Rehabilitation Teaching by Karen Woody



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Rehabilitation Teaching
by Karen Woody (1998)

A rehabilitation teacher works with people who are blind or visually impaired. Since they can not see enough to perform daily tasks visually; a teacher presents students with alternative methods and skills which they can use to successfully regain independence. Learning these skills allows students to take charge of their daily lives again and continue to do their jobs, maintain their interest in leisure activities, and learn new things.

People who have partial or total vision loss work in all types of professions and skilled employment. They have the same educational and employment goals as everyone else. Clients become ready to be employed or go back to school by learning or refining their ability to perform the tasks which we all do every day to get organized and conduct our lives as successful productive people. A rehabilitation teacher shows students how to use alternative methods and adaptive devices which will help them develop their independence. They learn how to use devices like large print, speech output, or Braille markings.

When people first come to STAR to begin training they often feel that they will never be able to fully participate in life again. They see themselves as needing to be cared for by others. They think, "If I can't even pour my own drink or see what colors I'm wearing together; how can I know what job I want?" Rehabilitation teachers show students that there are good techniques for dealing with the problems and uncertainties which accompany vision loss. Soon they learn that options are available and that they can make choices.

Students who are good Braille users become employed more quickly and keep their jobs longer than those who are not. The use of Braille allows them to continue to be literate and to read for work, education, or pleasure. They may also learn basic computer and keyboarding skills. When trainees realize that they can prepare nutritious meals they know that they can contribute to their own well being and that of their family. There are alternative techniques for identifying and keeping track of money, labeling clothing to identify colors, and for maintaining handwriting skills. Sometimes, learning to be independent means understanding that many things a person does every day require no special adaptations. But they may require a change in the way the equipment the already have is used.

A rehabilitation teacher helps students set goals and learn the skills which are needed to accomplish them step by step. When students have completed their training, they are ready to participate in whatever activities they choose. In future newsletters you will find more information about equipment students learn to use and the techniques which rehabilitation teachers emphasize to help students build a positive attitude about their ability to deal with life as a person with blindness.