By Rev. Dr. Christian Frazier
The entertainment industry holds immense potential in positively impacting the mental health of individuals with visual impairments. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to a lack of resources and awareness. In this blog, we'll explore the current state of entertainment accessibility for the visually impaired, the neuroscience behind its benefits, and propose actionable solutions to make entertainment more inclusive.
Visual and Hearing Disability Statistics
Approximately 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with 39 million being blind and 246 million having low vision. In the United States alone, about 4.2 million people aged 40 and older are visually impaired. Hearing disabilities also affect a significant portion of the population, with about 466 million people globally having disabling hearing loss.
Resource Scarcity in Certain States
While some regions offer substantial support for people with visual and hearing impairments, others lag far behind. States like North Carolina, for example, have limited resources, which can lead to feelings of isolation and neglect among the visually impaired community.
The Neuroscience of Entertainment for the Visually Impaired
Watching older movies can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments. From a neuroscience perspective, the brain's plasticity allows it to adapt and respond to sensory input differently. Listening to movies can enhance imagination and memory, as the brain compensates for the lack of visual input by strengthening other neural pathways.
Audio description in new movies plays a crucial role in creating new neural pathways. It fosters creativity and imagination by providing a verbal illustration of the visual elements, allowing visually impaired individuals to form a mental picture of the scenes.
Proposed Solutions
1. Audio Description Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that audio description equipment is regularly checked, maintained, and cleaned is vital. This would prevent incidents like those experienced by my brother in North Carolina, where the lack of functioning equipment leads to a frustrating experience.
2. Bluetooth Technology Integration: Offering Bluetooth technology would allow visually impaired patrons to use their own devices to access audio descriptions, enhancing their movie-going experience.
3. Online Ticketing with Accessibility Options: Implementing an option for audio description on online ticketing platforms can alert staff beforehand, ensuring that the necessary equipment is prepared and functional.
4. Daily Maintenance Checklists: Making audio description equipment checks part of daily maintenance routines can greatly reduce the likelihood of equipment failure.
5. Awareness and Training for Staff: Educating cinema staff about the importance and operation of audio description equipment is essential for providing an inclusive experience.
Broader Social Support Needs
Beyond entertainment, there's a pressing need for expanded affordable housing and workforce training programs for the visually impaired. Many states offer minimal support, and the often insufficient social security benefits do not cover basic living costs. This financial strain, coupled with the lack of accessible entertainment, can exacerbate mental health issues.
The entertainment industry has the power to aid in the enhancement of the mental health for the visually impaired significantly. By implementing the aforementioned solutions and ensuring greater inclusivity, we can transform the entertainment experience for visually impaired individuals, making it a source of joy rather than frustration. It's time for us to recognize and address the needs of this often overlooked community, ensuring that no one feels like a "throw-away" in our society.
The Southeastern United States offers a variety of services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These services range from educational resources to vocational training, and from support groups to technological assistance. We need expanded funding in all of these agencies.
Here's a list of some key services available in this region:
1. State-Specific Rehabilitation Services
- Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS): Offers vocational rehabilitation, children's services, and independent living skills training.
- Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency: Provides counseling, training, and job placement services for the blind.
- Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind: Offers a range of services including education, rehabilitation, and employment assistance.
2. Non-Profit Organizations
- Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision (Florida): Provides training, education, and employment services.
- Center for the Visually Impaired (Georgia): Offers support and training in adaptive technology, mobility, and life skills.
- Sight Savers America (Alabama): Focuses on providing low vision services to children.
3. Support and Advocacy Groups
- National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Chapters: Active in many Southeastern states, providing advocacy and support.
- American Council of the Blind (ACB) State Affiliates: Offer peer support, advocacy, and information.
4. Educational Resources
- Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind: Offers education tailored for visually impaired students.
- Georgia Academy for the Blind: Provides specialized educational programs.
5. Vocational Training and Employment Assistance
- Blind Enterprises of Alabama: Focuses on providing employment and training opportunities.
- Louisiana Center for the Blind: Offers training in skills for independence and employment.
6. Assistive Technology and Resources
- Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Provides access to assistive technology and training.
- South Carolina Commission for the Blind: Offers technology assistance and training programs.
7. Independent Living Programs
- Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services: Offers programs to assist in living independently.
- North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind: Provides independent living services for seniors and adults.
8. Recreational and Cultural Opportunities
- Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired: Offers recreational programs and cultural experiences.
9. Library Services
- Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: Located in various states, providing accessible reading materials.
10. Transportation and Mobility Training
- Southeastern Guide Dogs (Florida): Trains and provides guide dogs for the visually impaired.
- Mobility Training Programs: Offered by various organizations to enhance navigation skills.
Each Southeastern state has its own array of services tailored to the needs of the blind and visually impaired community. These services aim to promote independence, education, employment, and a higher quality of life. It's advisable to contact the specific service providers for more detailed information and eligibility criteria.
In North Carolina, there are several services and resources specifically designed to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These services range from educational programs to vocational rehabilitation, and from support networks to technology assistance. Here's a list of some of the key services available in North Carolina:
1. North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Helps individuals find employment suited to their skills and capabilities.
Independent Living Services: Aims to assist in improving or maintaining independence in daily living.
Medical Eye Care Services: Provides certain medical services to prevent blindness and restore vision.
2. Governor Morehead School for the Blind
An educational institution in Raleigh providing K-12 education for visually impaired students.
3. North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Offers a wide range of materials in braille, large print, and audio formats.
4. Metrolina Association for the Blind
Offers services including vision rehabilitation, employment, and support services for people with visual impairments in the Charlotte area.
5. Industries for the Blind
Located in Asheville and Winston-Salem, this organization provides employment and training for people who are blind or visually impaired.
6. Lions Services Inc.
Based in Charlotte, they offer vocational training and employment opportunities for people with visual impairments.
7. North Carolina Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NCAPVI)
Provides support and resources for parents of children who are blind or visually impaired.
8. Prevent Blindness North Carolina
Focuses on preventing blindness and preserving sight through various programs and services.
9. Technology Assistance Programs
These programs offer training and access to assistive technologies that enhance independence and quality of life.
10. Support Groups and Community Organizations
There are various local support groups and organizations that provide peer support, recreational activities, and community engagement opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
These services collectively contribute to the support system available for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in North Carolina, helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives. It is recommended to directly contact these organizations for more specific information, eligibility criteria, and to understand the full range of services they offer.
Rev. Dr. Christian Frazier
Former Chair of the BIPOC Committee Zero Suicide Alliance
Member National Council of Wellbeing
Former Board Member NAMI Hillsborough
Board Member LifeLine University
Mental Health First Aid Instructor St. Petersburg College
Motivational / KeyNote Speaker
Certified Life Coach
Certified Health & Nutrition Coach
Mindfulness Meditation Instructor
Executive Coach
Ordained Minister