Aging and Disability Services provides adult independent living services for people who are blind or have low vision.
To qualify for available services, an eye doctor needs to fill out an eye report (eye report form here) to document a person’s vision loss. The Bureau of Education Services maintains the blind registry for individuals who are legally blind.
Once the individual is registered, a social worker will interview them to learn more about their needs and share information about benefits and services that may be helpful.
These social workers are the primary case managers and service coordinators for clients of the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Adult Services Program.
In the capacity as a case manager, social workers perform the following tasks:
- Establishing an independent living plan of service with the client, and making adjustments to that plan as needed;
- Referring the client for independent living services provided by BESB or outside agencies or organizations;
- Case closure: determining whether or not plan goals have been achieved and the client’s case can be closed.
The social worker may refer a person to orientation and mobility training, rehabilitation training, children’s services, or vocational rehabilitation services. The social worker may also refer qualified individuals and their families to outside services and supports from the community.
Some of the BESB services available are:
- Orientation and Mobility training for independence in the home and community;
- Rehabilitation Teaching to learn how to use adaptive devices. They also share techniques and strategies for coping with vision loss and remaining independent;
- General housekeeping skills including meal preparation, financial management (writing checks, paying bills), shopping, household cleaning, and personal grooming and hygiene.
- Instruction in using a white cane, training in using low vision magnification devices, and techniques for using environmental cues for orientation purposes can also be provided.
The adult services program works closely with statewide low vision ophthalmologists and optometrists to evaluate vision needs and prescribe appropriate magnification devices.
The program also provides outreach and training to staff at senior centers, residential facilities and assisted living locations are also available. The program helps staff that work with individuals who are legally blind, so they promote independence for participants and residents who experience vision loss.
For more information on services please call 860-602-4000.