Vision Rehab Services

VISION REHAB SERVICES

three yellow dots

The term “vision rehabilitation” includes a wide range of professional services that help restore function after vision loss, just as physical therapy restores function after a stroke or other injury. It’s important to know that many different kinds of vision rehabilitation services are available.

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If you’re experiencing vision loss, you’re probably wondering

  • How am I going to take care of myself and my family? 
  • How will I plan and prepare meals? 
  • How am I going to pay the bills?

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy can help you become independent in doing all of these things. With the use of adaptive tools and techniques, you can do almost everything you did before vision loss; you’re just going to do it a little differently

Orientation” is the ability to know where you are and where you want to go, whether you are moving from one room to another or walking in your neighborhood.

Mobility” is the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another, such as being able to walk without tripping, crossing streets, and using public transportation.

VIA employs a team of professional O&M instructors who work one-on-one with you to set and meet your mobility goals. O&Ms can help you get around your own home, neighborhood, workplaces, or other community settings. Through various methods, including the use of residual vision, a sighted guide, long cane, guide dog, or current technology, you can learn to travel with confidence. For those who choose to learn the use of public transportation, the options are endless.

At VIA, independence is just a few steps away.

TVI with student reading book.
According to  teachingvisuallyimpaired.com, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (also called a Teacher of the Visually Impaired) is a special education teacher who has received certification and specialized training in meeting the educational needs of students who are blind or have visual impairments.

SOCIAL CASEWORK SERVICES

Social Casework Services focus on meeting physical, emotional, and social needs throughout the adjustment to vision loss process. Social workers can assist with learning how to access community resources, services, and benefits, provide opportunities to meet others with vision loss, self-advocating, and educating others about vision loss. Social Casework Services can also include individual and group adjustment counseling.  VIA offers a short-term men and women’s support group facilitated by social workers and an ongoing peer support group led by volunteers who have successfully adjusted to vision loss.

Recreation programs

VIA offers structured socialization and recreational opportunities to help individuals and their families overcome barriers, including social isolation. Our team provides the tools and mechanisms for you to remain confident and active while accessing different types of activities and experiences.
READY Kids Horseback Riding

FOCUS is a two-day/one-night program for children ages 10-21 who are legally blind. The program is at Beaver Hollow Conference Center, and VIA provides transportation. Students must have an active case with NYSCB to participate.

Program objectives include:

  • Provide exposure and promote participation in social activities
  • Increase self-confidence and self-worth
  • Goal setting and achievement
  • Increase interpersonal skills
  • Promote the importance of teamwork and leadership
  • Student’s commitment to increasing independent living skills

Students participate in activities that focus on communication, problem-solving, goal setting, teamwork, process improvement, and understanding roles and responsibilities.

READY is a family recreation program designed to facilitate community activities for children and young adults ages 5 – 21 who are legally blind and their families.

  • Activities run monthly during the school year (Sept.-June) on Sunday afternoons.
  • Families are responsible for their transportation.
  • Participants must have an active case with NYSCB.

Program Objectives include:

  • Provide exposure and promote family participation in social activities available in the community.
  • Increase networking among families, parents, and siblings, of children who are Blind/Visually Impaired.
  • Introducing families to the adaptive modifications and social skills to encourage continued independent family activities.
  • Goal setting and achievement

Each activity requires at least one parent/guardian to attend; however, we encourage participation from the entire family. Participants are provided with appropriate adaptations and advocacy skills to include all family members in existing community recreation opportunities.

Program staff supports the building of independence and socialization skills for the youth and education and networking opportunities for parents and siblings.

Each activity includes a relevant life skill discussed and explored with parents for their use during the activity and future family outings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
716-882-1025
READY@viawny.org