Social rehabilitation services help consumers become more independent in their homes and communities while adjusting to their vision loss.
Social rehabilitation counselors connect consumers with support services within the agency, including rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology. Consumers receive services in their home environment. The consumer and counselor work together to select the most appropriate services and develop an Individualized Service Plan.
The counselor may connect the consumer with outside services or community resources, including councils on aging, elder services, transportation systems, and more.
Services are highly individualized based on the consumer’s needs and goals, but may include:
- Rehabilitation Teaching to learn new ways of performing activities of daily living; train on accessibility features of smart devices, such as Apple and Android; and provide low vision aids and devices.
- Orientation and Mobility to learn to safely navigate their environment. Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists provide personalized training for their travel needs, including the use of a white cane, orientation within their home and community, use of public transportation and paratransit services, and in-service human guide training for families and caregivers.
- Assistive Technology to teach them how to leverage technology, including smart speakers to video magnification, to increase their independence, reengage in previously enjoyed activities, and discover new opportunities.
- Low vision ophthalmologists and optometrists evaluate vision needs and prescribe appropriate magnification devices. They identify ways to maximize remaining vision with the help of optical aids and lighting. These are dependent on eligibility, availability of eye care providers, and funding.
- Counselors provide consumers with information on how to access peer support groups within their community and make referrals as needed. The support groups allow people who are legally blind to connect with and learn from one another by sharing experiences, frustrations, success stories, and information.