Independent Living Services
The Rehabilitation Teaching Program provides services to eligible individuals of all ages who are blind or who have a severe visual impairment to enable them to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities. Rehabilitation Teachers provide a wide range of independent living services to all eligible individuals in all areas of the state, including those living in rural counties. Teachers provide direct services to individuals on a one-on-one basis and coordinate services which may be available from other agencies and organizations. Teachers are also active in establishing support groups in the communities. All services are customized to meet the individual's needs and may include:
- Guidance and Counseling
- Functional Low Vision Evaluations
- Orientation and Mobility Services
- Instruction in Communication Skills such as braille, use of recording devices, books in alternative formats, etc.
- Instruction in Self Care Skills
- Home Management Training
- Instruction in Leisure Activities
- Information and Referral
Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired receives special funding to provide independent living services to older individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These services are administered by the agency’s Rehabilitation Teachers who direct the efforts of Teacher Assistants in working with individuals who are at least 55 years old. These assistants provide direct services to individuals on a one-on-one basis and coordinate services which may be available from other agencies and organizations. All services are provided under the supervision of a Rehabilitation Teacher.
Click here for the Independent Living Services brochure.
Contact Information:
To refer an individual to the Rehabilitation Teaching or Independent Living Program or to learn more about program services, contact the office nearest you.
Johnson City Nashville
423-434-6934 615-313-4891
Knoxville Lawrenceburg
865-594-6060 931-766-1419
Chattanooga Jackson
423-634-6700 731-423-5620
Cookeville Memphis
931-526-9783 901-528-5284
Paris
731-644-7361