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Vision Impairment rehabilitation provides crucial training and advice to people with a vision impairment on how to maintain and live safely in their home, and on how to negotiate obstacles and risks outside of the home. It provides people with the skills and confidence they need to maximise independence and to access and participate in the wider community.
After diagnosis the correct care, treatment and rehabilitation is key and importantly, it is your right to receive it. For information about your rights under The Care Act 2014 view the RNIB Care Act Briefing here.
Early support is imperative as it enables people to learn and develop the right skills to ensure that they are able to continue in work, with activities and a way of life that is meaningful and important to them. Ongoing and timely support is also of vital importance if feelings of isolation and/or hopelessness are to be avoided.
In addition to care professionals there are many voluntary sector organisations out there who are ready, able and willing to help.
Visionary – a membership organisation for local sight loss charities – is a fantastic resource for support and rehabilitation which helps provide key information and personal advice to those living with visual impairment, and simple solutions to help you achieve maximum independence. To find the nearest local charity to you, search using its Charity Locator.
Every person will have different individual needs that must be addressed, and there is a wide range of practical help available.
Your local Social Services will also help in a range of areas, the level of which will be measured by a needs assessment.
Social Services can assist with:
Personal Care
Housework & DIY
Shopping & errands
Bureaucratic aid i.e. forms and emails
Mobility training
General life skills
For further information on this subject, as well as help with preparing for a social care assessment, check out the RNIB site here.
Do you need a white cane, and if so where can you get one from? The RNIB answers here
For some, a guide dog may be the best resource – check out the information provided by Guide Dogs for more details.
Thomas Pocklington Trust has also published a wealth of research on Independent Living, including; tips on lighting and decorating your home, saving energy, and personal safety.