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Access:Ability February 2024 Newsletter

The February 2024 edition of the Ability Central monthly e-newsletter, Access:Ability.

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Senior Latino man with glasses and thick dark hair sits outside at a park. He squints, straining to see something in the distance.

Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month: Resources from Ability Central

Did you know? February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month and Low Vision Awareness Month. Today, let’s get you some information on the early signs of vision loss.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 2 billion people around the world have vision impairments. Almost 20 million adults in the US alone have symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a progressive eye disease that reduces or fully destroys central vision. Mostly commonly seen in people over age 50, macular degeneration makes it difficult to drive, read, or recognize faces.

While these numbers may seem high, new advances in treatment and early detection allow doctors to slow the progression of degenerative eye diseases, protecting vision for as long as possible.

In recent years, doctors have identified potential risk factors for macular degeneration, including high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes, if started early enough, may help lower your risk of developing eye diseases like macular degeneration.

In addition, government and nonprofit resource programs offer support for people with low or worsening vision.

Throughout February, organizations like the National Eye Institute, Prevent Blindness, and the CDC encourage conversations surrounding AMD and low vision. The goal is to raise awareness, promote early detection, and fund new research into eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Use this month’s resources on the Ability Central Portal to learn more about age or disease-related vision loss, where to find assistance, and how to show support to loved ones and colleagues with restricted vision.

In the News

Leading up to the 2024 Super Bowl, CBS and the NFL stoked excitement in the Deaf community by promising stellar performances from three celebrity Deaf interpreters: Anjel Pinero, Daniel Durant, and Shaheem Sanchez. However, Deaf sports fans were left feeling cheated and confused when live CBS broadcasts showed only the hearing singers, not their much-anticipated Deaf interpreters.

It raises the question—was Deaf representation at the 2024 Super Bowl an authentic moment of representation and accessibility? Or is Super Bowl 58 only the latest disappointment in a series of bait-and-switches for the Deaf community?

Read the full op-ed.

Resource Round-up

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Interested in learning more about the causes of low vision and steps you can take to find support? Check out these resources on the Portal!

Top 7 Signs You Might be Losing Your Vision

Signs of vision loss - Black man sits at a laptop computer and rubs his eyes

Eye pain? Blurry vision? Floaters and spots? These are just a few of the symptoms associated with vision loss. Learn to recognize the signs in this article.

Read more on the Ability Central Portal.

What Support Is Available for People With Low Vision?

low vision support - asian american woman sits in a chair and converses with a diverse group

Are you or a loved one living with low vision? Learn your rights, available resources, and how to connect with others with a similar diagnosis.

Read more on the Ability Central Portal.

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