Special Needs of Persons with Achromatopsia


Following is a list of topics with which the publications for the Achromatopsia Network are concerned.
  • The ways in which hypersensitivity to light has affected our lives
  • Ways to cope with the changing levels of visual impairment that occur for achromats due to changes in the factors of illumination
  • Options in tinted lenses for coping with hypersensitivity to light
  • Designing home and work spaces to meet the special needs of achromats
  • Effective communication with others about how we see, when we need assistance, and what kinds of assistance we need in various situations
  • Coping with reading, writing, and other visually oriented tasks
  • Ways in which our colorblindness affects our experiences, our options, and our participation in various kinds of activities
  • Color concepts and communicating with others about color
  • Coping with tasks that involve color identification or color coordinating
  • Concerns about the visible manifestations of achromatopsia (squinting, blinking, nystagmus, etc.) and about wearing sunglasses
  • Maximizing the use and enjoyment of our normal rod vision -- at twilight, at night, or indoors with favorable lighting
  • Social and psychological aspects of having achromatopsia
  • Ways in which having achromatopsia can affect relationships and dating
  • Ways in which having achromatopsia can affect parenting experiences; coping with the challenges of being a visually impaired parent
  • Experiences with vision care professionals, organizations, agencies, programs, and services for the blind and visually impaired
  • Coming to terms with "labels" such as "legally blind" and "disabled"
  • Coping with (1) the visual stress of achromatopsia, (2) the overall stress of having to manage with limited vision, and (3) neck, shoulder, and back tension.
  • Obtaining equal access to educational opportunities and all public accommodations, including access to printed information and signage
  • Special accommodations in school settings at all levels
  • Optical aids for use with near vision tasks as well as distance vision
  • Special needs of achromats in terms of orientation and mobility -- skills, strategies, and O & M resources networkers have used
  • Vocational options and career counseling for persons with achromatopsia
  • Special accommodations in the workplace
  • Adaptive devices and adaptive methods used in the activities of daily living and in sports and other recreational activities
  • Other ways in which having achromatopsia affects our lives

About the Book, Understanding and Coping with Achromatopsia

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