Do you know someone 55 and older with a vision impairment?

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (“VRCBVI”)

Presents

“Live Active, Live Healthy, Live Modern”

A one-week retreat for seniors experiencing vision loss + one (a loved one, family member, or friend)

August 21-26, 2016, Sunday-Friday

(Participants will arrive at the VRCBVI dorm on Sunday, August 21, 2016, after 4:00 p.m., and the program will end on Friday, August 26, 2016, at noon.)

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, 401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227, phone: (804) 371-3151

Does your vision loss affect your ability to read, get around independently, take care of your home, and enjoy your hobbies?  If so, how can the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired Program help you?  We can help by providing the following services free of charge:

• Coping with vision loss
• Daily living skills
• Independent travel
• Assistive technology skills such as learning to use IOS devices
• Low vision assessment and training
• Diabetic information and training on the use of talking glucometers
• Nutritional consultation
• Recreational activities that are designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle
• Additional resources

Coping skills

Through meeting as a group, we come together and discuss our problems in relation to loss of vision, loss of independence, inability to do tasks we once did, depression, and reaction of family and friends. We identify solutions for problems and issues related to vision loss and develop a network of individuals, who share our experiences, to create a resource for the future.

Daily Living Skills

Just because your vision is getting worse doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy life. We can teach you safe cooking and sewing techniques, methods for labeling medications and personal items, money identification and the use of adaptive tools, i.e., talking clocks, signature guides, etc.

Independent Travel

You can still travel safely and independently. We can teach you techniques for traveling with family and friends with confidence and dignity. These include the use of the long white cane for independent travel and identification purposes so that you can remain active in your community.

Assistive Technology Skills

You will learn the basics of how to access information on the computer using speech software and/or magnification programs and how to send and receive e-mail communication; additionally, you will receive an introduction to iOS devices

Low Vision

You will be evaluated to see if you can benefit from a wide range of devices, such as handheld or stand magnifiers, special telescopes, or sunglasses.  If you would benefit from a device, you will be trained to use it.

Diabetic Information

You will learn techniques and strategies for managing your diabetes independently as a blind or vision-impaired individual.

Nutritional Consultation

You will learn about the benefits of a healthy diet to mind and body.  How do you monitor nutritional information of food if you are blind or vision-impaired?

Recreational Activities- Physical Conditioning

You will learn how to participate successfully in exercise routines to optimize physical fitness and participate actively in the hobbies and interests you had before vision loss

And much, much more!

The program consists of a diverse group of qualified professionals trained in the field of blindness and low vision.

For information on the application process call your Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired Rehabilitation Teacher or Melody Roane, Director, Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, (804) 371-3323.

Participants must meet the following qualifications to attend:

• Legally blind or vision impaired
• 55 or older
• Must self-administer all medications and manage personal needs independently (VRCBVI uses no medical staff or personal-care attendants for the retreat).
• Physical health, stamina, and functional ability to participate fully in all retreat activities from morning through evening (breakfast starts at 8:00 am).
• Strong desire to achieve independence

Only fourteen seniors, each allowed an accompanying + one, will be accepted for the retreat.  Deadline for applications is Monday, August 1, 2016.