Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible for services at DAB?
A. DAB programs and services are designed for any person who is legally blind or severely visually impaired in the State of Delaware. Programs are offered for both children and adults.
Q. Is there a fee for DAB’s services?
A. It depends on the program. Some of DAB’s programs are funded by grants or fundraising events and we are able to offer them at no cost. Other programs, like our recreational trips, require a fee to offset costs of transportation, tickets and admission. It is best to call to inquire about program fees.
Q. Is DAB a state agency?
A. No, DAB is a private, nonprofit agency that receives funding from a variety of sources such as the United Way; State Grant-In-Aid; grants from the State of Delaware; foundations; annual appeals; fundraising events; contributions from individuals, local Lions Clubs and corporations; as well as charitable trusts and bequests.
Q. Is DAB affiliated with other organizations, agencies or Associations for the Blind?
A. No. DAB is an autonomous, private nonprofit agency. The words “Association for the Blind” are used by many organizations as it is synonymous with services for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Q. How do I become enrolled in DAB program?
A. Simply call us and we will assist you with necessary information to qualify you for services. Some programs require that you complete a registration form while others require a direct referral from DVI (Division for the Visually Impaired).
Q. What is Visual Impairment?
A. According to the World Health Organization Visual Impairment may be mild or severe, but in each case visual performance does not meet the individual's needs. A person is considered to be “visually impaired” when he/she has a visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye with best correction, or a visual field of 140 degrees or less in the better eye.
Q. What is Legal Blindness?
A. The federal government developed the term “legal blindness” in the 1930’s to classify persons who would be eligible for certain benefits. The term legal blindness consists of two parts 1.) when the best vision obtained in the better eye, is 20/200 or less, or 2.) When, despite the activity attained the field of vision of the better eye is 20 degrees or less. A person can be considered legally blind if they meet either criterion. A person can have perfect 20/20 vision and still be considered legally blind if they have a field loss of 20 degrees or less. (Section 34 (Y) (2) of the Revenue Act of 1944)
Q. What is Severe Visual Impairment?
A. A person, whose visual acuity is between 20/70 and 20/200 with correction, is considered to have severe visual impairment. Ordinary eye glasses, contact lenses or intraocular lens implants may not be able to fully correct the vision for people considered to have severe visual impairment. Reduced central reading vision is often common for people with severe visual impairment. However, low vision may also result from decreased side (peripheral) vision loss, a reduction of loss of color vision, or the eye’s inability to properly adjust to light, contrast or glare.
Q. I am struggling with my vision loss. How can DAB be of help to me?
A. Talking to others in similar situations is often highly therapeutic for people with vision loss. We offer a peer support program consisting of on- on-one telephone support and local support groups to adults who are having difficulty dealing emotionally with vision loss. Though we cannot restore a person’s vision, learning to cope with visual impairment will improve your outlook and ability to continue to enjoy life and pursue goals despite vision loss.
Q. What type of aids and devices are available through the Low Vision Products Center?
A. Our center features a wide variety of household aids and devices which can make tasks of daily living much easier to handle for those who are blind or visually impaired.
Q. Should all blind people use a guide dog?
A. No, some people who are blind or visually impaired use dog guides; however, they are not appropriate for everyone. The dogs do not lead an individual at will; they rely on commands and signals. Dogs can be time consuming and not all blind people want the responsibility of owning an animal. Using a dog guide differs than using a cane in that the dog guide user does not contact the environment as a cane user does. The dog leads the person around obstacles and thus the person may not recognize what those obstacles are. A cane user on the other hand, contacts the obstacles and will be able to identify what they are when passing them.
Q. I don't know what to do when I meet a blind person. How should I act?
A. Blindness does not affect a person’s hearing, so when talking with a blind/visually impaired person, use a normal speaking voice. Do not be alarmed if the person does not make eye contact. If you wish to talk with the person, address them specifically, as they may be unable to distinguish facial expression or body signals. When talking to a blind person, it is acceptable to use everyday words such as “see or look.” This will not offend a blind person. Just relax and be yourself. This will put the blind person at ease as well. To give a disabled person a feeling of dignity, do not assume that a person needs help, always ask before offering assistance.
Q. How do I make a donation to the Delaware Association for the Blind?
A. There are several ways to donate to DAB. You can go to the Donate link on our website to make an online donation. You can also mail and check or make a credit card donation over the telephone. If you need assistance, you can call us at 1-302-655-2111 or 1-888-777-3925.
