Independent Living for the Visually Impaired

Adjusting to vision loss is a process. Initially, people who have just learned that they are losing vision may be filled with doubts. But those uncertainties can be replaced with a growing sense of optimism as they learn different ways to complete the everyday tasks that were once performed with vision. This course suggests a variety of ways to do just that. The techniques, adapted aids and resources described in this course can help students reach their goal of living more independently. As its title implies, the content of this course is drawn from many activities across the day. The course provides information they can use to carry out the many tasks of daily living in a competent, more independent way.

Course ID: E-IL-371

Available in: Braille, Cassette and large print

Organization: 7 lessons (Lesson 6 is optional for students who live outside the United States)

Credit: none.

COURSE DETAILS

Students who are U.S. residents are required to submit seven assignments to their instructor. Students who live outside the U.S. need only submit six assignments.

Prerequisite: None

Grading: Letter grade A-F

Average Completion Time: 9 months

Course Materials: TBA

Supplementary Materials Include: The first shipment includes sock tuckers, a wire-loop threader, tactile markers, egg rings, and the article "How Do You Eat This Stuff?" The second shipment includes a signature writing guide, an envelope writing guide, the article "Accidents and Messes: Prevention and Cure," and the cassette version of the booklet "Social Security: If You Are Blind, How We Can Help."

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT

The goal of this course is to help students live more independently.

Lesson 1 describes how to safely and competently move through familiar environments. After completing this lesson, students will be able to practice

a. Gathering sensory information about their environments
b. Modifying their environments
c. Moving safely through familiar environments

Lesson 2 presents various tips for managing personal needs. After completing this lesson, students will be able to practice

a. Using personal care items
b. Coordinating their wardrobe
c. Laundering their clothes
d. Mending their clothes

Lesson 3 suggests food handling techniques. After completing this lesson, students will be able to practice

a. Organizing the kitchen
b. Preparing meals
c. Sharing meals with other people

Lesson 4 explains how to efficiently manage time and money. After completing this lesson, students will be able to practice

a. Keeping track of time
b. Establishing reliable recordkeeping techniques
c. Handling money matters efficiently
d. Using low-tech ways to stay in touch
e. Using high-tech ways to communicate

Lesson 5 suggests a number of housekeeping techniques. After completing this lesson, students will be able to practice

a. Handling common housekeeping chores
b. Cleaning the kitchen
c. Cleaning the bathroom
d. Undertaking a thorough spring cleaning

Lesson 6 addresses the needs of students who live in the United States. Specifically, it identifies resources that U.S. residents can access. After completing this lesson, students will be able to

a. Establish their rehabilitation needs and goals
b. Access government programs and services
c. Identify which national organizations might best serve their needs

Lesson 7 describes recreational activities that people who are blind or visually impaired might enjoy. After completing this lesson, students will be able to practice

a. Sampling lifelong learning activities
b. Enjoying entertainment opportunities
c. Participating in indoor sports
d. Participating in outdoor sports activities
e. Exploring travel options

The Resource List is organized by topic, namely Aids and Appliance Suppliers; Lifelong Learning; Entertainment; Sports; Travel; Government; Organizations; and Assistive Technology. It includes the most current addresses and telephone numbers of the organizations mentioned in this course, as well as e-mail addresses and websites, if available.