There are millions of Americans over the age of 60 who are dealing with the traumatic effect of age-related vision disease such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Many other seniors cannot read standard print because they are physically unable to hold a book. This group includes those suffering from Parkinson's disease, effects of stroke and crippling arthritis. The extraordinary increase in longevity in recent years has produced an unforeseen negative consequence for many who enjoy long life--severe visual impairment.

    Those people who have been fully sighted all their lives have enormous difficulty adjusting to the consequences of diminished vision, decreased mobility and an inclination to withdraw from communal activities and are unable to pursue the pleasures of retirement as continuing education.

    The JBI Library with the generous support of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has embarked upon a major outreach project in the greater New York area (including Nassau and Suffolk counties) and in South Florida, which is home to the highest concentration of elderly Americans in the United States.