The Aging Eyes Initiative partners with community programs and organizations throughout Minnesota to help seniors adjust to vision loss by providing:
We provide training and resources to community partners at no charge. Training includes a three-hour course with CEUs. Upon completion, partners are able to:
A wide variety of senior-service organizations can become community partners. Here are a few examples of our current partners:
Once trained, partners sign a Community Partner Agreement of Understanding with SSB and receive a kit of low-vision aids and devices to be given to seniors at no charge. Kits include:
20/20 pens | Bold-Line ½ Paper | Check Writing Guide | Signature Guide |
Needle Threader | Large Print Calendar | Large Print Cross Word/Word Search | Large Print Playing Cards |
Bump Dots for Kitchen and Appliances | Large Print-Kitchen Timer | Keychain Talking Clock | 3X illuminated Pocket Magnifier |
Indoor/Outdoor Sunglasses | Resources for Vision Aids Sources | Amsler Grid | Communication Center Form (NLS, TBP. RTB) |
State Services for the Blind was honored to receive a Minnesota State Innovation in Government Award in recognition of our Aging Eyes Initiative. The initiative provides training and a kit of low vision aids and devices to community members who work with seniors. These community partners can then provide practical assistance to seniors in the early stages of vision loss. The awards, organized by the Humphrey Institute's Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center and the Bush Foundation highlight innovative projects that improve the lives of Minnesotans. The award sponsors showcased the work of the Aging Eyes Initiative in a short video.
Watch it with Audio Description (or with captions). Read the transcript.
These forms help partners work with clients and communicate with SSB.
If you provide services to seniors in your community and would like to assist seniors experiencing vision loss, join our growing network of community partners. Email us at aging.eyes@state.mn.us, call us at 651-539-2276 or complete the form below and we'll contact you.