Diagnosed with Macular Degeneration… Now What (5 of 12) – State Services
Go to this link to order your printed copy of our Low Vision Guide – https://nelowvision.com/product/macular-degeneration-now-what/
So, you have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, now what? Many, when being told they have Macular Degeneration, inaccurately hear, “I’m going blind”, and that can feel like your whole world is collapsing.
It is extremely rare to go completely blind from Macular Degeneration, whether you have either the wet or dry type. If someone tells you that nothing more can be done, that can be very depressing and is often not completely correct. What matters is a better understanding of how to navigate the landscape of the professionals who can assist you with adapting to a world of vision loss.
By the way…. congratulations, you have now become a carpenter! Yes, a carpenter…meaning you now need to assemble a new toolbox of 12-24 new ‘vision-loss’ tools to help you with seeing both near, intermediary and distance objects.
In this 12-part Macular Degeneration Low Vision Guide, I have outlined ideas for you or a loved one to consider when diagnosed Macular Degeneration. It is important to note that not all these action steps are required, but they should be given strong consideration.
#5: State Services – Reach out to ask for help
Be sure that you are in contact with your state services for the blind and low vision. 
Services offered by the state government contributes to providing the highest quality rehabilitation and social services to state residents who are blind, leading to their independence and full community participation.
Most states have at least three (3) divisions of support services:
- The first support service is vocational rehabilitation, where help is tailored to individuals who want to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining, or returning to employment or other useful occupation.
- The second support service is social rehabilitation, where help is geared to those who are not employed—typically seniors or youth—who need assistance to become more independent.
- The third support service is for consumers who are deaf-blind and or legally blind with cognitive issues, where trained professionals are able to assist with a wide variety of support needs.
- State Services are typically the point of entry for vocational and social rehabilitation services for residents who are declared to be legally blind by an eye professional.
It is common that anyone who qualifies for state services will have all technology and training time funded by tax dollars allocated to state services.
<Click here to read about step #4: VA Hospital – Are you a Veteran?>
<Click here to read about step #6: Non-Profit Organization – Make it a priority>
<Click here to learn more about our resources for Federal Agencies.>
<Click here to order your printed copy of this 12-part Resource Book>
<Click here to download a PDF of the entire report.>
About the Author
Scott V. Krug is the President of New England Low Vision and Blindness, a company located in New England, and specializes in bringing hope to people who are low vision or blind through technology, training, and care. Scott has been working in the field of technology and optics for people who are low vision or blind since 1992. Website: NELowVision.com.
