Sight Through Support: Helen Keller Services Partners with Nassau County to Empower Seniors Experiencing Vision Loss
The new "Sight Through Support" program creates a welcoming space where seniors experiencing vision loss can connect and learn practical strategies to maintain independence.
Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Nassau County Office for the Aging and EAC Network to bring crucial vision support services directly to seniors in our community. The new “Sight Through Support” (STS) program launched on February 5, 2025, at the Hempstead Senior Center, creating a welcoming space where seniors experiencing vision loss can connect, learn, and thrive.
Meeting a Critical Community Need
As the population ages, the number of seniors facing vision challenges continues to grow. According to recent statistics, approximately 27.8% of adults 71 years and older have some form of visual impairment. For many, these changes can threaten independence and quality of life, leading to isolation and decreased engagement in once-enjoyed activities.
“Vision changes shouldn’t mean giving up the activities you love,” explains Liz Sergi, Clinical Director of Social Work at HKSB, who leads the weekly sessions. “Through Sight Through Support, we’re creating a community where seniors can share experiences while learning practical strategies to maintain their independence and confidence.”
The visit was a key component of their National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded study titled “Spatial Localization with Vision and Hearing Loss,” which investigates how combined hearing and vision loss impacts an individual’s ability to navigate their environment and locate objects and people—fundamental skills for independent living and community engagement.
A Comprehensive Approach to Vision Support
The STS group meets every Wednesday from 1:30-3:00 pm at the Hempstead Senior Center, located at Union Baptist Church in Hempstead. Each session combines social connection with practical education, offering peer connection, and resources for maintaining independence. The group covers communication methods, available resources, and emotional support for adjusting to vision changes.
“What makes this program unique is its blend of peer support and professional expertise,” notes Sergi. “Participants benefit not only from HKSB’s specialized knowledge but also from the shared wisdom of others navigating similar challenges.”
Building on a Legacy of Senior Support
This new initiative complements HKSB’s established Adaptive Living Program for Seniors, which has been providing personalized in-home support to adults 55 and older throughout the tri-state area. The Adaptive Living Program brings HKSB’s expertise directly to seniors’ homes through home environment assessments and modifications, training on adaptive techniques for daily living, orientation and mobility instruction for safe navigation, low vision evaluations and equipment recommendations, and communication training to maintain connections with loved ones.
“Our partnership with Nassau County Office for the Aging allows us to extend our reach even further,” says Jeff Kunkel, Chief of Programs at Helen Keller Services for the Blind. “By combining our specialized vision services with the County’s extensive senior network, we can ensure more older adults maintain their independence and quality of life despite vision changes.”
Community Recognition and Support
The impact of these vital services was recently highlighted in the February 2025 newsletter from Nassau County Office for the Aging, which featured HKSB’s comprehensive programs for seniors experiencing vision loss. This recognition underscores the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing the needs of our aging population.
This partnership exemplifies the commitment to creating pathways to independence at every stage of life. Helen Keller Services is grateful to Nassau County Office for the Aging for featuring their work and for being such a wonderful partner in serving the community.
Join the Community
The Sight Through Support group welcomes new participants each week. Seniors experiencing vision changes, as well as their family members and caregivers, are encouraged to attend. Transportation assistance may be available through Nassau County’s transportation services.
For more information about Sight Through Support or to register for upcoming sessions, please contact Nancy at 516-758-2534.
To learn more about Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s comprehensive services for seniors, including our Adaptive Living Program, Low Vision Clinic, and rehabilitation services, visit our website at www.HelenKeller.org or call our Nassau County office at 516-485-1234.
