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For people who lose their sight in adult life, all is not lost. They can still lead a functional and independent life. LOFOB’s Independence Development Service helps such individuals regain their independence and zest for life through a dynamic adult rehabilitation programme.
LOFOB receives referrals from a number of hospitals and clinics within Cape Town and greater South Africa. Visually impaired individuals or their friends and family can also refer clients directly to LOFOB. The LOFOB centre includes hostel facilities that provide accommodation for clients from rural areas who require independence training, thus allowing them to access LOFOB services. The clients from the rural areas are identified by LOFOB on the rural outreach programmes.
The Occupational Therapy team assesses the functional abilities and training needs of the clients, and develops individual training programmes for visually impaired persons. Clients who attend training from the surrounding communities are transported to the LOFOB centre. Transport is provided to all clients at no charge. LOFOB clients attend the centre at least twice weekly.
On average, it takes a client 3 months of training to complete the full training programme. This time frame is, however, dependent on the individual’s capabilities and willingness to practise taught skills at home, the number of times per week the client attends training, and on how many various areas the client is being trained in.
Upon completion of the rehabilitation programme, the clients have gained the skills and confidence in order to become integrated into their communities.
The training programme includes the following:
Home Management Skills Personal Care Skills Communication Skills Money Identification Skills Braille Typing Orientation and Mobility Skills, including a low vision service Crafts Education to family members Education regarding various assistive devices Social Work Services Games, recreation and outings Support Groups Women’s Forum Meetings
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