Receiving Vision Rehabilitation Services When You Live in a Rural Community For People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired – American Foundation for the Blind

blog to be relevant and useful, I recently asked a group of adults with visual impairments for their career-related concerns and questions. The first question that caught my attention was from Andrew; “How can a person who is blind or visually impaired get training if there is no local support?” This is an important question, Andrew. Please hear my response that is intended for all people who are blind or visually impaired living in rural communities

First, don’t assume there are no vision rehabilitation services in your area. When I worked as a transition specialist with the Lighthouse of the Big Bend in Tallahassee, Florida, I often drove 80+ miles to work with youth in their homes, and drove 80+ miles back to the office. Yes, many of my students lived in rural communities and pursued vision rehabilitation services. Contact your local Division of Blind Services and search

Second, I encourage you to consider residential vision rehabilitation programs. Several centers across the United States offer training programs, typically between 4-12 weeks in duration, designed for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Training includes adjustment to blindness and instruction in braille, cane and bus travel (called Orientation and Mobility), vocational rehabilitation, computer and adaptive technology, recreational pursuits, social skills, and home management skills. Some centers and university programs offer residential college preparation training, and other centers offer programs specifically for veterans. It may be difficult to place your life on hold for 4-12 weeks while you acquire skills, but it may be the training you need to attain and succeed in gainful employment. Browse the Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services’

Curated from Receiving Vision Rehabilitation Services When You Live in a Rural Community For People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired – American Foundation for the Blind