Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation Services offers a variety of programs that teach blind, vision-impaired, and deaf-blind clients how to use their other senses, special equipment, and new techniques to live independently. General curricula have been established, but each student benefits from an individualized program that is designed especially for him. The time required to complete training is determined by the student's needs, abilities and previous experience.
Low Vision Services
Clients whose vision cannot be helped with surgery, eyeglasses, or medication can greatly benefit from outpatient services at our Low Vision Clinic. A specially trained optometrist, who has completed a residency in Low Vision, examines the patient to determine how much vision remains. The doctor then prescribes a number of optical aids to enhance the patient’s usable eyesight. Aids vary from simple hand-held magnifiers to higher tech video magnifiers such as the stationary and portable closed circuit TVs and the Jordy, a head worn video magnifier. An Occupational Therapist (OT), who is also a Certified Low Vision Therapist, then follows the doctor’s prescribed treatment plan and teaches the patient how to use the prescribed aids so he may more easily read, enjoy hobbies, watch television, write checks, maintain his home, and perform other activities he enjoys.
Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training
This comprehensive, immersion program teaches clients who are vision impaired and deaf-blind how to live independently in their homes and the community. Clients may commute or live in our residence while learning daily living techniques that include money identification, personal grooming, dining, safe cooking, housekeeping, as well as how to participate in community activities and enjoy recreational offerings. Clients learn Orientation and Mobility, including evaluation and training in sighted guide, the use of a prescription cane, sensory awareness, shopping, and how to use public transportation. Clients develop communication skills in basic Braille, telephone use, record keeping, and audio equipment. Instruction in touch-typing will benefit the beginner who wants to proceed to computer training. Individual and group counseling is integral to this program. Clients also benefit from an active leisure time activity and fitness program, a diabetic education program, a nutritionist, dietician, and a registered nurse.
Computer Access Technology Center
The Computer Access Technology Center offers the highest quality training available in the use of adapted computers, software, and other electronic devices. Our students include teenagers and adults of all ages including mid-career professionals, senior citizens, and U.S. Military Veterans. Training is offered in basic computer literacy and word processing, instruction in assembling equipment, installing and updating software, system maintenance, and trouble-shooting. Training on business applications or custom software can also be provided. Workstations are equipped with a wide variety of technology including speech output, screen magnification, Braille displays, and optical character recognition systems. Instructors also teach electronic note taking devices, accessible personal data assistants (PDAs), and split-screen closed circuit TVs (CCTVs). Students either commute or stay in our residence. In-home or workplace instruction and training can also be arranged. Many of our students have never touched a keyboard, but after successfully completing courses, they are ready to compete in the educational and employment arenas, stay in touch with their friends through email, shop or bank online, or enjoy computers for personal use.
Summer Teen Programs
The Career and Community Adjustment Program is designed to help students transition smoothly into work and adult life. In this individualized program, students develop independent living skills and earn a paycheck while exploring vocations. Placements are based on the student’s interest and abilities. There are two components.
• BVRS’ Employment Opportunities Project offers job readiness classes, job shadowing in entry and professional jobs, community work experiences, and mentoring with adults with vision impairments.
• Work experiences through Life’sWork include clerical, computers, stock and shipping, drafting, health services, skilled mechanical, electrical, and food preparation.
Summer Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training is a comprehensive program that is designed to help students age 16 through 21 develop the independent skills they need to manage their lives with vision loss. Students learn Braille, how to effectively use audio devices, labeling to keep track of information and personal items, and introduction to adaptive computers. Instruction is provided in orientation and mobility, safe and efficient cooking, dining techniques, shopping, clothing maintenance, grooming and maintaining a home or apartment. Students also benefit from classes in exercise, nutrition and health care, and learn to fully enjoy leisure time.
Students in all youth programs enjoy an active social schedule with structured and supervised leisure time activities during evenings and on weekends. Opportunities are provided for students to discuss personal adjustment issues, individually and in groups. Strict confidentiality is observed.
CATS and DOGS
In this residential program at BVRS, students receive Computer Access Technology Services (CATS) instruction for half a day and spend the remainder of the day learning guide dog training (DOGS) from an instructor provided by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., of Smithtown, NY. This national program was established by the Guide Dog Foundation to accommodate U.S. military veterans who wanted training in both programs, but it is open to all students at BVRS. Guide dog training can also be combined with of BVRS’ other residential programs such as Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training and Vocational Services.
Community Based Training
This program combines the agency’s best features to help the expanding senior population adjust, adapt, and continue to live independently with vision loss. Clients benefit from personalized needs assessment and education in areas such as mobility, daily living activities, communications, and basic computer skills. Services are provided in the client’s home, in their community, or at BVRS.
Small Group Classes
In this introductory class, clients learn the basics of vision rehabilitation, including hands-on experiences with adapted equipment and techniques. Instruction is provided in keyboarding and basics to adapted computers, basic communication skills, adjustment to vision loss, enjoying the dining experience after vision loss, household management, living healthy, and more.
New Outlook Classes
These classes introduce senior citizens to vision rehabilitation services. Students commute to BVRS for New Outlook day classes that are designed to help them maintain or improve their ability to function independently within the home. Areas covered include safe cooking, personal finances, and home maintenance. Group and individual counseling is an integral part of this program. Community Based Training visits to the client’s home often follow these classes.
