Overview of services offered to people who are blind or visually impaired
There are a wide range of services offered to assist people who are blind or visually impaired remain independent. Below is an overview of some of the most common services provided:
Adaptive Technology Training
Audio Transcription
Braille
Braille Transcription
Job Training/Vocational Rehabilitation
Library Services
Orientation and Mobility
Vision Rehabilitation
Vision Rehabilitation
The term “vision rehabilitation” is used to describe a variety of services and specialized training that enable someone with a visual impairment to remain independent. This is usually accomplished by learning to do old tasks in new ways. Services could include training on how to travel using a white cane, how to grocery shop and cook, learning to read Braille, using adaptive technology for computer access, as well as consultations to determine what type of magnifier would be most useful. Vision rehabilitation is provided by most state rehabilitation agencies as a residential program and/or through outreach teams in the community. Children receive vision rehabilitation services through the school system as identified on his or her IEP (Individual Education Plan).
The Guild for the Blind provides a special introduction to vision rehabilitation with a program called New Visions specifically designed for adults experiencing new vision loss.
Vision Rehabilitation Resources
Adaptive Technology Training
Adaptive computer technology involves using screen-reading or screen-magnification
software. Using this technology, people who are blind or visually impaired
can use most of the commonly used software, including the Microsoft Office
Suite.
Additional technology includes scanning software specifically designed for use with the screen-reading software, electronic notetakers (PDAs), and refreshable braille displays.
The Guild for the Blind offers the most complete training program for adaptive technology in the Chicago area. The Robert Stone Center for Adaptive Technology offers classes, individual instruction, and independent learning.
Adaptive Technology Training Resources
Job Training/Vocational Rehabilitation
There are a variety of resources available that providing training to
prepare individuals who are blind or visually impaired for employment.
Job training can involve a number of skills important to job seekers,
such as computer training, interviewing skills, and customer relations.
Vocational training provides job-specific training, teaching the specific
set of skills an individual needs to perform a specific job (e.g., switchboard
operator).
The Guild for the Blind provides job training that focuses on preparing the individual for employment in a wide variety of positions. Employment Connection participants learn the written and interpersonal communication skills, advocacy skills, computer skills, and organizational skills they need to compete for employment with their sighted peers.
Job Training/Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
Audio Transcription
Audio transcription involves recording written material onto audiocassette.
Because many of the materials being recorded are lengthy, many organizations
providing this service use 4-track tapes. These special tapes have four
"sides" rather than the standard two sides and are recorded
at a slower speed. Special tape players are required to listen to these
tapes.
Some organizations providing this service are updating to a DVD format.
Braille
Braille is a system of touch reading. It is comprised of a series of braille
cells. Each cell contains six dots which are raised in different combinations
to represent all the letters of the alphabet, as well as numbers, format
codes, and punctuation.
Braille is written in two forms: uncontracted (formerly Grade I) and contracted (formerly Grade II). Uncontracted braille uses one braille symbol to represent each character. Contracted braille includes many special braille symbols that represent a series of letters that commonly appear together (such as "ing," "th," or "er") or common words (such as "the," "and," or "braille").
Braille Transcription
Braille transcription involves translating written material into braille.
There are computer programs that will perform this task; however, these
programs are not completely accurate and good transcription requires a
proof-reader skilled in braille.
Braille Transcription Resources
Library Services
Individuals who are blind can register with a variety of organizations
who lend books on tape or in braille format to its members. The largest
of these, the Library of Congress, also loans tape players to its members.
Library materials are sent through the mail using Free
Matter postage-free mailing service.
Other materials available through library service include audio-described videos and large print books.Library Resources
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training consists of: sensory awareness,
concept development, spatial concepts, orientation skills, sighted guide
travel techniques, and white cane travel.
O&M skills are taught on a one-to-one basis by a certified O&M specialist (COMS). Lessons are geared to meet each student's individual needs and capabilities. Students work to achieve their own personal level of independence as they travel in neighborhoods and downtown areas using cabs, buses, subways, and light rail. With instruction in the use of a white cane or a variety of other mobility travel aids, students learn to navigate in malls, cross busy intersections, and seek assistance from the public. As they learn to move safely in outdoor and indoor environments, they also learn how to utilize directions and use non-visual cues to locate destinations and become familiar with landmarks.
O&M AGENCY & INSTRUCTOR
CONTACTS
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