Aging and Disability Services provides adult independent living services for people who are blind or have low vision.
To qualify for available services, an eye doctor needs to fill out an eye report to document a person’s vision loss. This program maintains the registry for all individuals certified to be legally blind and for children who are visually impaired or legally blind.
Once the individual is registered, a social worker will interview them to more about their needs share information about benefits and services that may be helpful.
The person may be referred to orientation and mobility training, rehabilitation training, children’s services, or vocational rehabilitation services. The social worker may also refer qualified individuals and their families to outside services and supports from the community.
Some of the services available are:
- Orientation and Mobility training for independence in the home and community;
- Rehabilitation Teaching to learn how to use adaptive devices. They also share techniques and strategies for coping with vision loss and remaining independent;
- General housekeeping skills including meal preparation, financial management (writing checks, paying bills), shopping, household cleaning, and personal grooming and hygiene.
- Instruction in using a white cane, training in using low vision magnification devices, and techniques for using environmental cues for orientation purposes can also be provided.
The adult services program works closely with statewide low vision ophthalmologists and optometrists to evaluate vision needs and prescribe appropriate magnification devices.
The program also provides outreach and training to staff at senior centers, residential facilities and assisted living locations are also available. The program helps staff that work with individuals who are legally blind, so they promote independence for participants and residents who experience vision loss.
For more information on services please call 860-602-4000.