As a low vision Occupational Therapist one of the most common questions I get from my clients is “Have you seen anyone with vision this bad before?” or “Do you see eyes like mine often?” Many clients feel that they are alone in their vision loss and want to know that there are people like them struggling with the same things they are struggling with.
Peer-to-peer interactions are one of the biggest benefits I have seen come out of activities and programs we provide whether it be attending our Tech workshops, getting together for peer support groups, or at our Silver Retreats.
Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Interactions
Decreased Isolation– One of the biggest benefits of the peer-to-peer interactions I have found is the ability for clients to realize they are not alone. There are others having the same struggles and issues that they are having.
Group Problem Solving –Getting together with others that are struggling with similar issues as you can be a great collaboration in problem solving those issues. Additionally, sharing ideas and techniques that have worked for one client may also work for someone else. The sharing of ideas allows each client to feel connected to one another.
Growing a Support Network – As clients share information and connect with each other it allows them to expand their own support network and have someone to reach out to if they need to talk. The added benefit is that the other person they are reaching out to is going through the same the same types of struggles.
To learn more about our Peer Support Group and additional services we offer to adults who are blind and visually impaired, please click here.
About the Author: Nick Brigham is an Occupational Therapist at Future In Sight.