Rehabilitation

Specialist Rehabilitation Officers help to support people who have lost, or who are losing their sight. Many aspects of daily life can be affected by sight loss and can cause frustration and anxiety for the individuals and their family or carers. Many of the problems that are associated with sight loss can be overcome with appropriate help and advice.

Rehabilitation Officers can help you to stay independent, regain lost skills or rebuild confidence. Rehabilitation is very practical and could help you regardless of your sight difficulties. For example, if you have difficulties with making a cup of tea you may find that a Liquid Level Indicator (an audible gadget that lets you know when your cup is full) helps you to make a drink without spilling liquid everywhere. Or if you are having difficulties with using your magnifiers we are able to work with you to show you how to get the most out of using one.

Another service that a Rehabilitation Officer can provide is mobility training. This training can help an individual regain their confidence in going outdoors safely and independently. Training can consist of demonstrating suitable long canes and tips, followed by a training programme looking at correct use and technique of a long cane, learning safe route’s to a local shop or other places of interest with additional training focusing on crossing roads safely, negotiating steps and stairs as well as use of public transport.

How do you get help from a Rehabilitation Officer?

There are many ways to get the help that you require and the easiest way is to contact your local social services department and they will pass your information to your Rehabilitation Officer.

How to contact a Rehabilitation Officer

There are many ways to get the help that you require and the easiest way is to contact your local Social Services department and they will pass your information to your Rehabilitation Officer.

Alternatively, you can contact Sight Cymru on 01495 763650 and we will put you in touch with your Rehabilitation Officer. If you would like a friend or family member to refer you instead they are more than welcome to do this for you.

Some people may be seeing a consultant and are being, or have been, certified as Severely Sight Impaired or Sight Impaired. These are the new official terms for ‘blind’ or ‘partially sighted’. Once Social Services receive notification of your certification, they will contact you to find out what help, if any, you require and if it is appropriate we will refer you to the Rehabilitation Officer.

When a Rehabilitation Officer visits you they will carry out an assessment. This will help them to determine the type of support and help that you require. They will then provide you with information, equipment and training that is specific to you and your needs. In some cases they may need to refer you to another specialist, such as an occupational therapist, but this will be discussed and agreed with you first. The Rehabilitation Officer will work with you for as long as it is required and ensure that you get the best possible support.