. No matter what the cause, these two impairments were found to have a cumulative effect on a persons function and well being affecting loved ones both mentally and physically.
Because of the strong connection between our vision and our hearing we are pleased to offer a fully integrated hearing and vision solution.
It makes sense to evaluate these two senses and provide treatment options in one location. While there are many causes of hearing loss, AGE and NOISE EXPOSURE are the two most common causes. The normal aging process begins to take its toll around age 55, but exposure to loud noises (like music and industrial noise) may cause problems to occur much earlier in life. Vi son loss and hearing loss often occur in the same people, sometimes linked be a specific disease an other times purely because both problems affect us as we get older. The important thing is that both of these key senses are critical to daily life, and while the loss of either can be debilitating, the loss of BOTH will affect every minute of every day in some way. For about 90% of all cases of hearing loss, hearing aids or hearing devices of some kind are the best available treatment options. Hearing loss and vision loss both begin to deteriorate around the age of 55: therefore patients with visual impairments may soon experience similar hearing problems as well. In a recent scientific study of 2,400 people, with an average age of 70, researchers found a significant link between vision loss and hearing loss.
Our goal is to empower and inspire people to lead happy and independent lives. We are so excited to open (See and Hear America) our hearing and vision solutions center.

NOW WHAT

Today you find out that your child has been diagnosed "legally blind" and this will change the way he or she sees the world. Maybe you are scared, angry, concerned about their future or not sure how you will get through the rest of the day. These feelings are normal and you are not alone. Just remember how you react has an impact on your child. Being "legally blind" does not mean they cannot see. Your next step is to be your child's advocate in every way you can. Do NOT feel sorry for them. Accept the challenge and move forward and find ways to support and embrace this new journey that you are all on. Get them involved in activities, whether its ice skating- horseback riding or swimming. Allow them to continue what they enjoy, or try something new. Don't for one second think that your child's future will be less successful than a someone who is sighted. Remember that vision is an inside job and we don't need sight for that.
One of the first steps is to have the doctor submit a form to the state, eye report form, which will start the process of receiving support for your child. Every child has the ability to live a full and prosperous life if you let them. Don't enable them, allow them to learn ways to participate with their peers and do things for themselves. As a parent it is your job to encourage, support and help when it's needed. Be their cheerleader and advocate. Ask what is available for services and how you can help the process in school. There are many resources that will involve the families as well.
This website can be a starting point for you and your family to begin the process of gathering information. You will quickly realize that you are not alone. Make sure that you ask as many questions as you can possibly think of in order to receive all the help you can. Your child is entitled to an education like all kids and may need some adaptive technology to help aid in the process. Ask for training and go to every school meeting and support your child's right to learn.

Another great website can be found here Don't let being legally blind halt your dreams and aspirations for your child's future instead embrace it and visualize greatness! Anything and everything is possible.