Concord-based nonprofit forms advisory board to address needs of a growing disability

The New Hampshire Association for the Blind today announced the appointment of a Seacoast Advisory Board to expand its statewide mission of providing training, rehabilitation, and services to those experiencing vision loss, or who are blind or visually impaired.

According to Association president George Theriault, forming an advisory committee to raise the organization’s profile on the Seacoast will help expand services to a growing market, despite limited resources.

“People are living longer, so vision loss is rapidly becoming a challenge many seniors (and their families) will face,” Theriault said. “By reaching out to and involving members of the Seacoast community, the Association hopes to develop creative, long-range approaches to raising awareness of this reality and the range of solutions we offer.”

The Association offers clients such services as: individual and family counseling; daily living strategies for cooking, reading, and recreation; training on low-vision devices; orientation and mobility instruction; and providing in-home visitors and/or drivers through its extensive network of volunteers.

Theriault and Association colleague Denise Caruso, a Low-Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, will offer guidance to Seacoast Advisory Board, whose members include: Louise Benotti (Clipper Harbor of Portsmouth Care & Rehabilitation Center); Beth Forgione (Liberty Mutual); Dr. Gordan Hand (Ophthalmologist, New Castle), Kathy Hayes (Ocean Bank); Stephanie Hurd (Association Volunteer Coordinator); Andrew Leibs (disability writer); and Carol Sherwin (Association volunteer).

About the New Hampshire Association for the Blind

The New Hampshire Association for the Blind provides support and advocates for accessibility to services, information, and adaptive technologies that augment independent living for those with vision loss. NHAB provides assistance through in-home visits and the McGreal Sight Center in Concord. Association news and program information is available at www.sightcenter.org.