Instructional Services for People Who are Blind
Instructional Services help DRS clients regain or maintain maximum independence and self-sufficiency. Rehabilitation teachers provide instruction and counseling through a program designed to help individuals adjust to the loss of sight. Services include instruction in personal and home management, communication methods, reading and writing braille, keyboarding skills, low vision technology, adaptive techniques or devices, and recreation or leisure activities. Services include the following:
Rehabilitation Teaching
Rehabilitation teaching helps Oklahomans adjust to loss of sight while developing practical skills designed to maintain their independence. Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired rehabilitation teachers provide counseling and instruction in the individual’s home, on the job site or other location to teach daily living skills, such as cooking and banking. Individuals may also learn skills in preparation for employment.
Legal blindness occurs when visual acuity with best correction is 20/200 or less or when side vision results in a field restriction of 20 degrees or less.
Orientation and Mobility
SBVI' orientation and mobility specialists provide instruction on a one-on-one basis to help individuals with visual impairments learn to travel safely and efficiently through their environment, using white canes and other independent travel techniques. The instruction may include street crossing, bus travel and evaluation of distance mobility aids to ensure safe and independent travel.
