The Ottawa Journal from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • Page 35

fcUik viitiA mm ism mm CD '-45? MAINS PRINTS Beautiful Summer Selection 100 POLYESTER, Machine Washable BouClair Regular bfctoutrt Prices Plains 2.29 Prints 2.98 5W I i 33i i -tii ii The Ottawa Journal 35 SILVER and GOLD Tuesdoy, May 20, 1975 Helping the blind fight loneliness Vision is something most of us take for granted, but it's often the very thing the aging process preys upon. Blindness or deteriorating vision aren't simple problems to overcome, especially when they strike later in life. Annette Gelineau can tell you all about it. She can also help newly blind persons adjust to their handicaps. Mrs.

Gelineau had partial vision until she was 42. Hien, she became completely blind But her handicap didn't stop her from continuing her dual careers teaching the blind and raising four children. Today, as rehabilitation officer for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Mrs. Gelineau visits nursing homes, senior citizens lodges and apartments, as well as private homes, to help afflicted individuals adjust to blindness. She also lectures counsellors, doctors, nurses and care staff at nursing homes, hospitals and lodges on rehabilitation methods for persons.

Mrs. Gelineau's arts and crafts program at Letson Hall on McLeod Street has attracted interest at the Good Companions Club, one of Ottawa's largest senior citizens groups. "It is important for a blind person to keep up with his or her former activities," said Mrs. Gelineau, explaining the crafts she teaches. "If a person knitted before, he can still knit," she said.

"It's not done overnight, but it is there will be qualms and quarries for awhile. Crafts made by sighted persons can be made by blind persons with some modifications, Mrs. Gelineau added. Her rehabilitation program, which- is- available to persons of all ages, not only senior citizens, has practical aspects too. The program includes the teaching of Braille, a reading method for blind persons; typing; indoor mobility; and daily living skills such as cooking, kitchen organization, vacuuming, and dusting.

Friends, relatives and those responsible for the care of a newly blind person should encourage independence. "I tell hospital and nursing home staff to familiarize the patient with his room, show him how to open and shut the window, find the washroom and dining room, and adjust the radiator," said Mrs. Gali-neau. "This makes the patient less lonely and more independent." There is no being on earth 'who won't get up and do something, she added with a laugh. "Motivation is a necessity," Mrs.

Gelineau said. Hospital staff should be made aware of the patient's blindness through a bed chart, advised the CNIB worker. Often sighted persons fail to recognize blindness in others. The family of a newly blind join Get ready for summer! HUNDREDS OF CLASSES! There's a class near you. OTTAWA Wesley United Church Main Graham Strtvtf, Monday.

7.30 p.m. Woodroffe United Church 307 Weodrtffa Avntut, Wwiimday, 7.30 p.m. General Vanier School 1035 HartiiMU Avni, Monday, 7.30 p.m. HAWKUBVaV Hawkesbury United Church Tuxday, 7.30 pjn. FO fURTHf INFORMATION PHONI 725 with Canadian Family Meal Plan Try Counterweight Foods lor the calorie-conscious Available at your supermarket.

0 Carol Dor an persons should help the patient re-adjust to surroundings when he or she returns from the hospital. "Pick a landmark' in the house and show the blind persons where everything is from that point," suggested CNlB's rehabilitation officer. Blind persons need assistance climbing stairs until they become familiarized. The newly blind person should have a radio, she notes. A Braille clock also helps.

A sightless person can feel the position of hands and digits to tell time, even without knowledge of Braille. Mrs. Gelineau considers herself a resource person to senior citizens' homes where she has lectured, but points out that she benefits from their programs too. "When I do this type of address, I come back with new ideas for our environment at CNrB," she said. "My visits sometimes give blind persons some motivation." Mrs, Gelineau also conducts a twice a month craft class at the McLeod Street CNIB location.

Many of her students are residents there, but others take advantage of special transportation to come to the centre from the community. "We do nearly every type of craft from toy making and basketry to sculpting," she said. "Everything is done step by step but it depends oh the person how long it takes to learn." The rehabilitation program offers instruction games such as dominoes, chess and cards for blind persons. A. swimming class held Wednesday at the YMCA pool is also popular with registered blind persons.

The craft group has planned a year-end party for June 17. A picnic is planned at the home of one of the group members. It promises to be a huge success. Sightless persons or those with partial vision are usually referred to the CNIB by a family physician, but individuals can recommend themselves if they feel they could benefit from CNIB's help. The request is followed up by a personal home visit by the district administrator or field secretary before the rehabilitation program begins.

You're invited Abbotsford House, the newly opened senior citizen centre at 954 Bank is holding an open house May 23-24 from one to 4 p.m. There will be tours of the building, crafts displays and refreshments. Free membership is offered for the summer months for all people age 60 and over. 2041 the sMtisl U0PMALtTY FABics itS.nfc3 CatMt LARGEST SELECTION AT OtSa VI DllCS LOWEST DISCOUNT PRICES Sale prices in effect until closing Saturday, May 24th SS SPECIALS! tl -(i)itOI 1,33 tit'GQ REDUCTIONS OR BETTER as i ii I ED08 It- 1G3 33 AT-)' I 3 jninqr.) Don't let the high cost of clothing I keep you from having an exciting new wardrobe 1 Visit our famous BOUCLAIR -I DOLLAR STAGES lit 1 BUYS YOU 1 YARD Corduroy, linen, jersey, brocade, satin, cotton, drapery fabric, jacquards, denims, chiffon, lace thousands of yards of fabrics and every yard is BOUCIAIR -PRICED at just $1. This indudes end-of-rolls, discontinued lines, and special pur- chases of our buyers.

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