The Independent Living Older Blind Program provides specialized assistance to older District residents who are blind or experiencing significant vision loss and want to remain independent.
About
The Independent Living Older Blind Program, commonly called ILOB, operates through the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration.
The program focuses on helping older people who are blind or experiencing significant vision loss maintain or increase their independence at home and in the community.
Unlike vocational rehabilitation, the primary focus of this program is independent living rather than employment.
Services May Include
Independent-living skills training
Adjustment to blindness or vision loss
Orientation and mobility
Assistive technology
Adaptive equipment and devices
Communication techniques
Home-management and daily-living techniques
Information, referral, and community-resource assistance
Who They Serve
The program is intended for older District residents who are blind or experiencing significant vision loss and need assistance maintaining or increasing their independence.
Eligibility and available services are determined by the program.
Older adults experiencing vision loss may need specialized training and adaptive equipment to continue completing everyday activities independently.
The Independent Living Older Blind Program is valuable because its focus is on maintaining independence, safety, confidence, and community participation rather than requiring employment to be the person’s goal.