Program available to teach the visually impaired

The Center for the Visually Impaired will present a group instruction program at the Forsyth County Senior Center, designed to teach daily living activities to those with vision impairment.

Certified Vision Therapist Diana Estrella will teach the classes, which are designed for persons who have a vision-impairing condition such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, and some degree of usable sight.

Participants will learn how to perform daily living activities such as writing a check and operating appliances. They will do so by using low vision devices and aids, new techniques and resources.
Upcoming Group Instruction Classes at the Senior Center10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Friday, April 13 – Money identification and safe usage; checking account maintenance

Friday, April 27 – Medication management; applying toothpaste; nail care

Friday, May 11 – Eating techniques; pouring techniques; operation of a washer, dryer and thermostat

Friday, May 25 – Identifying cans, boxes and freezer items; helpful and safety-oriented kitchen devices; clothing identification; needle threading

Date to be announced – Leisure activities: talking book players; Georgia Radio Reading Service (GARRS); cards; board games; crafts; closed circuit television (CCTV) and other adaptive technology

The program is open to all interested persons at no charge. Program funding can only be used to provide low vision devices/aids and other low vision services to persons who submit an application and are determined eligible.

Application packets may be obtained from:1. Laura Bagwell, wellness team leader at the Forsyth County Senior Center2. Client Services at the Center for the Visually Impaired at 404.875.40113. Diana Estrella at class meetings

Completed applications may be:1. Faxed to 404.875.45682. Mailed to: Client ServicesCenter for the Visually Impaired739 West Peachtree Street NWAtlanta, GA 303083. Submitted to Diana Estrella at a class meeting

The Forsyth County Senior Center is located at 595 Dahlonega Highway in Cumming. For additional information please call 770.781.2178.