Combating Lonely

Isolation is a huge issue, especially for people who are recently disabled—and especially right now.

“Technology alone is not usually the answer,” says Lori Kesinger, who is outreach coordinator and listener liaison with Audio-Reader, a free reading and information service for blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled people in Kansas and Missouri.

PATIENT RESOURCES

To help staff become more familiar with offerings, Kesinger shares some of her favorites.

»Library of Congress Talking Books Libraries loc.gov/programs/national-library-service-for-the-blind-and-print-disabled/ 

»International Association of Audio Information Services iaais.org/stations/ 

»National Library Service loc.gov/nls/ 

»National Federation of the Blind nfb.org 

»NFB Newsline nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline 

»American Council of the Blind acb.org 

»ACB Radio acb.org/acb-radio »

National Council on Independent Living ncil.org  

THE ISOLATION ISSUE

“The issue of social isolation has come to the surface over the last three to four years,” says Kesinger. “And, with all that’s happening right now, it’s never been so critical. There are so many people who can benefit that I’ve expanded our message to: ‘This is how we can help you with your isolation issues’ and ‘How we can help you learn more about your disease.’”

EXPANDING SERVICES

“There are now about 80 audio information services across the U.S.,” explains Kesinger. “It’s such an important resource to help people battle that sense of isolation, and it’s community-based, as well. And, it’s a big help during the pandemic, as some resources families may have tapped in the past have been temporarily closed or downsized.”

That being said, “Some services really stepped up during the pandemic—like the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind,” says Kesinger. “Among other things, they have created terrific tutorials on how to use Zoom and FaceTime, for example.”

TAILORING OFFERINGS

It all comes down to tailoring resources to the individual. “A doctor can give patients a list,” says Kesinger, “but the individual will only stick with things that apply to their own wants and needs. To help, practices need to do a little upfront research. Patients are already overwhelmed by their condition, so you don’t want to overwhelm them further or make them feel even more isolated.

“That’s where someone like an occupational therapist or engaged staff member can help,” says Kesinger. “The key? Saying, ‘Try this first,’ instead of just handing them a list.”