Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
7
↓
Adjustment to Blindness Training (self.Blind)
submitted by UpsideDownwardSpiral
Hi, I did a quick search in this subreddit, but nothing stood out to me about this
I lost most of my vision last year and have recently been approved for Vocational Rehab through my state. One of the biggest parts of this program that I will be taking advantage of is that they are willing to cover the costs of of an adjustment to blindness training program. I know there are several throughout the US.
?Can anyone tell me about their experience going through a program like this? Share some information about different programs/companies
I think I'm looking for a comprehensive program that teaches all of the basic life skills that one needs when suddenly losing their vision. I'm really kind of starting from scratch with learning how to interact with the world now, because I've basically been at home in quarantine because of the pandemic.
One thing that I am really taking time to consider is whether I want to take part in a program that teaches total blindness (I do have some usable vision, and that isn't expected to change) skills. But, I feel like I also need to learn how to do some things with the vision I have left- mainly technology comes to mind with this.
​
Some programs that I have specifically been brought up to me through my Vocational Rehab counselor are Blind Inc in Minneapolis and SAAVI which is more local to me. I also have been evaluated by a low vision doctor who works with the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, and they apparently have a pretty good program as well.
Overall, any input and thoughts from you guys would be greatly appreciated!
I lost most of my vision last year and have recently been approved for Vocational Rehab through my state. One of the biggest parts of this program that I will be taking advantage of is that they are willing to cover the costs of of an adjustment to blindness training program. I know there are several throughout the US.
?Can anyone tell me about their experience going through a program like this? Share some information about different programs/companies
I think I'm looking for a comprehensive program that teaches all of the basic life skills that one needs when suddenly losing their vision. I'm really kind of starting from scratch with learning how to interact with the world now, because I've basically been at home in quarantine because of the pandemic.
One thing that I am really taking time to consider is whether I want to take part in a program that teaches total blindness (I do have some usable vision, and that isn't expected to change) skills. But, I feel like I also need to learn how to do some things with the vision I have left- mainly technology comes to mind with this.
​
Some programs that I have specifically been brought up to me through my Vocational Rehab counselor are Blind Inc in Minneapolis and SAAVI which is more local to me. I also have been evaluated by a low vision doctor who works with the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, and they apparently have a pretty good program as well.
Overall, any input and thoughts from you guys would be greatly appreciated!
DrillInstructorJan 4 points 2y ago
I'm not in the USA so I can't really say anything about specific courses. Overall though I think there are two major things to bear in mind about this stuff.
The first is that you can absolutely go somewhere and learn stuff, and I think sometimes that is worth doing because you can get a lot of the basics quickly. The flip side of that is that it will happen in a very protected environment, especially if it's a residential sort of thing. That protected environment is not always that representative of the real world and sometimes things people learn there don't work nearly so well in reality.
The second is that only you know what stuff you need to work out how to do, because only you know what you actually want or need to do day to day. That does mean you will learn stuff then not use it, and then probably need stuff you didn't learn.
It depends on you, your living situation and your desired living situation. Sometimes these courses are great. Sometimes people find them a bit suffocating, particularly younger people who often find themselves surrounded by people with age related sight loss.
I'm not saying don't do it, just saying be aware of the ups and downs of it.
The first is that you can absolutely go somewhere and learn stuff, and I think sometimes that is worth doing because you can get a lot of the basics quickly. The flip side of that is that it will happen in a very protected environment, especially if it's a residential sort of thing. That protected environment is not always that representative of the real world and sometimes things people learn there don't work nearly so well in reality.
The second is that only you know what stuff you need to work out how to do, because only you know what you actually want or need to do day to day. That does mean you will learn stuff then not use it, and then probably need stuff you didn't learn.
It depends on you, your living situation and your desired living situation. Sometimes these courses are great. Sometimes people find them a bit suffocating, particularly younger people who often find themselves surrounded by people with age related sight loss.
I'm not saying don't do it, just saying be aware of the ups and downs of it.
siriuslylupin6 2 points 2y ago
Either that or lcb louisiana or colorado. Most of the nfb will train you as totally blind and blindfolds. I think this is a really useful skill set. In case you do lose that vision.
For the low vision stuff maybe lighthouse can help with teaching zoomtext or cctvs?
For the low vision stuff maybe lighthouse can help with teaching zoomtext or cctvs?
RunsOnBoltCoffee 1 points 2y ago
Carroll Center in Newton, MA has a great 12 week independent living program. Be prepared to circumnavigate a large portion of Boston with occluders on as part of your O&M training though.
DrillInstructorJan 1 points 2y ago
Am I too evil for saying that if it doesn't require safety pads it's not proper O and M?
RunsOnBoltCoffee 1 points 2y ago
Safety pads?
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 2y ago
In case of walking into things. I'm kidding!
BlueRock956 1 points 2y ago
Hi, Louisiana Center for the Blind, Colorado Center for the Blind, and Blind Incorporated are training centers that are well recognized for providing intensive rehabilitation training. There expectations towards their students are high, and they challenge students to develop blindness core skills.
I'd highly recommend you request an opportunity to tour Blind Incorporated and the other opptions they mentioned.
I'd highly recommend you request an opportunity to tour Blind Incorporated and the other opptions they mentioned.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.