Richard

After viewing Richard's video, I was surprised that Chrystal did not suggest that Richard's wife could make a comment about who was coming to talk to Richard and saying the person's name. This was discussed on someone else's BB; however, I would take it a step further. Perhaps Ginger could tell Richard that, "Mike is coming and he has on the hat he wore when the two of you went to Wisconsin." This would not only tell Richard who was coming but would also start the conversation off on something other than focusing on Richard. They could talk about what they did in Wisconsin and their shared interests. It would not only reduce Richard's embarassment, it would be a good bridge for avoiding the initial awkward moment of the, "what should I say?".
The Catholic religion values Mass and Communion. I am somewhat surprised that Ginger had not arranged for a priest or another person in the parish to make home visits to Richard and his wife and bring them Communion. This would reduce the feeling of isolation and not fitting in or belonging.
The article I am going to use as an example of an additional option is a product spotlight that appeard in the December/January 2005 issue of Closing the Gap Solutions.
"Breakthrough in adaptive reading technology opens new doors for millions with impaired vision".
The article is a review of a low vision auto reading device called myReader. "myReader is described as being compact, transportable that (will) turn(s) the difficult and frustrating task of reading into an easy and enjoybale one for millions of people with impaired vision."
Definition of visual impairement is defined along with the approximate number of people who have visual impairements over 20 million.
Since ability to read impacts so much of our daily life; the inability to read significantly isolates and handicaps individuals.
After going to the web site of myReader.com I found other items that seemed to me would be wonderful products for Richard. The product with which I was most impressed was, "Pocket Viewer. This is a portable, hand held device, that enlarges print and can be used with reading books, newspapers, magazines, medicine labels, and other desired small print items. Check writing is possible with this device by using the pocket reader over the check. This enlarges the writing area so Richard can see what he is writing. This would not only give Richard more independence, it would raise his self esteem by not being so dependent or "helpless".