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Lesson 5: Senior Advice (for students with progressive eye conditions)

Name(s) of students(s):

Age and grade level:

Goal or objective from IEP connected to lesson:

After completion of the lesson, the student will be able to:

  • Identify when it is important to tell an employer about a change in the student’s vision.
  • State at least two things it would be essential to share with an employer about a change in the student’s vision.
  • Identify two resources for support for coping with vision loss.

Materials needed: Note taking device, Internet access, and personal resource file

Discussion: You Can Keep Working

“If you have an unstable or guarded eye condition, you may find yourself dealing with changes in your acuities later in life. Changes in your acuities do not automatically mean you have to leave the workforce. You should, however, be prepared to discuss the changes with your supervisor. You will need to seek out resources to tend to your emotional well being to help you cope with the changes, and you will need to be willing to make certain adjustments to maintain your level of independence. It is up to you to decide to continue to work and do the things you enjoy doing. Have your parents ever told you to listen to those who are older than you – who have been where you are going? During this lesson, you will read several motivational and encouraging stories from people who have adjusted to progressive vision loss.”

Resources for Adjusting to Vision Loss

In addition to the stories you’ll read in the activity below, the following resources offer information on adjusting to vision loss:

Activity 1: Learning From Others

  1. Read What to Tell Your Employer When You’re Losing Your Sight
  2. Read Adjusting my Career to Vision Lossand answer the following questions:
  • What did you find inspiring about Audrey’s story?
  • How did Audrey present herself to employers?
  • How did knowing her rights and being aware of resources benefit Audrey?
  • What is one thing you will take with you from reading Audrey’s story?
  1. Read about how Ben Karpilow overcame changes in his vision and is now a successful attorney, family man and marathon runner.
  • What is one thing you learned from reading Ben’s story that you can apply to your life?
  1. Read Jeremiah Taylor’s story of overcoming sudden vision loss at age 52.
  • How did Jeremiah’s sense of motivation help him?
  • Are you motivated?
  • What can you do to increase your drive and enthusiasm?
  1. Watch this video about a gentleman who did not let his loss of sight stop him from playing golf.
  • What did you learn from Bruce?

 

Progress notes:

 

Goal of next lesson: