Suchergebnisse

An analysis of the annual reports of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind from 1966 to 1975 and examination of numbers registered with the Commission from 1976 and 1977 revealed a 69 percent increase in the registered population for these 12 years. From 1966 to 1972 the rate of increase was about 3 percent per year, and from 1972 has been about 7 percent per year. Most of the increase results from growth in the population of people age 75 and older. The main cause of blindness has become macular and retinal degeneration and an increasing number of blind people suffer from multiple affections.

A needs assessment was conducted to measure perceived unmet needs of the blind population of Massachusetts. Some 1,050 client interviews were conducted, using a sample stratified by age and region. The results indicated that the highest needs were for instruments specifically designed for the blind, such as low vision devices and the Optacon; transportation services, especially public transit and volunteer drivers; recreation services; training in daily living procedures; and medical health care. Very little need was expressed for personal or family counseling services, and there was relatively little need for housing services.