Services
Vision Loss Resources is comprised of three areas: Community Services, Rehabilitation Services, and DeafBlind Services Minnesota. While these three areas are very specialized, their common purpose is to provide services and programs to enhance independent living.
Community Services provides assistance to those dealing with varying degrees of vision and/or hearing loss. Services include in-home assessments, life skills classes, support groups, peer counseling and a numerous activities through our community center.
In-home vision assessments are a free service, consisting of a comprehensive, professional evaluation that helps identify individual needs, develops a plan of service for the client, and includes information on other community resources. In-home hearing assessments are also a free service that includes hearing screening, advocacy and resources for adaptive equipment for persons with hearing loss.
Life skills class is commonly referred to as the ‘gateway’ class to Vision Loss Resources. This class teaches safe, adaptive techniques to those with vision loss in a fun and nurturing environment. Participants learn new ways to approach everyday tasks, such as managing finances, taking care of clothing, preparing meals, and labeling items for identification. Each class is centered around delicious and simple recipes that are prepared and shared by all in attendance. This class is a great way to get participants thinking creatively and to discover what they can do to remain independent.
Support groups are provided throughout the metro area. They are regularly scheduled meetings, typically once a month that provide information, encouragement and support.
Peer counseling is another form of support, using a one-to-one relationship. Peer counselors are trained and visually impaired volunteers who connect with clients via phone or in person.
The community center offers numerous leisure activities for all ages. Every activity has one or more staff members present who ensure every participant is greeted and escorted to the event location and is available for any needs that arise. Our community center hosts craft groups, book clubs, game days, social and educational outings, cooking and writing classes, and informational presentations.
Rehabilitation Services provide comprehensive, hands-on training for greater independence at home, work and school. The rehabilitation center focuses on daily living skills, communication and technology, vocational and academic preparation, and orientation and mobility.
Daily living skills training provides techniques helpful in developing skills for living independently. These include preparing meals, performing household chores, taking care of clothing and organizing and managing finances.
Communication and technology training is tailored to the specific needs and interests of the individual with classes offered in Braille, keyboarding, the use of audio devices and computers with large print and speech capabilities. Vocational and academic counseling as well as help with study skills and testing is available to clients preparing to return to either school or work. Orientation and mobility training provides clients comprehensive skills necessary to travel safely and independently with either a white cane and/or dog guide. Training similar to that available in the Rehabilitation Center can also be provided in the home, at school or in the workplace.
Clients also have the opportunity to explore leisure time activities such as cards and games as well as a variety of crafts, including basketry, woodworking and jewelry making. Instruction in the proper use of fitness equipment and guidance in designing a personalized fitness program is also available. Staff counselors assist clients with problem solving and facilitate coordination with other agencies for service as needed. Regularly scheduled group meetings afford the opportunity for rehabilitation center participants to come together and share ideas and experiences.
DeafBlind Services Minnesota, also known as DBSM, provides assistance to deafblind individuals of all ages and all abilities to achieve their highest level of independence and self-sufficiency. Because each deafblind individual has unique needs, challenges and abilities, services are primarily provided on a one-to-one basis and customized to that person's needs.
Children, Youth and Family Services, through DBSM, provides support, information, referral, training and advocacy to parents of deafblind children in Minnesota. The program works closely with parents and families, school systems and other service providers to assist in coordinating necessary services to deafblind children, through age 21.
The Adult Community Services department coordinates community-wide social and recreational events annually for the adult deafblind community. Appropriate supports and communication access are provided, as well as transportation when events are outside of the Metro area or lack transportation such as city bus or Metro Mobility.
Adult Community Services also coordinates a program to assist adults with errands such as grocery shopping and banking, activities of daily living such as reading mail, assisting with bill paying activities and household care.
DBSM also has a full-time instructor on staff that provides assessment and training to deafblind individuals in areas of orientation & mobility, travel/use of transportation resources, independent living skills, adaptive devices/equipment, low vision techniques and Braille.