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OASIS (Older Alabamians System of Information and Services) is a federally funded program designed to assist persons 55 and older and visually impaired in living more independently in their homes. OASIS is a program of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and is funded under Title VII Chapter 2 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. OASIS has been providing services to residents of Alabama since 1987.
Services Offered
Advocacy
Staff advocates for persons who have lost vision, facilitates the organization and functioning of support groups, and teaches support groups self-advocacy.
Assessment
Rehabilitation teachers assess visual limitations with consumers using a Functional Visual Assessment.
Assistive Products
Low tech adaptive aids and low vision devices provided free of charge with instruction to those who qualify; referral made to other applicable resources.
Braille/Audio/Large Print Production
Produces materials in alternate formats (braille, diskette, large print). Types of content: braille and large print materials provided for instruction and training.
Community Outreach Programs
Staff provides public education presentations to civic groups and in-service training to organizations regarding available services and general information regarding vision loss.
Consultation/Technical Program Assistance
Technical assistance regarding blindness and low vision available as a public service.
Education Services
Instruction in adaptive techniques and resources provided by Vision Rehabilitation Therapists; instruction in Orientation & Mobility provided by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists.
In-Home Services
Vision rehabilitation services provided in the consumer's home.
Information and Referral
Information and referral to other services and resources available either locally or nationally.
Library Services
Vision Rehabilitation Therapists certify consumers for Talking Books and other recorded materials.
Low Vision Services
Limited low vision examinations provided on recommendation of staff Vision Rehabilitataion Therapists.
Orientation and Mobility
Limited Orientation & Mobility instruction provided.
Professional Training
In-service training provided to staff Vision Rehabilitation Therapists and Orientation & Mobility Specialists; in-service training presentations provided to other agencies and organizations on request; informational presentations provided to civic groups on request.
Rehabilitation Services
Vision rehabilitation services provided in consumers' homes.
Services for Seniors
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Books in alternate formats
- Braille instruction
- Daily living skills training
- Independent travel training
- Low vision device prescription/training
- Low vision evaluation/eye examinations
- Reading services
- Referrals to aging programs
- Support groups
In 2007, OASIS provided assistance to 1,248 older Alabamians with vision problems, helping them to gain and maintain their independence. These services are provided through a network of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists and Orientation and Mobility Specialists located throughout Alabama. OASIS also develops local support groups to encourage older adults who are losing their vision to share information and support others who are adjusting to vision loss. Call 1-800-671-6837 for the Support Group nearest you.
Related Event
Technology Symposium 2008
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When a person loses vision what they want to hear is that someone can restore their vision but when that is not possible finding a program of services like those services offered by the OASIS Program is the next best thing.
