ORANGE, NJ -- When James Rowe of Orange was 97, he began to lose vision in one eye. Not one to attribute his loss as a by-product of old age, he sought assistance from the SCILS staff at The First Occupational Center of New Jersey. Now 101, he says that it has made all the difference.

“When I started to lose my vision, I began to find vision from within and with the assistance of SCILS I was able to continue to do things that I had always done,” said the sprite Mr. Rowe. “Now, when my grandchildren visit with me, I can read to them instead of them reading to me.”

ACCEPTING VISION LOSS
Angela O'Beirne of West Caldwell had difficulty accepting her vision loss, and at first was not receptive to the SCILS staff, whose mission it is to provide assistance to blind or visually impaired seniors in an effort to help them maintain maximum independence. The SCILS staff stayed in touch with Mrs. O”Beirne during her darkest days, and learned that she missed reading her Bible each morning. That's when the SCILS team sprang into action, helping Mrs. O'Beirne to obtain a closed circuit television which enlarges printed material onto a large screen. Once she could continue doing what she loved to do -- reading her Bible -- her days brightened.

“I feel more independent each day and I have done more than I realized I could do,” said Mrs. O'Beirne. “The SCILS volunteers believed in me when I did not. I have even been able to play some favorite old time songs on the piano.”

JOINT PROGRAM
The SCILS program, which stands for Senior Community Independent Living Services, is a joint program of OCNJ and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Seniors over the age of 55 who live in Essex County are eligible to receive SCILS services free of charge.

SCILS services include information and referral, vision screening, low vision aids and devices, orientation and mobility training, home instruction in personal care and daily living activities, volunteer companions, self-help support groups and community services advocacy.

“SCILS gives seniors the opportunity to gain their independence, and in many cases return to a previous way of life,” said Joe Ruffalo, SCILS Program Specialist, who is especially in tune with the needs of the visually impaired since he is also blind. “Our focus is to educate seniors, family members and the community that with proper attitude, skills, techniques and a belief in a ‘can do' attitude, a person who is losing vision or has lost their vision can achieve his or her goals.”

In addition to support services, SCILS also runs several events throughout the year, including a much-anticipated Senior Prom luncheon, a gathering which brings together many SCILS clients for a festive afternoon of sharing, tributes, and camaraderie.

ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS
SCILS volunteers play an important role in a client's return to independent living. Visiting clients in their home, they provide companionship, assist with mail, shopping, access to public transportation and other community services. As clients make strides towards independent living, they too, often feel a strong sense of accomplishment for the motivational role that they play.

“Although I'm a volunteer, I have received so much more than I have given from being a part of this program,” said volunteer Michele Sutton of West Orange.

Sometimes SCILS clients are so inspired from the program that they become advocates themselves, as did Dolores Wright of Orange. She thought that she would never sew or knit again after she lost her sight, but was willing to give it a try after meeting with SCILS instructors. Boosted by the encouragement she received, Mrs. Wright dusted off her old knitting needles and learned to thread a needle again. But she did not stop there. Soon she started up the “Busy Bees” knitting club and served as an inspiration for other visually impaired seniors to return to a beloved hobby.

“As soon as I was shown how to thread a needle and sew on a button, I knew that this was not the end but the beginning of a new life,” she said.