Beyond the Medical Diagnosis: Adapting to Vision Loss
Use the professional descriptions below to decide which services you need most, then use the VisionAware search tool to find a local vision rehabilitation professional [1] in your area. |
Vision Rehabilitation TherapyCertified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRTs) teach adaptive independent living skills [2], enabling adults who are blind or have low vision to confidently carry out a range of daily activities. CVRTs can help with:
To learn more about what a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist does and how you could benefit, read A Day On the Road with Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Stephanie Stephens Van [8].
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Orientation and MobilitityCertified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS or O&Ms) teach the skills and concepts that people who are blind or have low vision need in order to travel independently and safely in the home and in the community. COMS can teach:
To learn more about university programs and training in Orientation and Mobility and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, you can watch and listen to Hunter College’s YouTube video [13] and read Dr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken’s Orientation and Mobility Blog [14]. Get an introduction to orientation and mobility [15] by Dona Sauerburger, M.A., COMS®, Orientation and Mobility Specialist
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Low Vision TherapyCertified Low Vision Therapists (CLVTs) instruct individuals with low or residual vision. CLVTS can help with:
Learn more about the services of a CLVT by reading this profile of Bryan Gerritsen, CLVT. [20] |
Links:
[1] http://www.visionaware.org/find_vision_rehabilitation_vision_services_in_your_state
[2] http://www.visionaware.org/independent_living
[3] http://www.visionaware.org/tips-home-house-organize-blind-vision-loss
[4] http://www.visionaware.org/personal-self-care-blind-vision-loss
[5] http://www.visionaware.org/financial_management
[6] http://www.visionaware.org/using_the_telephone
[7] http://www.visionaware.org/what_is_braille
[8] http://www.visionaware.org/Vision-Rehabilitation-Therapist-Techniques
[9] http://www.visionaware.org/about_indoor_outdoor_travel
[10] http://www.visionaware.org/how_do_i_learn_to_use_a_cane
[11] http://www.visionaware.org/are_there_recommended_ways_to_walk_with_a_sighted_guide_or_human_guide
[12] http://www.visionaware.org/transportation
[13] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWcC6pLVtE
[14] http://gambrosez.wordpress.com
[15] http://www.visionaware.org/an_introduction_to_orientation_and_mobility_skills_and_history
[16] http://www.visionaware.org/reading-low-vision-optical-devices
[17] http://www.visionaware.org/what_are_the_most_common_non_optical_devices
[18] http://www.visionaware.org/computers_technology
[19] http://www.visionaware.org/home_modifications
[20] http://www.visionaware.org/bryan_gerritsen_a_certified_low_vision_therapist
[21] http://www.visionaware.org/vision_rehabilitation_services
[22] http://www.visionaware.org/emerald_education_systems
[23] http://www.visionaware.org/vision_professionals_0
Vision rehabilitation services for adults who are blind or have low vision are provided by a team of specially trained professionals, including low vision therapists, vision rehabilitation therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, occupational therapists, assistive technology specialists, and vocational rehabilitation counselors. These providers go beyond the medical diagnosis provided by a physician, ophthalmologist, or optometrist.