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Navigating a world that has suddenly become unfamiliar can be difficult and discouraging. Many with vision loss are reluctant to leave their house or function independently because they are afraid of their limitations.

But Beverly Bennett, manager of the Independence with Low Vision program through ElderCare of Alachua County, brings bravery, safety, and a new sense of freedom back into the lives of individuals with low vision.

Beverly is a certified vision rehabilitation therapist and a certified orientation and mobility specialist. If you asked her, she would humbly say she provides training for those with vision loss on how to function safely in their home and society. But in a deeper sense, she gives individuals a chance at living an independent life, something they may have believed to be unattainable.

“It is so exciting! Every day is different, every client is different,� Beverly says.

One client Beverly has been able to make an impact on is Kimarie Kleinsasser, RN, BSN, OCN.

Kimarie, a Gator alumna and Daisy Award winner, spent most of her life caring for others as an oncology nurse at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. After being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, or RP, a rare eye disease that affects the retina and causes blindness, Kimarie realized it was time for someone to help her.

That’s where Beverly comes in. Something as simple as placing a touch dot on the microwave to allow her to know exactly where specific buttons are, or providing a device to be placed on the side of a cup that beeps when filled, can make a huge difference.

Beverly has made a significant impact on Kimarie’s independence by introducing her to tools and devices that help her with day-to-day tasks. Kimarie is working hard to learn as much as possible, so she is not overwhelmed if she eventually loses more of her vision.

“I would not have known about any of these tools and devices without Beverly and the Independence with Low Vision program,� Kimarie said.

“It’s very rewarding. With the instruction we provide, we can really make a difference,� Beverly says. “A lot of this stuff isn’t rocket science, but we can really change the quality of someone’s life by offering helpful devices and training.�

The Independence with Low Vision program is provided through ElderCare of Alachua County in partnership with the Florida Division of Blind Services to provide training to enhance the independence, safety, and quality of life for individuals with vision loss. This program has been around for more than 25 years with Beverly managing the program at ElderCare for the past five years.

Beverly and her assistant have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of over 120 individuals each year. They enable those with vision loss to have normalcy and go back to activities they once enjoyed. Best of all, they get to learn in the comfort of their own home.

“Between just the two of us, we go out and conduct assessments to determine what patients are having difficulty with, what their needs are, and what their goals are,� Beverly explained. “Then we provide training in adaptive techniques, activities in daily living, communication skills, assistive technology, and a range of other skills they may need.�

For individuals like Kimarie, and many others, this care is life-changing.

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