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Amy Horowitz, DSW, Mark Brennan, PhD, and Joann P. Reinhardt, PhD. Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute, Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, 212-821-9525, ahorowitz@lighthouse.org
There has been increasing emphasis on the need for systematic research on rehabilitation outcomes, including the use of adaptive technology. The purpose of the present analyses was to examine the independent contributions of optical (e.g., magnifiers, telescopes) and adaptive (e.g., special lighting, handwriting guides) aid use to functional ability and depressive symptomatology over time among older adults with vision impairments. Data were drawn from a larger longitudinal study on disability, depression and rehabilitation of vision impaired elders. A sample of 584 older adults with recent vision loss who were applicants for vision rehabilitation services were recruited. The current analyses focused on short-term change in the first six months following service application for the 455 participants at Time 2. Two hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted; one with Time 2 Depression and one with Time 2 Functional Disability as criterion. In each equation, Time 1 status was entered in the first step in order to examine predictors of change in functional and depressive status over time. Findings indicate that, independent of sociodemographic characteristics, change in depression or ADL, and number of rehabilitation service hours received, greater use of optical aids significantly predicted a decline in both functional disability and depressive symptomatology at the 6-month follow-up. Adaptive device use was not significant for either outcome. Findings support earlier research on the importance of low vision optical devices in contributing to improved quality of life.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Disability, Feminist Bioethics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.