The Vision Rehab Podcast is a short monthly podcast about topics and issues related to vision rehabilitation therapists and vision rehab. You can also listen on your smart speaker, just ask for, “Vision Rehab Podcast.”
Listen Now to Getting Started with Vision Rehabilitation Services
Transcript:
Well, it’s happened again! The month of October is designated Blindness Awareness Month, and my head is spinning from a recent phone call. The caller was calling in on behalf of her mother, in Pensacola Florida, who has diabetic retinopathy. She has lost much of her vision and spends her day in her room, but has recently discovered Audible books, which she is able to do with help from a family member setting it up for her. This caller is concerned because her mother is fearful of going out, has difficulty getting around the house, and she isn’t able to find any help either from the doctor’s office or local home health agencies.
During this conversation, I learned that she had no idea what Florida Blind Services is, had never heard of the state’s Unit on Aging, had never heard of the National Library Service Talking Books program, and didn’t know what an Orientation and Mobility Specialist is. After years of seeing an ophthalmic practice with fifteen doctors, no one mentioned any of these services.
As a result, the caller’s mother sits in her room, depressed and fearful of venturing out with her vision loss.
Not to point fingers, but to report an observation, this is the third call I’ve received from this same geographic area from people who have not heard of any of these services or who have had a hard time getting a response from services once located. This is a recurring theme, not just in Pensacola, but elsewhere—doctors for some reason, do not tell patients about the services through vocational rehabilitation, the professionals who provide training through state or non-profit agencies, like vision rehabilitation therapists and orientation and mobility specialists. Or sadly, if patients learn about these services, they may have to wait for return phone calls or endure a waiting list, because of staff shortages.
For a variety of complex reasons, the shortages are frustrating and inevitable, and the subject of another podcast. For the moment, step one is to know that each state has vocational rehabilitation funding and services at no out of pocket cost to you. You may have to wait but get started by making a call to them. To find your state’s services for the blind and visually impaired call the APH Connect Center at 800-232-5463 or look for services on their online directory at aphconnectcenter.org/directory. While you’re waiting for services sign up for the free Talking Books program through the Library of Congress. Call them at 888-657-7323. They will send you a digital audio book player that is simple to use, and gives you free access to books and magazines read out loud.
If you find yourself on a long waiting list for orientation and mobility—these are the professionals who teach traveling skills with reduced vision, you can get started yourself with a free white cane from the National Federation of the Blind by calling 410-659-9314. You’ll find some basic workshops on the white cane and getting around with less vision at Hadley. Workshops are available online, on Talking Book cartridges or large print by calling 800-323-4238 or going to their website at Hadleyhelps.org. On YouTube, you’ll find some great lessons by a certified orientation and mobility specialist, at Blind on the Move.
Finally, if you do find yourself in a situation where you are not hearing back from your state’s services, call the Client Assistance Program to let them know, or file a complaint. You can find your state’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) by calling 202-245-6074. In the meantime, hang in there and take advantage of the free resources that are readily available to you right now at no cost.