Wolfner Library has a number of helpful books to assist readers in their adjustment to vision loss. Reader Advisor Susan Higgins has assembled this sampler of available titles on the subject.
Cooking without Looking: Food Preparation Methods and Techniques
by Esther Knudson Tipps
Cooking methods and techniques developed through research at the Texas School for the Blind. In addition to recipes, the book gives basic principles of meal planning, marketing, food preparation, table service, and food storage. RC 52505, BR 13478.
Coping with Blindness: Personal Tales of Blindness Rehabilitation
by Alvin Roberts
The author, who is blind, reminisces about his forty years as a rehabilitation counselor, recalling some of his clients and how much he enjoyed being in the field. He also describes learning to live, travel, and work with blindness, based on personal experiences from the 1950s to the 1990s. RC 48786.
Coping with Macular Degeneration: A Guide for Patients and Families to Understanding and Living with Degenerative Vision Disorder
by Ira Marc Price
Discussion of age-related macular degeneration disorder by low-vision specialist at the Helen Keller Services for the Blind in New York and by a visually impaired person's daughter. Describes diagnosis, treatment options, and methods for handling emotional problems. Includes list of agencies, services, and support groups for persons with low vision. RC 56630.
Coping with Vision Loss: Maximizing What You Can See and Do
by Bill G. Chapman
Describes the function of the human eye, major causes of vision loss, coping techniques and equipment, educational aids, and professional sources for assistance when dealing with vision loss. RC 55481.
An Elephant's Ballet: One Man's Struggle with Sudden Blindness
by Robert G. Kemper
Like an elephant trying to dance a ballet, the author learns to deal with sudden blindness. Explores initial and ultimate victory. RC 12401, BR 3979.
A Guide to Independence for the Visually Impaired and Their Families
by Vivian Younger
Written for persons with no vision or low vision and their families and friends, this guide provides basic instructions on how to perform basic tasks of daily living, how to address new and puzzling feelings and fears, how to respond to embarrassing situations, and more. Includes journal notes, organizational checklists, and a resource directory. RC 42674.
How Do I Do This When I Can't See What I'm Doing?
by Gerald Jahoda
Calling upon his own experiences, the author describes how visually impaired persons can gather and process information, including using computers as assistive devices. He also discusses personal information management systems, jobs and leisure activities, daily living, and organizations that assist visually disabled persons. RC 36212, BR 9176.
If Blindness Comes
by Kenneth Jernigan
Defining a “blind person” as one who has to develop so many alternative techniques as to substantially alter his pattern of living, this guide encourages the newly blind to ask “How can I do it?” The history and purpose of the National Federation of the Blind are discussed as are other available services, programs, devices, and employment information. RC 38282.
If Blindness Strikes Don't Strike Out
by Margaret M. Smith
The author, blind since birth, has worked with the visually handicapped since completing her master's degree in journalism. Designed primarily to help blind people cope, the volume is crammed with anecdotes and information that offers the sighted a realistic glimpse into what it is like to live without sight. RC 21060, BR 5858.
Living with Low Vision: A Resource Guide for People with Sight Loss
Offers information on organizations and assistive devices to help people remain independent despite vision loss. Defines basic terms, discusses rehabilitation and other services, and lists organizations and self-help groups for adults and children. RC 46109.
Macular Degeneration: Living Positively with Vision Loss
by Betty Wason
The author, diagnosed with macular degeneration, investigates the symptoms, causes, and current treatments of the condition. She presents case studies of patients, offering coping mechanisms and sources of help. Gives strategies to deal with stress, including diet and exercise. Describes new technology that makes life easier. RC 47973.
Twilight: Losing Sight, Gaining Insight
by Henry Grunwald
Former editor and ambassador describes his life after developing age-related macular degeneration. Shares his research into the disease and discusses medical treatments, assistive devices, and helpful agencies. Deprived of visual experiences, he admits that the emotional effects are profound, but advises disabled people to stay involved in the world. RC 49236.
When the Cook Can't Look
by Ralph Read
The author, who became blind in adulthood, offers safe and easy cooking methods for sightless people, including how to measure ingredients, light the stove, chop onions, and serve and eat gracefully. RC 17940.
You Don't Have to Be Blind to See
by Jim Stovall
The author, blind before the age of thirty as a result of juvenile macular degeneration, encourages others to achieve. Using examples from his own life, Stovall suggests that people can succeed by changing the way they think. He recommends that once a path is decided, people should find mentors to help them along the way. RC 46869, BR 11699.