Where do you want to start?

1. See an eye doctor and ask: is there a treatment, and should I see a low vision specialist?
2. Contact your state agency for the blind or Vocational Rehabilitation. They teach skills for daily life, travel, technology, and work, usually for free. If you are 55 or older, ask about the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program.
3. Sign up for free talking books and braille from the Library of Congress: 888-657-7323.

1. Get a hearing test from an audiologist. Medicare lets you see an audiologist once a year without a doctor's order.
2. Learn your options: over-the-counter hearing aids, prescription hearing aids, and cochlear implants.
3. Ask for captions and other communication access wherever you need them.

Many babies who do not pass the first screen hear fine. Get the follow-up test right away so you know. The national goals are a screening by 1 month, a diagnosis by 3 months, and early intervention by 6 months.

Doctors, hospitals, schools, government offices, and businesses must provide the communication access you need, like a qualified ASL interpreter or live captions, at no cost to you.

You are not alone, and there is help made for you: free equipment through iCanConnect, training at the Helen Keller National Center, and support service providers.