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Independent Living Program
What is the Independent Living Program?
Are you blind or visually impaired and unable to work because of family commitments or health problems?
Are you retired and losing vision due to macular degeneration or other age related conditions?
If so, Independent Living services may be just what you need to regain or maintain your independence. Through this program you can learn to get around safely, cook and clean for yourself or your family, make the most of your remaining vision and, best of all, come to terms with your vision loss. You can also be connected with resources such as talking books and alternative transportation.
Who qualifies for the Independent Living Program?
The general intent of Independent Living services is to provide a means for those persons who are not bound for the job market to continue to maintain their independence. Many individuals who have experienced vision loss but who do not plan on going to work still desire to take care of themselves maintain a clean and safe home environment and minimize dependence on society. Independent Living services can help them achieve these goals.
Senior Blind Community (Age 55 & Up)
In general, these individuals fall into two groups who qualify for and need Independent Living services. The fastest growing of these is the blind and visually impaired population over age 55. As our society as a whole ages, we tend to experience age related conditions, which were not that prevalent just decades ago. The best example of this phenomenon in terms of visual complications, is age related macular degeneration or ARMD. When seniors lose vision as a result of ARMD or other causes, it becomes necessary to learn alternative skills to maintain independence and remain in one's chosen living environment rather than having to be institutionalized. When you can no longer read, cook, drive or move around safely because of vision loss it becomes important to be connected with alternative resources to help provide training and referral to other persons or organizations who can help provide some of these essentials. In fact, the needs of the senior blind have been considered unique enough that special funding is set aside by the Federal government to assist states such as ours to meet those needs.
Individuals Who Need Independent Living Skills
The second is a group of individuals who are under 55 years of age who, for one reason or another, do not intend to or cannot work. Some may be stay at home mothers or housewives while others may experience health problems to an extent that work is not practical. In either case, they may have family responsibilities, household tasks or community commitments, which require alternative skills to complete. In such situations where vocational rehabilitation is not practical or possible, independent living skills training is a very viable solution.
DSB Independent Living Community Partners and Service Providers
Independent living services are mostly provided by contracted individuals or organizations who are our community partners in this work. Service areas are assigned by counties and, in the case of our employees, smaller areas within cities or particular geographical areas. If you are interested in learning more about Independent Living services, please contact the specialist or organization serving your area from the list below.