Older Individuals Who Are Blind Services

Living Independently

Living independently allows us to maintain our freedom, expand our confidence and complete activities of daily life on our own terms. Vision loss is common as we age and can make it difficult to maintain a self-determining lifestyle. Some individuals may need minor assistance or guidance to maintain their daily routines, while others may need more services. Our goal is to provide information and training needed to help individuals who are older regain their confidence and live independently.

This includes:

• Preparing your own meals;
• Managing your medications;
• Traveling around your home and in the community;
• Maintaining your household finances; and
• Other training needed to help individuals who are older regain their confidence.

How Our Program Can Help You

Contact your local Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services office to speak with a representative for our Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) program. Or simply call our OIB Helpline 844-NEED-OIB (633-3642). A program representative will ask you a few questions to learn how your vision loss is affecting the things you want to do.

OIB Program Services Include:

Assessments and Evaluations

You may receive vision-related tests to determine if you are eligible for OIB services. Assistive devices, such as magnifiers or markers that can allow for identification of items  and/or appliances in your home  may be recommended such as  marking common oven settings. Evaluations may also be recommended to determine if you are a good candidate for certain equipment and/or training.

Information and Referral

You will be given a detailed guide titled “Guide to Independent Living for Older Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.” The guide provides important information on the following:

• Adjustment to blindness and low vision,
• Tips for performing everyday activities like:
  • meal preparation, 
  • cleaning, 
  • identifying money, 
  • safe travel, 
  • recording and dialing phone numbers, and
  • identifying medications and use of apps for smart phones.
• Community services such as:
  • transportation, 
  • Meals on Wheels©, and
  • housing.
• Special resources such as:
  •  referrals to eye specialist, and 
  • low-vision services support groups.

Training

You may receive training to learn new ways to do everyday tasks. Training within a group can be very helpful as members can learn from one another. Classes on cooking, mobility, and diabetes education management offer opportunities to learn introductory new skills in a supportive setting.

In some situations, more in-depth training will be needed to achieve independence. This training is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. 

Examples might include:

• extensive mobility training, 
• medication management, 
• organization techniques in the home, 
• braille training, or 
• use of low vision aids.

Are You Eligible for Program Services?

The following three criteria must be met in order to receive services provided by Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) program:

• Criterion 1 —The individual is 55 years of age or older;
• Criterion 2 —The individual has a visual impairment that is a substantial limitation to living independently;
• Criterion 3 —The delivery of OIB services will improve the individual’s ability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently.

Additional Information

• American Council of the Blind
• American Foundation for the Blind
• National Federation of the Blind
• National Eye Institute - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Blindness Resource Center – New York Institute for Special Education
• Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery & Development Program - Texas Health and …
• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library …
• National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision
• Unified English Braille
• Job Accommodation Network - Blindness