Blind or visually impaired people face many challenges. To enjoy an independent and productive life, they may need to learn to travel safely from place to place, to cook meals safely and perform other tasks of daily living, including becoming proficient at reading and writing, attending school and finding jobs. Education and support are crucial. There are a number of organizations in Missouri that provide services to blind and visually impaired adults and children.
Organizations That Serve Adults
Organizations that serve adults who are blind or visually impaired in Missouri include the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Missouri Department of Social Services Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, the Alphapointe Association for the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri. They provide services such as life skills training for adults who recently lost their vision, mobility training, adaptive cooking classes, assistance with adaptive equipment and low-vision aids, support groups and therapeutic recreation activities.
Organizations That Serve Children
Organizations in Missouri that serve children who are blind or visually impaired include the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Missouri Department of Social Services Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri. They provide services such as mobility training, training in the use of Braille, training in activities of daily living, summer employment programs and assistance with adaptive technology.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The Missouri Department of Social Services Rehabilitation Services for the Blind provides vocational rehabilitation services to blind and visually impaired adults who need assistance entering or remaining in the workforce. Services include job training, job placement assistance, assessment of problems on the job, assistance with adaptive equipment and follow-up care. Other organizations in Missouri provide some assistance with work-related matters, such as mobility training that allows blind and visually impaired people to get to work independently.
Services for Families
Many organizations for the blind and visually impaired also provide services to family members of clients. Services for family members include education, support groups and referrals to other social services, as needed.
Cost of Services
Many organizations for the blind and visually impaired in Missouri provide services at no charge to recipients. Some organizations charge a small fee for some services. For instance, the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired charges a $20 fee, as of August 2010, to see an optometrist in their low vision clinic and they charge a small fee to cover the cost of supplies for art classes. Other services they offer are free.
References
- St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Services for Children
- St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Services to Adults
- Missouri Dept. of Social Services: Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
- Alphapointe Association for the Blind: Services
- National Federation of the Blind: Programs
