The NRTC on Blindness and Low Vision provided their Blindness Experience Training on the campus of Mississippi State University on April 4th and 5th. Hosted by Training and Outreach Coordinator Karma Marshall and OIB-TAC Project Director Kendra Farrow, the 8-hour training allowed professionals from multiple state agencies an opportunity to learn more about blindness and low vision (B/LV) through hands-on activities, information on the impact of vision loss and the common causes of blindness, and an overview of how to apply knowledge learned moving forward.
Participants from the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the Tennessee Department of Human Services took part in this full-day program. These participants engaged in hands-on activities that fostered a greater understanding of alternative techniques and independent living skills used by individuals who are blind or have low vision.
The training focused on dispelling common myths about B/LV and exploring the causes and adjustment to life with vision loss. Participants learned through various experiential tasks, such as an introduction to braille, how to prepare a snack, human guide techniques, and performing other independent living skills under a blindfold. These exercises aimed to increase understanding of the non-visual techniques used daily by those with B/LV.
The Blindness Experience Training offered participants a window into the world of B/LV. Here’s what professionals had to say about their experience:
“[The training] increased my understanding of some of the aspects of blindness and made me more aware of the impact that blindness has on trust of self, others, and the environment.”
“This training gave me more confidence as a professional in the field working with consumers who are blind or low vision.”
Stay in touch with us to learn about future trainings on our website or social media.
The NRTC focuses on employment outcomes of people with blindness or low vision (B/LV), providing training, technical assistance, and resources for professionals and people with B/LV interested in employment through funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research grant #90RTEM0007. To learn more, visit our About page and the NTAC-BLV website.