by Ken Dockter
NDVS/SB Adult Program Coordinator
Adults who attend Short-Term Programs take many different classes during their week at NDVS/SB. Orientation and Mobility, Braille, Technology, Daily Living Skills, Adjustment, Resources, and Recreation and Leisure are a few of the classes offered, with every class individualized by the instructor to meet each client’s unique needs. Every client’s schedule is different because we know everyone is interested in learning different things and every adult has different goals during their vision loss journey.
Before attending a Short-Term Program, a person may be unsure of what they would like to know as vision loss is new to them. NDVS/SB staff can help each client decide what classes best fit their unique needs and goals.
Learning non-visual techniques and strategies can bring a new outlook to a person’s life that can help in all aspects of their life.
What exactly can a person learn in during a Short-Term Program?
Here are a few unique things that have been taught recently to adults attending a Short-Term Program:
- A client learned how to use VoiceOver on their iPhone to make calls and stay connected with family and friends. They also learned how to access Facebook with VoiceOver.
- A client learned how to make turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy after vision loss, so she can continue to cook holiday meals for her family.
- Many clients have learned about new apps for smartphones and how best to integrate them into their daily lives.
- A client learned how to ask for and use human guide when they need it.
- Clients learned how to use their hearing, touch and smell to interpret their surroundings when traveling.
- Many clients have learned how to use a white cane to detect drop-offs and surface changes and to find obstacles.
- Clients have learned how to analyze traffic patterns, listen to cars, and cross intersections safely.
- Clients have learned how to plan and execute routes for safe, effective travel and learned about public transportation and rideshare options.
- Clients have learned safe cooking and knife techniques and adapted ways to measure ingredients. They have practiced using the stovetop and oven safely.
- Clients have been taught how to identify items in the kitchen and how to use bump dots and tactile markings to independently operate appliances.
- Many clients have worked on computer skills, from typing to using JAWS.
- Clients have learned organization and cleaning strategies for the home to implement after vision loss.
- We have taught how best to use magnification and how lighting and contrast may affect access to printed materials.
- Clients have learned functional braille to help them identify signs, elevators, restrooms, and other public places.
- We have shared and taught alternative ways to continue doing activities and hobbies clients enjoyed before losing vision.
- A client rode a tandem bicycle, a fact she was proud to share with her child.
Many times the new friendships that are formed with other clients who are new to vision loss is one of the most impactful parts of the week. These new friends become an important support system for each other.
Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Kristina Brown says, “One of the biggest outcomes I see is confidence. Adults often come in thinking, ‘I can't do this anymore,’ and leave realizing, ‘I can still do it—I just have to do it differently.’ Sometimes the most meaningful success is learning one small technique that allows someone to independently do something they had stopped doing. The adult doesn't necessarily leave knowing how to do everything. They leave knowing there are ways to figure things out.”
Most importantly, adults who attend a Short-Term Program week know they are not alone in their vision loss journey as they have met new friends and also have met staff who can help them answer questions that they might have on how to do something. We are here to help! Please reach out to start your own journey to independence.
For more information on services and resources for adults, contact Ken Dockter, Adult Program Coordinator. kdockter@nd.gov | 701-795-2724