State Agency Offers Free Skills Training For Adults with Vision Loss

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A series of comprehensive training programs to help adults with vision loss learn adaptive skills and function more independently will be offered this summer free of charge by the Division of Visual Services. Visual Services is part of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

Visual Services will offer three five-day Adult Blind Living Evaluation (ABLE) sessions beginning on July 13, July 20 and July 27 at DRS’ Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee. In order to control costs, the agency is using on-campus apartments, vacant while students are at home for the summer, for training and housing ABLE participants.

“This is the sixth year we’ve offered the ABLE training program on the School for the Blind campus,” Visual Services Administrator Jane Nelson said. “Participants get a week of free, personalized evaluation and training that boosts their confidence and introduces them to other people with similar vision problems.”

Visual Services also offers week-long ABLE seminars during the day in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and instruction in individuals’ homes to help develop or improve independent living skills and travel techniques. Staff also provide vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance for those who want to go to work.

During the summer ABLE sessions, Visual Services staff will evaluate each participant and provide basic training designed to address problems common to people with vision loss:

• Communication—telephone dialing, time telling, information access and labeling Meal Preparation—use of the microwave, oven, stovetop and other appliances, safety techniques
• Leisure Time Activities—sewing, arts & crafts, card and board games, and more
• Personal Management—clothing identification and care, grooming tips, medication management, money management, eating in restaurants
• Home Management—housecleaning, kitchen organization, minor home repair, home safety
• Self-Advocacy Skills—decision making skills, self evaluation techniques, expressing wants and needs
• Indoor Mobility— teaching others how to guide you, protective techniques, locating dropped objects,
• Use of Residual Vision—lighting, color contrast, reducing glare
• Resources—library services, telephone information lines, telephone directory exemption, inspirational materials, handicapped parking.

To more information about Adult Blind Living Evaluation (ABLE) training and other Visual Services’ programs, phone Elaine Boykin in Oklahoma City at (405) 522-3382 or (800) 523-0288 or Marilyn Sanders in Tulsa at (918) 551-4908 or (800) 829-3255.

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