Cleveland Sight Center EnVision Independence program

Cleveland Sight Center's EnVision Independence is a community-based program designed specifically for senior citizens that simulates in-home vision rehabilitation training using a class-like setting. There is no cost for the classes, which are being funded through a grant from The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation. Senior citizens who are blind as well as those who are visually impaired due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other eye diseases, are encouraged to participate. The program is open to those seniors who have not previously taken advantage of Cleveland Sight Center in-home rehabilitation services.

Classes are taught by licensed social workers and rehabilitative professionals, including rehabilitative specialists who are blind. Group counseling and mobility skills (techniques to navigate the physical environment within and outside of the home), are included in the program. Each EnVision Independence session lasts seven weeks, with classes taking place in an efficiency apartment, which is furnished with special adaptive equipment and low vision aids. Participants each receive a customized recommendation for specific low vision/vision rehabilitation aids that could benefit them, and have the option to request in-home follow up.

Assistive technology training complements the daily living skills training. Cleveland Sight Center staff use video desktop magnifiers, large text and other software programs designed to enable individuals with vision loss to communicate effectively using the latest computer technology.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Cleveland Sight Center
• blind
• visually impaired
• seniors
• daily living skills
• independent living
• low vision
• vision impaired
• seniors with low vision
• seniors who are blind
• assistive technology