Resources - Beryl Carvalho - Eyes Alive

Of all disabilities, visual disability or low vision is perhaps the most misunderstood. People tend to think of it as "all or nothing" – either you are fully sighted, or totally blind with no in between. In fact, just like other forms of disability, low vision or partial loss of vision is very much the rule rather than the exception.

Throughout recorded history, it is evident that man has found a need to attempt to restore or replace the eyes and facial parts of those who were either unfortunate enough to have congenital deformities, or to have suffered from trauma or the disease processes of later life. Most of the evidence of the evolution of ocular and facial prosthetics until the mid 16th century is anecdotal.

We are the Micro and Anophthalmic Children’s Society – the UK’s national charity for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes. We support families of children born with Microphthalmia (small eyes), Anophthalmia (no eyes) and/or Coloboma (cleft of the eye). Our services are accessed by around 500 families around the UK and some who are further afield.

When a person learns that it is necessary to have an eye removed the news creates understandable concern and apprehension. As Ocularists with 45 years of experience we understand the time it will take to adjust to how this situation will affect the person's life, appearance and ability to function.

When our bodies change in some way, due to injury or disease, we are understandably concerned about how our lives may be affected. This is especially true of changes that involve some part of the face, such as the eyes.

Through close collaboration with leading surgeons worldwide, Stryker Craniomaxillofacial has gained a well-earned reputation as a market leader for its innovative developments in Craniomaxillofacial and Neurosurgery. In order to maintain this spirit of innovation and leadership, we continuously focus our research and development of biomaterials, fixation systems and radio frequency.

To some degree, the basics of a functioning home office couldn't be simpler. If you've got a desk, a chair, a personal computer you're comfortable with, and an empty corner to put them all, well then, you've got yourself a home office. If you want to get the most out of your work space, however, you're going to have to put some thought into each of these elements.

Through the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are required to provide job applicants and employees with disabilities “reasonable accommodations” that allow them to enjoy equal employment opportunities. Accommodations will vary depending on the needs of the individual, but the ones listed below are examples of adjustments or modifications that are often requested by employees who are blind or visually impaired.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment against a qualified individual with a disability such as blindness or visual impairment. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with visual disabilities in State and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications. The ADA prohibits job discrimination. This part of the law is enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and State and local civil rights enforcement agencies that work with the Commission.

With a little care and thought, you can design a sensory garden (especially for the blind or visually impaired). Even if we are born with sight, accident or illness can rob us of our ability to see at any time in our lives.

For people who are physically able and neurotypical, the bar is relatively low. As long as a place is clean, structurally sound, and secure, it’s safe. Food, friends, and fun make a loved one’s home a welcoming environment.
But for people with disabilities, “safe” and “welcoming” are relative terms, and the environment requires closer scrutiny. For the 61 million Americans who are differently abled, safety is knowing that you can enter a space without the risk of hurting yourself, and feeling welcome is being hosted by a friend who is aware and supportive of your unique needs.

Visual impairment does not affect what a child is able to learn, but does affect how a child learns. Everyday communication becomes more challenging, for example, without eye contact, it will be hard to know if they are paying attention. Your child may miss visual cues like smiling and frowning as well as someone pointing or waving.

Even when people want to do everything they can for their health, there can be barriers that get in the way. One in every four U.S. adults has a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Plus, many people with disabilities are also managing chronic conditions or other illnesses. If you have a disability and you’re taking medication, you’re certainly not alone. That’s why we created this guide.