Rehabilitation for people who are blind depends on whether blindness was present at birth (congenital) or at a very young age or whether it developed later in life. Children who are born blind or who become blind at a very young age usually receive special education about how to function without sight from the beginning. Thus, most of them become well-adjusted. However, people who become blind later in life must learn new ways of dealing with daily living, such as how to feed themselves. Usually, people are taught the clock method. The dinner plate is pictured as a clock, and the meat is always placed at 8 o'clock, with the vegetable at 4 o’clock and the beverage at 1 o’clock.
Therapists also teach people to rely more on their other senses and to use devices for the blind, such as Braille. The goal is to help people function as well as possible, become independent, and regain their self-confidence.
People who are blind also have to learn how to use a cane, and family members and other caregivers must learn how to walk with them. Family members are instructed not to change the location of furniture or other objects without telling the person.
Learning how to use a seeing eye dog and Braille come much later. In the interim, audio books help people who are blind participate in reading.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
American Foundation for the Blind: Blindness and Low Vision: Information about the causes of vision loss and resources for people adjusting to vision loss, including tips for adapting the home and daily living
Helen Keller Services for the Blind: Resources and local programming contact information for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or combined hearing and vision loss
