Rehabilitation Teaching or Vision Rehabilitation Therapy is the educational process that prepares a consumer to perform daily living tasks safely and independently in any environment.
Rehabilitation Teachers and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists instruct consumers to use their compensatory skills paired with assistive technology to enable them to live safe, productive, and independent lives. Specialized teaching services, including simple devices and techniques, can improve the quality of life for consumers. Reasonable goals are discussed. Services are planned and provided based on the consumer’s individual needs, interests, and aptitudes.
Specific areas of instruction taught by Rehabilitation Teachers and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists may include:
Home Maintenance and Management, including:
- Use of contrast as well as tactile markings for appliances and household items
- Cooking, kitchen organization, safety, and appliance use
- Household organization, cleaning, and labeling techniques
Personal Management, including:
- Self-care, such as grooming, clothing organization, and care
- Medication identification and management
- Orientation to time
- Budget and record keeping
- Money management
Recreational and Leisure Activities, including:
- Talking books, such as BARD, Perkins Talking Book Library, and Newsline
- Hobbies, such as crafting, and sewing
- The Massachusetts Audio Information Network
Communication Systems, including:
- Telephone and basic smartphone use
- Handwriting
- Braille skills
Maximization of the Use of Residual Vision, including:
- Effective use of low vision devices
- Functional vision assessment
- Magnification and lighting
- Optical and non-optical devices
Assistive Technology Assessment, including:
- Keyboarding skills
- Use of screen magnification and screen reading software
- Smartphone applications