Optical Prism October 2014 | Page 34

continued from page 31 SUPPORT SYSTEM FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF PEOPLE WITH VISION LOSS CAN OFTEN EXPERIENCE THE SAME LEVEL OF FRUSTRATION AS THOSE DEALING WITH THIS DIFFICULT CHANGE. THE CNIB OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE AROUND A VISION LOSS SUFFERER ON HOW TO COPE. - Whether you're working in a facility or assisting someone in their own home, be sensitive to the fact that you're on their 'turf.' Don't move things around or make adjustments without consent from the person with vision loss. - Ask what the person needs before stepping in with your own ideas. Talk about what you think would be helpful, but always start with what the person with vision loss identifies as most important to them. - Adjusting to vision loss takes time. Quite often, people with vision loss find it hard to ask for assistance out of embarrassment, frustration or fear of &V