|
Services For The Blind
The Social Worker for the Blind provides services to the blind and visually impaired citizens of Wayne County, including both children and adults, to enable them to become independent, provide a constructive contribution to society, and realize their potential. Instruction in independent living skills is provided to enable the blind and visually impaired person to resume control over his/her everyday activities. Instruction in independent living includes telephone use, identifying coins by touch, money management, telling time, sewing techniques, cleaning techniques, food preparation and cooking techniques, serving food, gardening techniques, handwriting techniques, personal care, health care, laundry techniques, eating techniques, and home management. Supplies and equipment may be purchased to enable a blind or visually impaired individual to reach his/her independent living potential.
Independent living classes called "mini-centers" are held in Wayne County for visually impaired and blind persons. The purpose of these classes is to help individuals learn adaptive skills and techniques so they can remain in their home and function independently.
Talking Book Machine Service is available. The Social Worker for the Blind provides sighted guide instruction. Referral to an orientation and mobility instructor is made when a client requests instruction in cane travel.
Wayne County has two Recreation Groups of the Blind. We also have a local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. The Social Worker for the Blind meets with the groups, which provide recreation and contact with other visually impaired individuals. The Social Worker for the Blind arranges for interested clients to have a camping experience at Camp Dogwood for a week each year.
Referrals and requests are made to the six Lions Clubs and Auxiliaries in Wayne County when other resources are not available. Referrals are made to the Rehabilitation Counselor with Services for the Blind when job training and employment are the client's goals. Referrals are made to the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind when the client requests intensive independent living and adjustment training. Referrals for low vision evaluation and low vision aids are made when appropriate. Low vision aids may be purchased. The services listed here are available to any visually impaired person regardless of income. The Social Worker for the Blind maintains the North Carolina Register for the Blind, which lists the blind and visually impaired residents of Wayne County.
For more information contact Mary Jones at (919) 731-1102.
Eye Care Certification
Eye care certification is given to persons with limited income. All income must be verified.
Eye care consists of eye examinations, eyeglasses, eye treatment, eye surgery, hospitalization for eye disorders, ocular prostheses, and eye medications. A person may be certified as eligible for an eye exam and/or eye glasses every six months. The eligible person must pay $5.00 towards the total costs of the examination and $5.00 for the glasses.
Eye exam certifications are done on Tuesday from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Department of Social Services Annex. Customers need to provide the family’s income, and any outstanding medical bills that are in the process of being paid.
There is an age restriction for clients who need refractions and eye glasses.
| • Clients age 25 or older, refractions and eyeglasses are restricted to one every two years. |
| • Clients under age 25, refractions and eyeglasses are restricted to one every per year. |
If the ophthalmologist completes the eye exam and determines that the individual needs eye surgery, he/she must obtain prior approval from the Nursing Eye-Care Consultant in the DSB district office.
For more information contact Mary Jones at (919) 731-1102.
| 
