Þjónustu- og þekkingarmiðstöð fyrir blinda, sjónskerta og daufblinda einstaklinga Service to the Elderly National Institute for the Blind, Visually Impaired, and Deaf-blind

Specialists at the Centre – Educational consultants – ILS and O&M consultants – Ophthalmologist – Opticians – Social worker – Computer- and technology consultant – Specialists in adapted text – Consultant for work-/study-rehabilitation Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Eligibility for the Services A request from an ophthalmologist that includes information on eye-sight status and diseases as applicable, is prerequisite for entering the services at the Centre Rules for minimum vision apply: Vision 6/19 (30%) or less Visual field no more than 20° Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Client Acceptance Once accepted into service, the client will be appointed a contact-person (ILS/O&M consultant) The client’s vision will be evaluated with regards to his ability to perform daily tasks, such as reading, mobility, work, social and recreation etc. The client’s contact-person will refer him to other professionals at the Centre as necessary Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Identifying the Needs The client is interviewed at the Centre or at his home as applicable The client’s medical assessment from his own ophthalmologist is the basis for additional assessments Optician and ophthalmologist at the Centre will be consulted as necessary A meeting with the Centre’s social worker may be set up ILS/O&M consultant (the contact-person) controls and manages the overall care rendered to the client Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Resources The client does not have to pay any fees All visual aids are on loan from the Centre, according to regulations Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Individual Program of Care Service is tailored to individual needs Once an individual has been accepted as the Centre’s client, he may ask for assistance at any time The client’s contact-person will book interviews and examinations as necessary Training on visual aids/equipment is performed by the appropriate professionals: ILS/O&M consultant, computer specialist, optician Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Different Approaches It is of high importance to approach each client’s needs on his own conditions To be taken into account are e.g. The individual’s ability to adopt to new techniques and skills The individual’s degree of vision/blindness The individual’s social circumstances The individual’s attitude towards his change of life-style Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Methods of Approach Visits to the client’s home as necessary Circumstances assessed to identify special needs Communication on the client’s terms Supporting existing way of life as possible Offering aids available and training that matches the client’s ability Mental support Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

The follow-up process The contact-person contacts every client at least every other year, depending on the clients’ needs Support in co-operation with the client: Visits to the client’s home The client’s visits to the Centre Arranging further training or support according to the client’s wishes Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Educational Role of the Centre Various courses provided by the Centre are available to different groups: Institutes such as homes for the elderly, schools, hospitals, public transport etc. The clients’ families and friends Teachers and care-takers General public, on request Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Information to the Public The Centre runs a homepage with various information for the public and users of the Centre’s services Leaflets and booklets are published Special effort is made to inform the general public on days dedicated to specific agendas e.g. “Day of the White Cane” Guðbjörg Árnadóttir

Thank You Guðbjörg Árnadóttir