The research component of the study focuses on gathering information from two sources: small focus groups and a nationally representative study sample. Both of these groups are made up of persons over the age of 55 who have experienced both vision and hearing loss. Persons who are interested in volunteering to be involved in either group may get more information by contacting the Center.

The exploratory research is concentrated on 3 major priorities that will investigate how persons with vision and hearing loss, especially those who lost one sense before age 55, and one after age 55, cope with the challenges of maintaining their independence and continuing involvement in their communities. Specific areas to be addressed include employment, use of assistive technology and communications systems, transportation, housing, specialized services, and psycho-social adjustment to sensory loss.

The training and dissemination phases will be implemented during the last two years of the project, and will provide training and information for consumers, service providers, family members and related professionals.

Oversight of the Project will be provided by a Participatory Action Research (PAR) Team comprised of older persons with hearing and vision loss who represent major consumer organizations of persons who are blind, deaf or deafblind.