Vocational Rehabilitation
If the person with LHON vision loss is an adult, contact your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to learn what they can do to assist in the adjustment to vision loss. There is considerable variation by state and sometimes within different regions of a state.
Employment and job retention services through Vocational Rehabilitation Services are available starting at age 16, or slightly younger in some states. There is no upper age limit for either employment or job retention services. If the individual with a documented disability is motivated to work, can benefit from services, and there is feasibility of successful employment, they are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
The primary goal of vocational rehabilitation services is to help people with disabilities remain in or enter the workforce. Emphasis is placed on job training, use of adaptive aids, orientation & mobility, workplace modifications, and working with employers to accommodate employees with a disability. Those already employed who develop a visual disability and want to keep working are usually given immediate attention.
Rehabilitation Counselors are the coordinators or case managers who assist individuals in developing a plan to learn adaptive skills, provide career counseling and vocational training opportunities, and assist with job placement. To open a case and be assigned a counselor specializing in blind clients requires specific forms, evidence of blindness, and medical records.
The Vocational Rehabilitation counselor may refer the client to a low vision specialist (and pay for the visit). That specialist will assess low vision needs and make recommendations for items required for success in rehabilitation. There may be a separate appointment with a specialist in high tech aids such as a CCTV, etc. Once all the paperwork is complete, the client and the counselor agree on a “plan” whereby the state may pay for items required to get the the person with vision loss to their goal of maintaining or achieving employment. This can include all the required assistive technology and, if appropriate, college tuition, books, and supplies.
An adult affected by LHON may learn the skills they need to live successfully with LHON vision in a variety of ways. Local organizations may provide support to individuals with vision loss. Live-in centers provide training in blindness skills. Local options can be found by searching for blind services in your area. Live-in locations include the following and more.
