Group trains, counsels those with vision loss

When a person loses vision – whether a little or a lot, slowly or quickly – there are many other losses that typically go along. Some pertain to how we see ourselves. Others losses include not being able to perform the basic tasks we do automatically every day, such as getting toothpaste on a toothbrush, but more complex ones like driving a car.

At The Iris Network, we provide training and counseling in adjusting to vision loss on all levels. Although we can’t get you behind the wheel again, we can help you put your life back together.

The Iris Network offers the following basic services. Most are offered statewide:

. Social work: Our licensed social workers explain services to people who are referred to The Iris Network and help people sort out what services they would like to work on. We help individuals make the connections not only to the services at the Iris Network, but to our partners at the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (the state agency) and dozens of ancillary services throughout the state.

. Personal adjustment counseling: This service allows the individual and/or family to discuss with a licensed counselor all of the emotional aspects of losing one’s vision. Typical issues include dealing with one’s identity as a person with a vision loss, having to ask for help, dealing with a family that doesn’t understand or dealing with a family that doesn’t let you do anything anymore, dealing with anger about the loss, dealing with medical personnel, dealing with the boss at work, and dealing with shame and guilt. With the help of the counselor, a person can begin to confront these issues and learn to adjust to this change in life.

. Rehabilitation teaching: This service teaches people to continue to live as independently as they choose. Our certified rehabilitation teachers work with people with low vision on aspects of personal management – grooming, clothing care, money identification, etc.; adaptive kitchen skills – measuring, cutting, slicing, stove and oven safety; household management – cleaning skills, bill paying, shopping; communications skills – use of large print, Braille, signing one’s name, check writing, keyboarding; and recreation and leisure – talking books, tape recorders, Maine AIRS, favorite recreational activities. Assistance is offered in lighting, contrast and low-vision tools such as magnifiers.

. Computer access. Our computer access teachers evaluate your ability to access the computer screen either through the use of screen magnification software, talking software, Braille software, or a combination of the above. Once you are set up with the right equipment, they will teach you how to use it. Training can happen at home, at school or on the job. We consult also with businesses.

. Orientation and mobility: Our certified teachers work with clients on learning to travel safely and efficiently with grace and confidence. You learn to use a long cane, if necessary, how to cross streets using the sound of traffic, how to use public transportation and much more. Guide dogs are discussed, but those who want to travel with a guide dog must apply to special schools.

All of these services are available either at home or at our Portland campus. We teach one-on-one and in-group classes. Next month we’ll discuss some common eye diseases and their implications for how we approach your training.

Ruth Mlotek is director of rehabilitation services, south. For more information on The Iris Network, call (800) 715-0097. The Maine Audio Information and Reading Service is a program of the Community Services Department of The Iris Network. Maine AIRS broadcasts local stories, obituaries and ads from the Bangor Daily News and other Maine daily and weekly newspapers from studios in Brewer. If you know of an individual who is blind or visually impaired who would benefit from these broadcasts, call 989-0058. Les Myers is director of Maine AIRS.