Helen Keller Services has unveiled a new free online course designed to help older adults and their caregivers adapt to combined hearing and vision loss with the help of technology.

This course explores how adaptive devices, software, and apps can optimize remaining hearing and/or vision. Current technologies are user-friendly, and many can be accessed without purchasing new equipment, the organization says.

The course, “Confident Living with Hearing and Vision Technology: A Resource for Older Adults with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss”, is designed to enable students to:

  • Better understand hearing and vision loss and best identify their needs.
  • Develop an awareness of technology that is currently available and may be helpful.
  • Understand the roles of various providers of services that can help with choosing and obtaining technology.

The resource, which was funded by the Consumer Technology Association, includes three main modules that focus on being an informed consumer, reading, and hearing.

The mission of Helen Keller Services is to help individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have additional disabilities, to develop independence and to participate actively in their communities, and to provide public education and blindness prevention programs. The agency also operates the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults.

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