Learning to travel safely with a visual impairment is an important skill for any age. Orientation and Mobility Training provides individuals with skills to travel outside the home safely and confidently. Individuals in need of Orientation and Mobility training may be blind from birth, or they may have lost part or even all of their vision at any time along the way. Travel needs cover a wide range of situations and problems. Our practice is to listen to what the client has to say about his or her problems and needs, and their travel goals, then make recommendations for training. The process begins by evaluating current travel methods for safety and effectiveness. This is followed by a training program that will include specific travel needs required for the home, local neighborhood, school or work environment. Training may include methods of orientation in familiar and unfamiliar areas, low–vision skills or non–visual skills, motor skills and sensory information. The length of training will vary with specific goals and individual ability.
Safe Travel- Orientation & Mobility Training
Safe travel training may take place in the home, in the home neighborhood, in local business areas, on job sites, on public transportation, or wherever there are travel problems. Training is also available for college students new to their campus. Travel tools might include low vision skills and devices such as special tinted glasses, long, white cane, or support canes. The length of training will vary with each person’s goals and abilities and might take one two-hour lesson or may take several lessons to achieve travel goals. It’s not uncommon for a person to receive episodes of mobility instruction as needed over the course of years.
College Campus Travel Skills
Students who are preparing to attend college in Massachusetts. or nearby areas of neighboring states, can receive Orientation and Mobility training to travel safely and efficiently around the college campus, including public transportation if needed. Instruction may continue each year, depending on the needs and skills of the student.
Home Safety through Safe Home Program
Safe Home is a program designed to help those at risk of accident or injury at home as a consequence of the normal process of aging and vision loss. Cataracts and macular degeneration are two common visual problems among elderly persons that can have serious impact. While these often do not lead to the severe problems of total blindness, they place people at risk for accidents – mostly in the home. A specialist can survey the home and examine it from the standpoint of potential accidents, and recommend simple changes in the home’s layout that will reduce accident potential. The Carroll Center has offered Safe Home services since 1985. The emphasis is on “low–tech” solutions, the most common being:
- Install handrails on stairways where needed.
- Increase (or adjust) lighting in certain areas.
- Install window shades, blinds or other equipment in areas where glare is a problem.
- Move or secure scatter rugs where slipping or tripping is likely.
- Install grab bars or other appliances in bathrooms.
- Install tactual markings in key locations, such as oven and burner controls.
The specialist will use contrasts and lighting to improve visual abilities in critical areas. In some cases we can perform the actual work if the individual has no resources. But our primary function is to find the home’s most dangerous spots, even for people with minor vision problems.
The Safe Home program charges very affordable fees. For those with little or no financial resources, “scholarship” funding is available.
Diabetic Self–Management
This community-based service for diabetics with vision loss who struggle to manage their diabetes independently provides individualized, home-based services in independent diabetes management. The program is staffed by two registered nurses, who:
- conduct a diabetes needs interview
- assess independent diabetes management skills and motivation/follow-through
- provide a familiarization to and training in the use of adaptive devices (e.g.Humalog Pen, Prodigy Voice Monitor)
- coordinate the ordering of adaptive equipment
- provide diabetes education in relevant topics (e.g. insulin management, the role of diet, exercise etc.)
- submit a progress report with recommendations
- conduct follow up sessions for individuals as needed/recommended
Funding is available to legally blind diabetic consumers registered with and sponsored by The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Diabetic support groups and non-legally blind individuals can receive these services through fee for service or other arrangement with the Director of Community Services. For more information, please contact Mr. Joseph Kolb, Director of Community Services at 617-969-6200 ×201 or email joseph.kolb@carroll.org.
Community Essential Skills
Do you struggle with cooking, grocery shopping, keeping track of mail and bills, finding dropped objects, or having medications accessible and organized?
Community Essential Skills is a seven-week course designed to teach these and other valuable independent living skills for the home. This course is appropriate for individuals who are over 55 years of age and visually impaired. Classes meet once a week for four hours (e.g. 10:30 – 2:30) and are held in small group settings such as senior centers, elder care facilities, and other agencies serving older adults.
Led by a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) and Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS), participants try adaptive equipment and learn new techniques from an experienced and caring staff. The result: improved skill, confidence, and independence.
The program curriculum highlights training in the following skill areas:
Week 1: Indoor Safety and Mobility/Sensory Training
Week 2: Personal Management and Medication Organization Strategies
Week 3: Kitchen Safety and Labeling
Week 4: Cooking and Eating Skills
Week 5: Time and Money Management
Week 6: Recreation and Leisure
Week 7: Finding Resources and Wrap Up
Each class offers a combination of lecture and hands-on activities in a supportive group atmosphere. Active participation and the sharing of ideas enhance learning from all class members. It’s a great way to get out of the house, make and enjoy new friendships, and explore your potential all at the same time!
Funding is available through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Elder Service Networks, grants, or private pay. Enrollment is limited to 6-8 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Transportation is the responsibility of each participant. Don’t miss out on this unique learning experience!
For more information, contact Renee Man (CVRT, COMS) at 617-969-6200, ext. 220, email: renee.man@carroll.org.
Vision Rehab in the Home
If you vision loss has impacted your independence and is keeping you from engaging in the community, then perhaps an in-home visit by a Vision Rehabilitation Teacher will help. A teacher will come to your home and help organize things in your home, teach you indoor safety, label stoves and other appliances, teach you to safe cooking and eating methods, demonstrate magnification and lighting devices. The result: improved skill, confidence, and independence. Funding is available through the Elder Service Networks, grants, or private pay. For more information, contact Joseph Kolb, Director of Community Services at 617-969-6200 ×201 or email joseph.kolb@carroll.org. Download a referral form.
For more information, please contact Mr. Joseph Kolb, Director of Community Services at
617-969-6200 ×201 or email joseph.kolb@carroll.org.