‘The Blind Poet’ Among Headliners of VLANJ’s Speaker Series

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has used a nearly $16,000 grant from Atlantic Health System to build a continuum of virtual programs to help adults with vision loss maintain well-being as they age.

“There’s great synergy between Atlantic Health System and VLANJ; we pursue many of the same goals to help people obtain and maintain independence as they age,” VLANJ Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda said. “We value the partnership, and appreciate Atlantic Health System’s support and confidence in our initiatives.”

VLANJ developed an array of virtual wellness and education programs and support groups during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep people with vision loss engaged and learning. Since the start of 2021, 300 people have enrolled in at least one class — and most are taking several per session, Zavoda said. While in-person classes resumed in September at both the Denville and Ridgewood locations, VLANJ continues to offer virtual programs, which are especially beneficial for participants who lack transportation.

“Your proposed project reflects the intent of the Atlantic Health System/Morristown Medical Center mission, vision and brand promise, as well as the most recent Morristown Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment,” wrote Joseph Nazzaro, chair of the Morristown Medical Center Community Health Committee in the announcement of the grant.

The speaker series Achieve Resilience, Inspiration & Self-Empowerment (ARISE) is the newest program, intended to motivate people with vision loss to set personal and professional goals. It kicked off in September, with the Rev. James Warnke, himself legally blind, talking about breaking the cycle of negative thinking.

Dave Steele, known as The Blind Poet, was the guest speaker on Nov. 3. The award-winning poet, author, public speaker, and singer, was diagnosed with the genetic eye condition retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in 2014 and became a strong advocate for people with vision loss. He has written more than 700 poems and songs about the fears and struggles associated with sight loss. The next ARISE will be in January.

Living Independently For Tomorrow (LIFT), launched in October 2020, is an online version of VLANJ’s effective in-person Essential Low Vision course, providing basic training in daily life activities over four weeks. The 90-minute sessions cover: kitchen safety and organization; orientation and mobility; optical aids, lighting and contrast; and simple solutions for managing money, medications, and writing. LIFT is offered every other month.

Strength Through Relationships, Insights, Values, Education (STRIVE) addresses mental health aspects of adjusting to life with vision loss. The monthly offering is an education-based support group facilitated by four adults with vision loss. Participants learn ways to express what they need and why they need it, called “assertive communication.” STRIVE, which also helps sighted people who are helping someone with vision loss, runs the second Wednesday of each month.

“We see these as a progression of programs, but people can participate in them in any way they choose,” Zavoda said. “LIFT teaches basic skills and STRIVE addresses mental health and coping. ARISE helps you become your best self.”

VLANJ’s other virtual offerings over Zoom include Beyond Sight wellness classes, such as Now and Zen Yoga and Mindfulness and Meditation, and peer support groups. Tech Talks is a webinar that covers a different technology topic each month.

For information about enrolling or supporting VLANJ, contact VLANJ Program Director Linda Groszew at lgroszew@vlanj.org or (973) 627-0055, ext. 1312.

Started in 1943, VLANJ is one of the state’s longest-serving nonprofits for adults who are blind or visually impaired. The organization builds participants’ independence and confidence, and creates a space for friendships to flourish. VLANJ also educates the wider community about the challenges of vision loss and how sighted people can serve as advocates.

The nonprofit’s efforts are needed as the population ages, increasing the number of people with vision loss. The National Eye Institute projects the number of people with visual impairment or blindness in the U.S. will double to more than 8 million by 2050. For more information, visit vlanj.org.

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ABOUT VISION LOSS ALLIANCE OF NEW JERSEY

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) that provides practical training and emotional support to help those who have experienced profound vision loss regain self-esteem and self-reliance. Since its founding in 1943, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has used a holistic approach to empower those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives. Go to vlanj.org for more information.