Support Groups and Other Resources

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If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition or you have a family member who has, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others to share common concerns, frustrations, and stories. Likewise, support groups can help you find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. Check out Support Groups and the Adjustment Process for more information on support groups. 

APH ConnectCenter Directory of Services 

The APH ConnectCenter Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups and organizations that offer:  

  • counseling and adjustment services,  
  • low vision services,  
  • mobility training,  
  • daily living skills training, and  
  • vocational rehabilitation services. 

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) 

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) lists helpful resources for people with blindness or low vision and their families. The website lists affiliates in each state and those for people with specific interests. Older people who are blind or have low vision may find information of interest through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL). Another special interest affiliate, the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI), focuses on individuals with low vision needs. Offerings include: 

  • support, 
  • resources, 
  • advocacy, 
  • education, 
  • Zoom calls, 
  • publications, and  
  • scholarships. 

Front Porch 

Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol (now under the name Front Porch and formerly known as Senior Center Without Walls) offers:  

  • enrichment,  
  • community,  
  • fun,  
  • support and  
  • learning groups for older adults who may be homebound.  

All groups meet virtually (offering telephone or online access). There is no cost to join or participate. They provide support groups specifically for people who are blind or low vision. Visit their website to check the catalog of offerings, or call 1-877-797-7299 to learn more or register.   

Eye2Eye 

Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program offering:  

  • emotional support,  
  • assessment,  
  • information, and  
  • referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families.  

The program helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision changes, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or low vision. Support is also available in Spanish. Contact:  (833) 932-3931 or email: [email protected]. 

ILVSG 

ILVSG TeleSupport is a support group designed for older adults in the US with low vision who may not have access to the Internet or other in-person groups. The group meets monthly over the phone and has no fees or obligations. Learn more at MD Support — TeleSupport  or call  1-888-866-6148 to get started. 

Family Caregiver Alliance 

The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offers national, state, and local programs to support and sustain caregivers. An online family support group is also available. 

Hadley Institute 

Hadley offers tuition-free distance education courses in various media on topics such as participating in or even initiating self-help groups and dealing with issues related to blindness or low vision. Call 800-323-4238 for help connecting to services, resources, and online discussion groups. 

MATHER 

Mather is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating Ways to Age Well. They offer a variety of virtual programming. Many programs are free but require registration. Examples of programs include  

  • mindfulness and brain health,  
  • movement and dance, and 
  • chair yoga. 

Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) 

The Foundation Fighting Blindness has chapters nationwide providing education and connections to low vision resources. 

National Federation of the Blind Seniors 

The National Federation of the Blind Seniors Initiative is a learning peer support group. They reach out to seniors experiencing vision changes, empowering them to use their talents and abilities, learn effective strategies for living independently, and acquire a positive attitude about living with blindness or low vision.  

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides support groups and a telephone hotline. Call 800-950-6264 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Senior Center Without Walls 

Several organizations offer this type of programming throughout the country. For example: Senior Centers Without Walls | Neighborhood and Community Services (fairfaxcounty.gov) and Senior Center Without Walls | Sowega Council on Aging (sowegacoa.org). 

Social Call (a Front Porch Program) 

Social Call is a Front Porch program connecting adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants to build friendships through weekly calls. This free service is a great way to socialize and connect when you can’t get out in your community. To get started, visit the Social Call website or call 1-877-797-7299. Front Porch also offers a home matching program in the California Bay area for individuals who want to share housing. 

Vision Exchange 

Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders facilitating support groups for adults with blindness or low vision. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with blindness or low vision remain independent. 

Learn More 

Support Groups – ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org) 

Finding Support – ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org) 

Starting and Maintaining a Vision Loss Support Group (second-sense.org)