Independent Living Program

Vision loss does not have to prevent you from living an active, healthy and fulfilling life. We can provide you many tips, instruction and simple modifications which empower you to maintain your independence and help you safely accomplish many daily living skills. Independent living skill instruction helps you achieve everyday tasks in the comfort of your home and enrich the quality of life. You can learn safety methods in the kitchen and how to maintain your household. Learn methods for identifying money, record keeping and pay bills.

Personal self-care techniques include as how to organize, label and identify medications, household items, and your clothing and personal items. Tips help with learning modifications with toothpaste and make-up application, shaving, and fingernail care. Learn about adaptive phones, check writing guides, free audio books and talking items to help you maintain your independence.


Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

ILS instruction is typically provided by a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) who holds a master’s degree in vision rehabilitation therapy. They are usually certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). They are called Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT). VRT/CVRT’s teach adaptive independent living skills, enabling clients to perform a wide range of essential daily living activities.

Our VRT will perform an initial baseline assessment which helps identify areas where instruction will be beneficial. VRT duties include:

  • Provide ways to mark appliances
  • Demonstrate different techniques for folding money
  • Demonstrate different techniques for applying toothpaste on the toothbrush
  • Locate dropped objects
  • Techniques for inserting key in hole
  • Techniques for inserting plug in socket
  • Personal care
  • Medication management
  • Labeling items
  • Clothing care
  • Simple meal preparation (cutting, peeling)
  • Using the oven and stove top
  • Sighted guide technique/ protective technique
  • Using the telephone, audio books
  • Manage transportation, CTAP and BTBL
  • Lighting/Contrast vary
  • Techniques for organization
  • Techniques for pouring
  • Talking calculators
  • Talking watches
  • Contrast cutting boards
  • Writing templates
  • Medication planners

Our VRT also teaches basic braille reading and typing skills. To talk with or to schedule an appointment with the VRT, please call 831-649-3505.

Braille Videos: