Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind

If you are 55 or older and have a vision problem that makes everyday tasks difficult, Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind may be able to help you gain the confidence you need to live independently. Successful independent living training can help you:

• Accomplish everyday tasks
• Participate in your favorite activities
• Communicate with family and friends
• Gain a better understanding about your vision impairment
• Get back confidence you may have lost

Depending on the individual need, the following services may be provided by TWC to eligible consumers:

• Independent living skills training, provided in a consumer’s home or in the community
• Orientation and mobility training
• Low vision evaluations and low vision devices, including video magnification, hand-held magnifiers, and other identified devices
• Diabetes education
• Deafblind evaluations and equipment
• Counseling on adjustment to blindness
• Other services as necessary, such as ancillary services provided to support skills training

For more information about eligibility and services provided by TWC’s Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program, please call our OIB Call Center at 1-844-NEED-OIB (633-3642).

Centers for Independent Living

The Health and Human Services Commission provides a broad array of independent living services to people of all ages and with all disabilities through the network of Centers for Independent Living.  TWC is working closely with these Centers to ensure a smooth referral process and non-duplication of services.  For more information, contact the Health and Human Services Commission’s Independent Living Services.

Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC)

Time To Be Bold is a national public service awareness campaign through the Independent Living Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center at the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision. The OIB-TAC and this campaign are funded by the Dept. of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, which also funds services and training for individuals with visual impairments, including vocational rehabilitation (VR) and the Independent Living Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) programs nationally.

The TimeToBeBold campaign is designed to educate, engage and empower people who are 55+ with low vision to maintain/regain their independence by utilizing the free or low-cost services provided by the RSA-funded OIB programs. Go to timetobebold.org for a list of free or low-cost services in your state that will give you the tools, technology, training, and support you need to live your bold, best life.