If you see an individual with a white cane standing at a street corner, don't be afraid to offer assistance. Crossing streets with limited or no sight can be a very stressful experience. Don't be afraid to be social with blind people. A common complaint from newly impaired students in the Cope Groups is that their friends do not come around as much anymore. Loneliness and isolation are common among those adapting to visual impairment.
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A surprising comment by many students was that they did not know the center existed for many years. Most commented that their optometrists and opthamologists did not inform them of the rehabilitation services. Services are available to train or retrain the visually impaired to work, facilitate education, decrease depression and loneliness, and live successful lives. No two blind people are exactly alike, and many are at different stages of adaptation and acceptance. However, newly blinded individu als generally will not respond as well to humor and may become very upset at attempts of levity.