Alabama Blind Services | Help Exists. Start Here. - eleVIVO

Blind or low-vision and not sure what help is available?State rehabilitation services exist to support independence, employment, and a path forward - and most people don't know how to access them. Michelle sits down with three leaders from the AlabamaDepartment of Rehabilitation Services: Dana Barber, State Coordinator for Blind Services; Matthew Haynes, who leads the OASIS program for older adults navigating vision loss; and Bedarius Bell, Director of Special Programs who inaddition to serving people who are deafblind or living with dual sensory loss, directs quality control, policy, contracts and outreach for ADRS. Thriving with Vision Loss is an eleVIVO original seriessharing stories, practical tools, and lived wisdom from people building meaningful lives with blindness or low vision. eleVIVO supports individuals and families navigating vision loss, and is designed to scale in partnership with agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve them. The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) isthe lead state agency serving Alabamians with disabilities at any age and stage of life. Blind and Low-Vision Services are provided through the Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), one of the four main ADRS divisions. The others are Alabama's Early Intervention System, Children's Rehabilitation Service, and the State of Alabama Independent Living-Homebound Program. For more information, visit rehab.alabama.gov, send us a message, or call 800-441-7607.(TTY users dial 711 or visit alabamarelay.com for more information. American Sign Language interpreters and language translators are available. ADRS doesnot endorse or sponsor any commercial product, service, or activity. ADRS's participation in this program does not constitute endorsement by ADRS.) Theseprograms exist in every state - ask your state's rehabilitation agency what's available near you. What state rehabilitation services do and who is eligibleHow Vocational Rehabilitation supports employment for blindand low-vision peopleWhat the OASIS program offers older adults navigating visionloss If you or someone you care about is navigating vision loss,learn more about eleVIVO at the link below. https://elevivo.com Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS):https://www.rehab.alabama.gov ADRS Blind and Low-Vision Services:https://www.rehab.alabama.gov/services/vr-bd/vr-bd Special thanks to Scott Joffre (The Blind Striker) foraccessibility insights that helped shape this episode. The Blind Striker YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@theblindstriker Ending music: "Circles" by Classless Act, usedwith permission. Deep thanks to our friends in Classless Act for generously sharing their music and supporting Thriving with Vision Loss and the blindnesscommunity. The closing lyrics reflect the heart of this series - choosing your own path, making it happen, and finding your way to happiness. Learn more about Classless Act: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/classlessact Live fan performances (shared with permission): YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@classlessactarmy This conversation reflects personal and professionalexperience and is not intended as medical or legal advice.IN THIS EPISODESUPPORT AND RESOURCESMORE FROM OUR GUESTSACCESSIBILITY NOTEMUSIC CREDIT AND THANK YOU