Low Vision Network Texas

Support groups/clubs are time-tested opportunities for linking people with similar experiences.  Support groups have the ability to increase self-advocacy and awareness and other opportunities for mentoring and social support.  In addition, the availability of support groups increases independence, decreases social isolation and provides the important opportunity to share experiences and resources to facilitate the process of adjustment to vision loss.

  LVNT represents persons throughout the state who facilitate groups or are interested in forming a group in their local communities. Facilitators are typically older adults who have personally made an adjustment to reduced vision and are aware of the benefit of a peer support experience.  The focus of the LVNT will be on community capacity building.  In the future, the intent will be that these elements will converge and result in local groups developing the capacity to deliver information and group training in their communities.  We hope that a network of groups throughout the state will become a partner with the Texas Commission for the blind in providing services to older Texans who are blind or severely visually impaired.  The mission statement of the LVNT is that:

The Low Vision Network of Texas is a non-profit organization linking support groups for the Blind and Visually impaired throughout Texas .  It provides an opportunity for an open exchange of ideas as well as access to resources that will enhance the independent Living and Self-advocacy Skills of individuals with vision loss.

  The LVNT plans to fulfill the mission statement by accomplishing the following goals:

• Assist existing support groups and clubs to sustain themselves via list serve, leadership training & other methods.
  
• Assist individuals to start new support groups and clubs to program ideas and sources for speakers.
  
• Have an annual conference and training of topics related to promoting independent living and self-advocacy for blind and visually impaired adults.
  
• Provide regional outreach and leadership training opportunities to encourage formation of new support groups and clubs.
  
• The LVNT can help by providing: Experienced group leaders to facilitate a sharing environment.

About the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

Low Vision Network Texas
Please Call (888) 760 9252 for information about
Low Vision Network Texas