Blind LGBT Pride International

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richmond, Ca

November 9, 2011

For more information, contact:
Don Brown, Chair, Public Relations Outreach Committee
Blind LGBT Pride International
Telephone: 510-484-8282
E- mail: president@blind-lgbt-pride.org
Web site: www.blind-lgbt-pride.org

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI), and affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, announces its targeted outreach campaign to LGBT Older Adults who are Blind and Low Vision

The American foundation for the Blind’s 2008 Special Report on aging draws attention to the disproportionate number of older individuals who have vision loss. It’s reported that the trend is expected to continue to grow significantly as the baby boom generation continues to age. Experts predict that by 2030, rates of vision loss will double along with the country's aging population.

The report found that the age group with the most people who have vision loss is not seniors 65 years of age or older, but instead it is the baby boom generation-those between 45 and 64 years of age who are on the brink of aging into the senior age group and often have yet to experience the full extent of the severity of age-related eye conditions.

Blind and Vision Impaired individuals who are LGBT face a number of particular concerns as they age. Several studies document they are less likely than their straight sighted counterparts to access adequate health care, affordable housing or other social services that they may need, due to attitudinal barriers, institutionalized discrimination, and the lack of program access. It’s reported Blind and Vision Impaired LGBT older adults tend to not avail themselves of services on which their sighted straight counterparts thrive, thereby increasing their likelihood of experiencing social isolation. This rapidly growing population reports pervasive social isolation within the LGBT community itself.

Blind LGBT Pride International is dedicated to the betterment of the lives of those who are vision impaired and who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.