REHABILITATION
A Rehabilitation Officer works with people who have lost vision and assists them to remain independent in all aspects of their life, in communication skills, daily living, low vision and mobility. People are individually assessed and given advice and training to suit their needs and circumstances.
Assessment of ‘functional vision’ - establish how someone uses his/her vision and give advice and recommend how they can maximise their useful vision. A Rehabilitation Officer can advise about appropriate lighting and use of low vision aids for reading and distance.
Provide training and advice in aspects of:
Mobility, confidence building, use of appropriate canes and training in independent travel, route planning and use of public transport
Daily Living Skills -helping people learn or re-learn skills such as cooking, using different methods, self care and general household activities, advising on appropriate use of equipment and gadgets such as liquid level indicator or a talking clock.
Communication Skills -assisting in maintaining the ability to communicate with others, either by using information in large print, on tape, CD, in Braille. Advice on use of computers, CCTV’s and touch typing.
Providing information on resources, benefits and concessions -these include travel concessions, state benefits, charities such as wireless for the blind, the RNIB, or Guide Dogs. We have good contacts with other agencies such as social work, welfare rights etc.
Emotional Support - there maybe a need for people who have a sudden loss of vision or have other issues which are causing them concern, to have access to counselling services and support groups.
In Fife we have a well established service and a team of very experienced Rehabilitation Officers, an Assistant Rehabilitation Officer and Social Workers.