Your Journey to Independent Living

About

Outlook Enrichment launched its Independent Living program in the fall of 2020. Early virtual sessions focused on essential safety topics, such as cleaning procedures, using safety precautions when using sighted guides, and adaptive aids for labeling and organization.

In 2021, we expanded our services to include monthly virtual workshops on independent living skills such as safe cooking and home organization. By 2022, the program grew to offer in-home training and small group classes, allowing us to better meet individuals where they are literally and figuratively.

 

How It Works

Independent living training is available in person and virtually to accommodate each client’s preferences and needs. Sessions begin with a personalized assessment to determine the client’s current level of independence, including skills like safe cooking techniques, time/money management, labeling/organization tips, and medication management tools and aids.

Once the assessment is completed, the participant and trainer establish specific goals that the client works toward. All training is completed at the client’s pace while skills are developed and objectives are met toward the independent living goal.

Remote, independent-living skills classes focus on a specific topic or skill set. These group classes are open to anyone interested in gaining knowledge, tips, and tricks from peers with vision loss.

Schedule Training

Mobility and Orientation Skills Development

About

Orientation and mobility, aka travel training, is designed to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to learn foundational skills to navigate one’s environment safely and confidently. Our trainers bring expertise in:

How Travel Training Can Help You

Completing an environmental analysis of the travel path identifies environmental, physical, and social barriers that may impede transportation access. From there, training focuses on building confidence and teaching essential safety techniques, including:

Schedule Training

National Fair Housing Month

If you are visually impaired or blind, finding housing that fits your specific needs can be challenging. Before you begin your search, developing a list of personal preferences can be helpful. A list makes it easier for you or the person assisting you to narrow down your search. In honor of National Fair Housing Month, here are some things to consider when considering future housing options.

Location

The first step for anyone looking at housing is figuring out where they want to live. Your home should be in an area in which you feel safe and meet your needs. Think about the places you go to regularly. Is it important that you can walk to those places? If this is the case, consider looking at housing around shopping centers, including grocery, casual shopping, and dining options. Or is being close to a bus line important to you? If this is the case, looking at where the bus stop is located and how early, late, and often the buses are scheduled would be helpful. Accessible smartphone maps give you an idea of what businesses are near a location and what bus lines are in the neighborhood. 

Transportation

If you are a blind or visually impaired person who likes their independence, access to public transportation will be high on the “must haves” list. When looking at housing options, ensure the neighborhood is on a transit line. Research the guidelines for fixed-route and paratransit services to ensure your needs will be met. Knowledge of the routes, for example, fixed and express, and their schedules can be beneficial when choosing where to live. Knowing where the bus stop is near your location is also essential.

If you are a public transit user, this information is essential in determining if a location is right for you. 

Outlook Enrichment offers travel training to teach people with disabilities, older adults, and interested travelers how to access and use public transportation independently. Some of the skills travel training focuses on include:

Contact Outlook Enrichment if you are interested in travel training.

Helpful hint: Paratransit systems tend to only run on fixed routes and have limited hours. ADA paratransit service must be provided within 3/4 of a mile of a bus route or rail station at the same hours and days for no more than twice the regular fixed-route fare. If paratransit is your primary mode of transportation, it never hurts to call and verify an address to ensure service.

Walkability

Walkability is the measure of how friendly an area is for walking. When applied to people with vision loss, walkability is looked at from a safety and convenience standpoint. Here are some questions to ask yourself when thinking about safety and walkability:

  1. Are there well-maintained and navigable sidewalks throughout the area?

  2. Are the sidewalks on both sides of the street?

  3. Are there accessible pedestrian signals at street crossings?

  4. Are the Street crossings to get to services easy to navigate or complex intersections with multiple crossings?

Ensure there is an adequate path of travel and sidewalks leading to and from your destination to ensure you arrive safely. 

Something else to consider is the age of the neighborhood. How old is the neighborhood? Old neighborhoods most likely all have sidewalks, but the condition will vary. New housing divisions may have gaps where open lots are still for sale. 

When considering convenience and walkability, ask yourself: Are amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants within a 5 to 10-minute walk? If your answer is no and you find value and convenience in independently walking to places, then there are better choices than that location. 

Looking for housing is never fun, but creating a “must-have” list and asking questions can help you make the best choice to meet your housing needs.

Why Guide Dogs Are Not for All Visually Impaired People

When people think of braille, they assume all blind and visually impaired people read it. However, that is only sometimes the case because some people with vision loss might read large print with magnification or use an audio format. The same logic is sometimes applied to guide dogs. If a person is blind or visually impaired, it’s assumed that they should travel with a guide dog. The assumption is that these well-trained animals will provide the best mode of travel and mobility.

We published a previous post last year about beginning the process of using a guide dog. This experience can be rewarding for blind and visually impaired guide dog users.

However, before you commit to a guide dog, it is essential to consider your options carefully. Guide dogs for the blind make great companions and guides but require time, energy, and training. Plus, one must look at their home and work environment to be sure a guide dog would fit in that space. Another thing to consider is one’s overall physical and mental health. In honor of National Guide Dog Month, let’s examine why guide dogs might not be a good fit for you.

A working animal, not a pet.

The first thing to understand about guide dogs is that they are working animals, not pets. Guide dogs undergo weeks of training. They must follow a special diet, feeding schedule, and daily grooming regimen. Regular exercise must be managed for weight stabilization. Your furry guide and companion will give you additional daily responsibilities.

Here are some questions to ask before considering guide dog training:

  1. Would I use a dog enough to keep its skills up?

  2. Am I willing to rearrange my schedule to care for a dog?

  3. Do I have the patience and energy to be responsible for a guide dog?

The bottom line: Using a guide dog is a commitment and sacrifice.

Unfavorable home environment

The home environment must be evaluated. Do you share a home with family or friends? Although guide dogs for the blind are trained to be around people, they are not guaranteed to fit smoothly into that living space. Also, other animals in the home might not get along with a guide dog. An additional thing to ponder is your lifestyle. Are you an active or sedentary type of person? Guide dogs have undergone training to assist their owners with travel and mobility. If the dog is inactive, they can lose some of that training.

Your physical health 

If you are disabled or have medical/health issues limiting your mobility, then a guide dog might not work. Guide dogs typically move faster, and if there is a physical disability or health concern, this can be difficult. Additionally, if you are providing care for a disabled or medically ill relative in your home, a guide dog might not be a good fit. Your family and their health must be taken into consideration. 

Financial responsibility

Using a guide dog involves additional expenses. Purchasing food, pet supplies, toys, and veterinarian care can influence having a dog. Assistance and/or tax deductions might curb the cost, but consider the financial impact on your budget.

Must be a self-advocate

Although the ADA protects those using guide dogs, people with vision loss must advocate for themselves. Hotels, local small businesses, restaurants, and ride-share services are examples of places where guide dog users have been denied services. You will need to know your legal rights and be willing to stand up for yourself when these situations arise.

A guide dog can be an excellent mobility aid and travel companion. However, it is important to consider all options carefully before committing. Guide dogs are one of many tools that can enhance independence. White canes and technology can also be great mobility aids.

Outlook Enrichment can help you determine the best plan for achieving your goals with vision loss. Though we do not train guide dogs, we can connect you to guide dog schools. We can also teach you about adaptive technology and other techniques to make traveling easier. We can work with you to ensure your decisions work best for you, with or without a guide dog. Contact us today to get started.

Conquering the Grill: A Guide to Nonvisual Grilling

Summer heat blazes across the country, which means it’s grilling season. For blind and visually impaired people, grilling can be an intimidating feat. Even if experienced in the kitchen, nonvisual grilling can seem scary. As soon as that heat billowing off a hot grill hits, it can make a skeptic out of anyone.

Many blind and low-vision people grill, but it’s not for everyone! If you’re interested in learning some nonvisual techniques for grilling, read on.

Recipes

It’s good to start with a recipe. A sauce, marinade, or rub can take it to the next level. Here’s a basic marinade for a Grilled Hawaiian Chicken dinner.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce 

• ⅔ cup brown sugar, light or dark

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated or finely minced ginger (or use ginger paste)

• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

You can sub in any variety of veggies or tofu.

Combine all ingredients and whisk until sugar is mostly dissolved. Check this by placing clean fingers into the bowl. If you still feel a lot of sugar crystals, keep whisking. Once dissolved and well mixed, the marinade is ready.

Place the chicken in a gallon-sized storage bag and pour half of the mixture into it. Place the bag in the fridge for at least four hours.

Make sure to store the other half of the marinade in a container with a lid and refrigerate.

Tools

There are various helpful grilling tools and gadgets for people with visual impairments. It takes trial and error to determine what works best for any individual. Here are some recommended tools and gadgets for nonvisual grillers.

You can’t grill without the beast itself. Preferences range between gas and open flame, but most home grillers use gas. It gives you more control over the heat, and you don’t have to contend with open flames or smoke.

Brands vary, and depending on your budget, you can find an overwhelming variety of options. A basic gas grill is affordable and straightforward if you are new to grilling.

A basic set of grilling utensils, such as GrillJoy’s stainless steel grill kit, is essential for grilling. This set should include a spatula, tongs, fork, and cleaning brush.

Not all grill masters wear grill gloves, but they can give you an added layer of protection. Having a pair of gloves makes the grilling process less intimidating for nonvisual grillers.

You can use everyday dishes, but it’s nice to have dishes made and used specifically for grilling. The items listed below will enhance your grilling experience if you can purchase a few extra items.

So much technology is available and can enhance the grilling experience.

Digital thermometers

This tool ensures that all food that is being prepared is at the proper temperature for safe eating! 

Benefits of using digital thermometers:

For those grilling with visual impairments, the popular Weber iGrill probes app is accessible with iOS and Android screen readers.

Depending on what you are grilling, the safe minimum cooking temperature ranges from 145°F to 165°F. Place the probe into the thickest part of the meat to ensure accurate temps.

You have your tools. The food is prepped. Now, it’s time to grill.

Feel the heat

No matter which grill you have, charcoal or gas, you must gauge the temperature by touch. As mentioned above, gas grills give you control over the heat required for the recipe.

Fire up the grill. Keep the lid closed so it gets as hot as possible. Using a grilling brush, scrape away any residual mess from previous grilling.

Once done cleaning, adjust the heat accordingly. You will initially need to determine where the knobs are and which direction to turn for specific heat levels. 

Often, online accessible tutorials and PDFs can give you this information. Of course, you can always ask for sighted assistance for this part.

Gauge the heat level by hovering your hand a few inches above the grilling surface. The heat will be more intense directly above each gas burner. 

Once the grill is heated, it’s time to place the meat on it. Avoid placing the meat directly over the flames, as this could cause flare-ups from drippings. Use utensils as guides to place the meat on the grill. 

This keeps food separated and your hands safe. Food closer to flames will cook faster and hotter. You will need to flip the meat. You should also periodically move the meat around different spots on the grill. This ensures a more thorough and even grill on all sides.

Use the extra marinade with the recipe provided above and frequently brush it over the meat as you grill. Cook the chicken for about seven to eight minutes per side. Once done, a thermometer should read 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

Is it done yet?

For chicken and pork products, it’s recommended to use an accessible meat thermometer to know a precise temp. One blind and visually impaired technique for checking your burgers or steaks is to press down with a finger or utensil to determine how firm the beef is. The former it is, the better cooked it is. Also, a knife should cut cleanly through a well-cooked piece of meat.

Bon appetit.

Dinner is now ready to serve. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes. The crispy, smokey, juicy meat will make your mouth water.

You’re now on your way to becoming a nonvisual grill master.

For those searching for assistance in adaptive or assistive technology, support groups, activities, and more, contact Outlook Enrichment today!

Efficient Ways to Keep Your Documents Organized

Keeping print documents organized can be challenging for the blind and visually impaired. Having a system in place and sticking to it is the key to developing daily living skills for the visually impaired. There is no single, one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone. Here is a system and a few methods that you may find helpful.

Maintaining digital copies of print documents is a critical first step, regardless of your chosen method. This can be accomplished with a traditional scanner or by utilizing apps for blind people on your phone or tablet. Scanned documents should be organized in folders, with each document given its proper name. This process serves two purposes: it creates a backup copy in case of loss or damage to the originals and makes documents easier to find, search, and organize.

Storing digital copies

These digital copies can be stored in online file storage services. Popular options include Dropbox, iCloud Drive, One Drive, and Google Drive. You can explore these options and decide which would be best for you. An important benefit of these services is that your digital backups will be accessible on your phone, tablet, and computer. Outlook Enrichment’s adaptive technology trainers can show you how to use these programs effectively and develop daily living skills for visually impaired individuals.

The next step requires creating a system to organize and store the actual print documents. This may include tax documents, insurance policies, birth certificates, etc. Depending on your level of vision, large print or braille might work best for you.

Labeling and grouping documents

Using manila envelopes for each document can be very useful for large print and braille. Each manila envelope can then be labeled. A permanent marker can then be used to write the document’s name and other relevant info in large letters. Similarly, whether you use a braille labeler or stickers, they can be attached to the outside of the envelope.

The next step is to group documents and store them in an easily accessible way.  Documents can be grouped into financial, medical, tax, and other categories. Each category can then be placed in its own file storage bin or folder. Then, each bin or folder can be labeled with large print or braille. This allows you to find the category you are looking for quickly and subsequently find the document.

Identifying your organizational preference

Depending on your organizational preference, the documents should be organized in a defined manner. This can be done by date, alphabet, or whichever method works best for you. For example, you could separate tax documents by year. Create a section for 2019, 2020, 2021, and so on. File separators and tabs can be used for this purpose. The more granular you are in the organization process, the better the system will work.

Once you have a system in place, maintaining it is important. We all have to become file clerks in some way. It is tempting just to let the documents pile up. However, letting it go for too long will overwhelm and cause disorganization. Consider it a part of the housekeeping. Set aside time on weekends or in the evenings. Once you have a system that works for you, it’s just a matter of maintaining it. This will make your life less stressful, especially when you urgently need information or a document. It is okay to put it off sometimes but try not to let the pile get too high. Lastly, don’t be afraid to make adjustments to fine-tune the process so that it works best for you.

Organizing your print documents is just one part of staying on top of things. From house cleaning to labeling household items, Outlook Enrichment’s virtual and in-person events can help you become more organized while helping you develop living skills for the visually impaired to ensure you are successful in your daily life.