Difference between revisions of "Visual Impairment"
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| − | == Definitions and Scope == | + | ==Definitions and Scope== |
| + | ===Target Population: Visually-Impaired Individuals=== | ||
| + | The World Health Organization '''defines''' “low vision” as visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/400, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. “Blindness” is defined as a visual acuity worse than 20/400, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 10 degrees or less. [http://ophthalmology.pitt.edu/vision-impairment/what-vision-impairment#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organization%20defines,of%2010%20degrees%20or%20less. <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>]Common '''forms''' of vision impairment include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and refractive errors. Vision impairment is n'''ot limited''' to total blindness. | ||
| − | + | The VI community have ways to '''navigate''' in this sighted world. Sighted guides, guide dogs, and assistive tools such as white cane and braille are some examples. In '''Singapore''', there are additional steps done to create a more VI-friendly space. One example would be public transportation. All existing MRT stations have at least one barrier-free route, ramps and lifts. In addition, visually-impaired commuters can use the braille plates in station elevators and the tactile paving on the ground to navigate from MRT entrance to platform. Station names and instructions for transfer are announced at every train stop. [https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/getting-around/accessibility/ <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>] | |
| − | [ | ||
===Client Segments=== | ===Client Segments=== | ||
| − | + | Vision impairment can affect anyone, from newborns to elderly, and depending on the kind of vision impairment, the need for assistance and usage of tools also differ across individuals. | |
| + | |||
| + | There are local '''organisations''' that work with the VI community, with different target groups and goals. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) [https://savh.org.sg/ <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) believes in empowering the VI individuals and build their confidence to travel independently and safely, through the pairing of VI individuals with guide dogs. [https://guidedogs.org.sg/guide-dogs/guide-dog-programme/ <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>] | ||
===Size of the Problem=== | ===Size of the Problem=== | ||
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[If we have no conception of what counts as a ‘good death’, ‘social inclusion’, ‘engaged youth’ , then it would not be possible to determine whether our policies and services are performing well] | [If we have no conception of what counts as a ‘good death’, ‘social inclusion’, ‘engaged youth’ , then it would not be possible to determine whether our policies and services are performing well] | ||
| − | == Needs of | + | ==Needs of the Visually-Impaired Community== |
| − | |||
---- | ---- | ||
| − | ==== Need for [ insert description ] | + | ====Need for [ insert description ]==== |
[Needs should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify] | [Needs should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify] | ||
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| − | ==== Need for [ insert description ] | + | ====Need for [ insert description ]==== |
'''Existing Resources''' | '''Existing Resources''' | ||
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| − | ==== Need for [ insert description ] | + | ====Need for [ insert description ]==== |
'''Existing Resources''' | '''Existing Resources''' | ||
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| − | ==== Need for [ insert description ] | + | ====Need for [ insert description ]==== |
'''Existing Resources''' | '''Existing Resources''' | ||
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'''Existing Resources''' | '''Existing Resources''' | ||
Latest revision as of 09:21, 1 November 2022
Contents
Definitions and Scope
Target Population: Visually-Impaired Individuals
The World Health Organization defines “low vision” as visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/400, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. “Blindness” is defined as a visual acuity worse than 20/400, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 10 degrees or less. [1]Common forms of vision impairment include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and refractive errors. Vision impairment is not limited to total blindness.
The VI community have ways to navigate in this sighted world. Sighted guides, guide dogs, and assistive tools such as white cane and braille are some examples. In Singapore, there are additional steps done to create a more VI-friendly space. One example would be public transportation. All existing MRT stations have at least one barrier-free route, ramps and lifts. In addition, visually-impaired commuters can use the braille plates in station elevators and the tactile paving on the ground to navigate from MRT entrance to platform. Station names and instructions for transfer are announced at every train stop. [2]
Client Segments
Vision impairment can affect anyone, from newborns to elderly, and depending on the kind of vision impairment, the need for assistance and usage of tools also differ across individuals.
There are local organisations that work with the VI community, with different target groups and goals.
The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) [3]
Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) believes in empowering the VI individuals and build their confidence to travel independently and safely, through the pairing of VI individuals with guide dogs. [4]
Size of the Problem
[Size of the universe (size of total potential need/demand for services)] [Size of expressed need (those receiving services and on waitlist)]
Desired impact for target group
[If we have no conception of what counts as a ‘good death’, ‘social inclusion’, ‘engaged youth’ , then it would not be possible to determine whether our policies and services are performing well]
Needs of the Visually-Impaired Community
Need for [ insert description ]
[Needs should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify]
[Also indicate the size of this specific need & projected demand were data is available]
Existing Resources
[e.g. existing services or programmes both private or public; relevant policies and legislation]
Gaps and Their Causes
[Some gaps could be due to 1) capacity of solution to meet size & projected demand, 2) quality of solution (effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, scalability etc.), 3) accessibility (geographical, cost to client)]
Possible Solutions
[Based on the specific gaps and reasons for those gaps, what might be solutions that can help? Insert existing but untapped resources, or new ideas that have not been considered yet]
Need for [ insert description ]
Existing Resources
Gaps and Their Causes
Possible Solutions
Need for [ insert description ]
Existing Resources
Gaps and Their Causes
Possible Solutions
Need for [ insert description ]
Existing Resources
Gaps and Their Causes
Possible Solutions
Need for [ insert description ]
Existing Resources
Gaps and Their Causes
Possible Solutions
Resource Directory
[Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)]
[Dialogue in the Dark Singapore (DID)]
https://www.np.edu.sg/dialogueinthedark/Pages/default.aspx
[Lions SaveSight Centre]
http://lionsclubs.org.sg/health-programs/lions-savesight-centre/