INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES
Living Skills for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Location:
Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties

Description: 
Adjustment to blindness, Independent Living, Preparation for work,
Assistive technology, Occupational therapy Job placement, On the job
follow up.

Curriculum:
Independent Living Skills Training Assists individuals with learning the skills and supports needed to function independently at home, in the community and on the job. This training could include mobility, communication, activities of daily living, financial management, proper lighting, contrast, magnification, peer counseling, personal assistance management, and self advocacy.

Orientation and Mobility (O & M) Training
Provides training for blind and visually impaired individuals in acquiring the mobility and orientation skills necessary to travel independently and safely in the community.

Benefits Counseling
Assists individuals in applying for public or private benefits; developing and/or writing Social Security work incentive plans, such as Programs for Achieving Self Support (PASS); and understanding the complex benefit application and eligibility process.

Technology Assessment
Assists individuals in the assessment of rehabilitation technology (RT) needs which may include, but, are not
limited to, computer systems and related adaptations, assistive
listening devices, augmentative communication devices and appropriate ergonomic equipment.

Technology Systems Installation/Set-up and Training
Assists individuals by providing installation, set-up and/or training in RT equipment specifically identified for the individual, as well as any fabrication of specialized items.

Work Site Assessment/Ergonomic Assessment
Assists individuals by evaluating the work site to design or re-design a workstation in order to prevent injury or re-injury. Trains individual in correct ergonomic physical positions and movements, and makes recommendations for technology, furniture, or positioning which prevents injury or improve functioning at work.

Partners:
Department of Rehabilitation, Braille Institute, Central Coast Assistive Technology Center, Center for Partially Sighted, Local Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, private Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and private Occupational Therapists.

Did you know:

• VTC and its community partners serve people with low vision
  and/or blindness in three counties: Ventura, Santa Barbara,
  and San Luis Obispo.
• We provide in home services to adapt to low vision.
• We are a part of a network of providers who work together cooperatively to meet the individual’s needs.
• We are accredited in Low Vision and Services for the Blind
  through CARF