Rehabilitation || Career and Vocational || Personal Adjustment ||
Local Independent Travel || Low Vision Clinic || "Ticket-to-Work" ||

The greatest challenge faced by people who are blind is not the physical lack of sight, but the limiting beliefs that society holds about their abilities. Blindness doesn’t have to keep anyone from living a happy, productive life. Each step toward independence is one more step toward living a quality life. Our services challenge, encourage and empower individuals to build confidence, independence and self-esteem.

1. Summer Camp
   Celebrate Independence is a coed camp for blind and visually impaired youth ages 12 –17 years. The camp offers a variety of opportunities centered on our core values of independence, trust, teamwork and personal development. Campers practice skills needed to bridge the gap into independent adulthood. Each summer, campers have the opportunity for personal growth through life skill experiences, orientation and mobility, computer, social skills, recreation, outdoor nature workshop, relationship building, independence and self-awareness.
    
2. Support Groups
   It helps to know you’re not alone! Often people with vision loss experience a sense of isolation. It is important that people have an opportunity to discuss feelings about low vision. Support groups offer a place for people to meet others coping with similar issues and develop a sensed of community. Our support groups are available to bring together people who share common experiences and exchange information related to their vision. Support groups provide opportunities for learning and offer hope to those who are willing to participate. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to attend a support group, and invite one person (i.e. family member or friend) to attend a parallel support group. For additional information, contact the Seeing Hand Association at (304) 232-4810 or by e-mail at seehand@ovis.net for additional information.
    
3. Mobility Training
   Mobility Training is instruction in sighted guide, self-protective techniques, use of long cane and sensory awareness.
    
4. Daily Life Skills
   The center offers assistance for individuals to obtain information about various low vision products for independent living or enhancing one’s lifestyle by making daily tasks easier. Many individuals have discovered an improved quality of life by using low vision products at home, in the community, and on the job. Low vision products can include: talking watches, microwaves, money device, thermometers; bump dots; magnifiers; large print and tactile kitchen aids, playing cards; and others.
    
5. Recreation and Leisure Activities
   Leisure activities are offered for consumers who are visually impaired to continue an active life and maintain socialization skills. Leisure activities include: bowling, picnics, baseball games, parties, etc.
   


6. Support Services
   We provide assistance for eye glasses, transportation, reading, etc. Referrals can be made by calling us at 304-232-4810.