Rehabilitation
Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT) - instruct persons with vision impairments in the use of compensatory skills that will enable them to live safe, productive, and interdependent lives. CVRT’s work with patients individually (in a familiar setting), in areas that enhance independent living such as adaptive kitchen skills, money management, home management, personal communication, clothing management, cleaning, medication management, lighting and accessing community resources. Patients interested in vision rehabilitation therapy begin the process of obtaining a program with their social worker, who will refer the patient for an individualized program working with a CVRT one-on-one to achieve their personal goals.
Assistive Technology – Assistive Technology teachers provide assistance in the form of a consultation to individuals in choosing technology that is fits their personal needs. Clients are eligible for two visits per year, free of charge, to the Assistive Technology Consultation Center where they can experience certain assistive technologies in an individual demonstration session. Sessions are two hours. Once a client has purchased their technology, they can sign up to receive up to 30 hours of training to become proficient users of their equipment/software.
MAB currently teaches the following programs: JAWS (screen reader), ZoomText (screen magnifier for those with low vision), Dolphin Guide (simplifies computer use for the visually impaired) and iOS (Apple operating system for the iPhone, iPad, iPod)
Mini Center - Mini Center is an 8-week program run by MAB’s Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists. It is intended to be an overview of the many services that MAB offers. Mini Center gives patients who are new to vision loss, or have had a recent and significant decrease in their vision an opportunity to learn adaptive skills and access vital resources. In most cases, patients with vision loss have never met another blind person so the program gives them an opportunity to meet other individuals who are experiencing the same issues and work through adversity together. Instruction and training each week include different topics such as adaptive kitchen skills, signing your name, pouring, money management, orientation and mobility, transportation, labeling, clothing management, home management, descriptive video, assistive technology, personal communication, etc. The last week of the program the participants take a trip to Camp Dogwood for a tour and information.
