OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Vision loss brings on many problems for seniors. One issue that is often overlooked is the ability to look up phone numbers, making it difficult for many elderly persons to conduct day to day business.
According to the Seneca Area Agency on Aging, free help is as close a telephone.
Anyone who is unable to read a telephone book may qualify for free directory assistance through the telephone company.
An exemption form must be completed and submitted to your telephone company to activate this service.
If you have different providers for local and long distance service, an exemption needs to be submitted for both companies.
Not all phone companies offer this service so it may be helpful for you to contact the Iowa Department for the Blind at 1-800-373-3411 for more information.