What We Do
Earle Baum Center of the Blind’s core services are delivered by professionals and designed to help people with sight loss gain skills needed to live independent, successful lives. Our proven curricula offers focused instruction in the following areas:
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
The use of adaptive computer hardware and software can enable full participation in today’s world of electronic communication and information storage and retrieval. We provide one-on-one instruction to evaluate a person’s skills and needs and offer individualized recommendations and training with: smart devices including mobile phones, tablets, and glasses; GPS devices and apps; video magnifiers; personal assistant devices; digital recorders; and more. Group classes cover the latest in technology in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
BRAILLE INSTRUCTION
Provides instruction in braille reading, writing, and use of braille, including labeling foods, files, clothing, games and more. Course content is based on individual needs.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
Teaches adaptive skills for cooking, shopping, financial and household management, clothing color matching, and more. Course content is based on individual needs in group or individual settings.
INTRODUCTION TO VISION LOSS
For people experiencing sight loss, our group classes are designed to introduce information, techniques, and equipment, allowing you to lead an active life. In addition, we assist in adjusting to the emotions of losing sight. The class is 12 weeks meeting once per week and covers a variety of topics. Each week covers a new topic that shares information, techniques, and shows equipment to use in the areas of cooking, cleaning, laundry, technology, labeling foods, medications and other personal items, orientation and mobility (getting around), travel, social skills, adaptive phones, and in-home safety.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP
A support instructor leads a group class designed for spouse, family, and friends to navigate the new role of supporting a loved one going through vision loss. Safe, friendly environment with peer interaction and support.
LIVING WITH VISION LOSS
A support instructor leads a group class designed to address an individual’s emotional adjustment to sight loss. The class is 12 weeks meeting once per week and covers a variety of topics. We address real daily reactions to sight loss, such as frustrations with transportation, shopping and doing business in a sighted world, and communicating one’s needs in that world. Communication and self-advocacy, related to sight loss acceptance and good communication standards, are a part of positive communication with family, friends, doctors, grocery clerks – those who just don’t “get it”. Safe, friendly environment with peer interaction and support. We honor the confidentiality of the group discussions.
ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY
Develops the skills required to travel independently, safely, and confidently through one’s environment. Specific instruction covers spatial concepts, sensory awareness, white cane skills, and the use of public transportation.