Independent Living Services
Losing some or all of your sight can be overwhelming and disorienting. This vision loss affects the way you manage your daily activities. The Independent Living Services unit can provide you with adaptive techniques and devices that can help you maintain an independent lifestyle. Our vision rehabilitation services equip people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired with the skills and confidence needed to meet daily challenges.
How can I read the newspaper or other fine print, even while wearing glasses?
How can I cook for my family if I can’t see the dial on the stove?
How can I identify money or pay bills?
Why do I feel sad, depressed, or anxious about vision loss?
ILS provides training in self-care including clothing maintenance, personal hygiene and organization, meal preparation and kitchen skills, appliance use, time management, communication, financial management, and management of secondary disabilities. Rehabilitation Teachers serve in a variety of roles, teaching a variety of tasks to people whose needs are as an individual. Despite the diversity of their roles, Rehabilitation Teachers are clearly defined as service providers whose emphasis is on providing rehabilitation instruction, guidance, and alternate techniques in daily living skills to people who have visual impairments.
Examples of other services ILS provides are:
- Sensitivity Training
- Information and Referral
- Communication Skills (including Braille Training)
- Low vision service
Once a consumer is determined eligible for DVI services, the rehabilitation teacher contacts the consumer to set up an appointment. At the initial appointment, information is gathered and verified, DVI services are described, and consumer goals are established. The length of time, the services needed and training schedule are determined by the consumer goals. Once all of the goals have been met, the case becomes inactive. Once cases become inactive, the consumer can contact DVI if new goals or needs arise.
