Rehabilitation Teachers provide skills evaluation and instructions in the home and on job sites geared towards improving skills and enhancing independence. Specialized teaching services, including some fairly simple devices and techniques, can improve a legally blind person's quality of life. Services are planned and provided individually based on the person's needs, and include but are not limited to the following.
  • Braille and typing
  • Effective use of low vision devices
  • Organizing, labeling and tactile labeling of various items
  • Record keeping (Organizing records, check writing, recipes, etc.)
  • Maintaining handwriting and telephone skills
  • Safety techniques in the kitchen and other areas.
  • Measuring, pouring and food preparations techniques
  • Self-care (Grooming, clothing organization, care and mending techniques)
  • Problem solving for other encountered difficulties

Helpful Tips

  • Use contrast whenever possible, (black on white; white on black). An example can be white paper and a black pen or black measuring cups when measuring milk, sugar, flour, etc.
  • Organize from small to large or using an alphabetical system. This can be used for phone numbers, medications, as well as spices or like-items such as canned goods in a cabinet. For example, if you are taking 4 different medications, line them up in alphabetical order.
  • Print using large letters and a broad felt-tipped pen.
  • When pouring cold liquids, put the tip of your index finger in the glass to feel as the liquid rises towards the top.
  • When using the stove, keep the handle of the pot on the side, not out in front of the stove.
  • Place a pot on the burner before turning the burner ON.
  • Turn the burner OFF before removing the pot.
  • Immediately after taking a pot off the burner, place a pot or kettle of water on the burner to protect yourself from touching the exposed burner.
  • To locate a keyhole when unlocking the door, place your finger over the keyhole. Then slide the key down your finger into the hole.
  • For many people who are bothered by glare, wearing a brimmed cap or hat should improve outdoor vision and comfort. A baseball cap, in many cases, will serve the purpose.
  • When reading, place a ruler below the line you're reading to isolate that line and make it easier to focus on that line.
This information is provided by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.