Vision rehabilitation services enable people who are blind or visually impaired adapt to vision loss and lead full, independent and productive lives.

Our professional team of experienced instructors and specialists deliver one-on-one and group lessons designed to teach blind and visually impaired people the skills necessary to succeed. Our services are certified by the California Department of Rehabilitation and include:

• Low Vision Exams
• Living with Vision Loss Classes
• Orientation and Mobility
• Daily Living Skills
• Braille
• Computers and Assistive Technology
• Employment Services

Low Vision Exams

Low vision examinations are designed to evaluate the visual abilities and limitations of visually impaired clients. Our low vision Ophthalmologist will make recommendations on optical aids and trainings that can help clients adjust to vision loss.

See our Low Vision Clinic page for more information.

Living with Vision Loss Classes

Group “Living with Vision Loss” classes are held weekly at our Oakland center and various locations in the community. This six week course (2 hours per class) provides blind and visually impaired clients with a comprehensive overview of vision loss, adjustment and coping strategies, and services and resources available to the blind and visually impaired. Call us for more information or to enroll. 510-450-1580.

In addition to our regular Oakland class, we provide on-site classes at senior centers, retirement communities and community centers. If you are interested in bringing “Living with Vision Loss” classes to your community, please call us for more information at 510-450-1580.

Orientation and Mobility

Certified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists teach blind and visually impaired clients the skills necessary to travel safely and independently around their homes, neighborhoods and communities.

Lessons include learning orientation techniques, cane travel instruction, accessing public transportation, route planning, and safe travel techniques. Lessons are taught one-on-one around client’s homes, work sites, and in the community.

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists hold Master’s degrees in Special Education with an emphasis on Orientation and Mobility and are certified by either the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NOMC) or the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (COMS).

Daily Living Skills

Experienced instructors teach blind and visually impaired clients to maintain their household independence through the use of adaptive aids, techniques and home modifications. Areas of instruction include:

Cooking and Housekeeping
Labeling and Organization
Personal care
Finances & Money Management
Magnification evaluations
Light and glare assessments
Lessons are taught one-on-one in the client’s home or at the Oakland center.

Braille

Braille allows blind and visually impaired people who can no longer read print maintain their literacy and access to information. Our expert Braille instructors provide lessons in uncontracted Braille, contracted Braille, and Nemeth code (math Braille).

Lessons are conducted one-on-one at the Oakland center’s Braille classroom.

Computers and Assistive Technology

Computer and Assistive Technology instructors complete assessments and provide instruction in the use of computers, software programs, accessible software, and a variety of assistive technology devices. Lessons are taught one-on-one in the client’s home or at the Oakland center’s computer lab.

See our Assistive Technology page for more information.

Employment Services

Employment Services program staff provide support and training to help blind and visually impaired clients achieve their vocational goals and find meaningful employment.

See our Employment Services page for more information.

Enrolling in Services