Over 3.3 million people in the United States are either legally blind or visually impaired. There are many causes and reasons why one might be visually impaired. Some are simply born with vision related issues. Most lose their vision later in life due to age related diseases, diabetes, accidents and other health reasons. Anyone who has experienced vision loss, knows it is devastating and life changing. Simple day to day tasks, which you never thought about must now be relearned. Things you take for granted such as just walking down the street are now a challenge and intimidating.

iChallenged, Inc. was established to assist those with visual impairments meet their full potential in life. For some it might be as simple as correcting their blurred vision or learning new tools to communicate. For others it may be the assistance needed to control an eye infection or control eye pressure or assistance in learning to cope with recent vision loss or learning new technology to aid in developing employment skills to continue providing for their family.

iCHALLENGED PROVIDES IMPORTANT SERVICES

Regardless of your situation we are here to help you. We provide the following services and programs primarily in southeastern Michigan and throughout the state.

• Assistance with obtaining referrals for vision related health care and services
• Assistance coping with vision loss
• Advocacy through making people aware of state and non-profit programs available to assist you
• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Job Skills Assessments
• Assistive Technology Instruction
• Job in jeopardy intervention

A person who has recently lost his sight often goes through a grieving process similar to when a loved one dies. The process typically consists of five stages:

• Shock and denial
• Anger
• Ambivalence
• Depression
• Recovery

Not everyone experiences these emotions in the same way or in the same order. They may move in and out of a phase more than once, even experiencing more than one phase at a time. It is a difficult and long process.

If you or a loved one is experiencing vision loss and need assistance, please contact the Director of Outreach and Special Services at iChallenged today at (313) 910-4882, send an email to John Whitacre (john.whitacre@ichallenged.org) and one of our staff will contact you to discuss your situation and how best we may be able to help.

A Quote from one of our instructors: Since I myself am blind I must mention that blindness is simply an inconvenience. I hope that I encouraged my students to dream big, and then to work with vigor and confidence to make those dreams a reality.Ted Lennox.