Social Services

Comprehensive, direct social service support is provided by professional staff with expertise in sight loss. Services include home visitation and case management, information about available services, assessment, referrals, home management assistance and counseling. Our social service team will guide you in learning about available help.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M)

A specialist teaches a person who is visually impaired to travel safely and independently. This training is key to regaining confidence and self-respect, and restoring freedom. With O&M, the consumer no longer has to be solely dependent on family, friends, and others.

Therapy Specializing in Vision Loss

Therapy is provided to help with all issues that may have been heightened due to lost vision. Strategies are introduced that will support a better quality of life.

Home Rehabilitation

This program teaches daily living techniques and skills to better cope with the challenges sight loss presents in the home. Techniques for personal management enable individuals to better adapt to their vision loss. Instruction may include learning tasks such as food preparation and kitchen safety, cleaning techniques, clothing organization, labeling, use of appliances, and more.

Computer Access Training

Classroom and one-on-one instruction on the use of computers is provided. Our technology department is equipped with the latest equipment necessary for teaching a person who is blind or visually impaired, including screen magnification, screen reading and text scanning software. Teaching includes: using adaptive software and equipment, the Internet and E-mail, and Microsoft Office Suite. Computer knowledge is vital for developing employment skills and increased independence. Braille classes are now available.

Employment Program

This program prepares visually impaired job seekers from the Greater Delaware Valley for competitive employment. It includes job readiness training, job search assistance and continued on-the-job support for the new employee and his/her employer. Job seekers choose their own employment goals. The Employment Program teaches the skills, strategies, and techniques necessary in finding a job.

Day Camp

A four-week camp program is offered for visually impaired children ages 7 to 19. MCAB's goal is to give these children the same camp experiences as their sighted peers. Camp offers: orientation and mobility training, horseback riding, golf, bowling, archery, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, games, and field trips. Children also receive an evaluation of their computer skills and recommendations for additional training. All transportation is provided.

Computer Club

Computer Club offers students specialized training with access technology to improve computer skills, enhancing educational opportunities.

Prevention

Pre-school vision screening detects vision problems before young children enter school. In many cases, severe vision loss can be reduced by early detection, enhancing success in school and beyond.

Support Groups

Professionals and peers help people to learn coping strategies during these professionally facilitated support groups that are open to anyone who has experienced vision loss.

Transportation

Transportation – Fully escorted door-to-door service provided for medical appointments and selected programs. Advance reservations required. Service based on availability.

Community Education

Presentations are made to community groups, service organizations, schools, scouts, etc. Included are in-service training programs provided to those working with visually impaired patients/residents at nursing homes, retirement communities, group homes and senior day care centers.

Voulunteer Support

Volunteers assist consumers and MCAB programs by providing:

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Advocacy

Support is offered for many issues relating to blindness and vision loss, from individual situations to legislative awareness and education. MCAB is represented in local and state advocacy organizations.

Scholarship

An annual scholarship is awarded to a person who is legally blind seeking education or training beyond high school.

Recreation

Five recreation groups for adults meet twice a month at various locations throughout Montgomery County. Activities may include:

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Re-Vision Program

Designed specifically for people with recent vision loss, their families and friends, this three-part series offers a broad spectrum of information and support.

Loaned Equipment

Video Magnifiers for enlarging printed and hand-written material are loaned. While taking classes, computers with all necessary adaptive software may be borrowed, so students can practice new skills independently, improving the learning curve.

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Cassette Book Program

Talking book equipment is distributed, and in-home training is provided. Social workers provide information on how to use this important program of the National Library Services for the Blind, including registration, equipment, distribution and training.