First Steps For The Blind Available Services

Available Services

Support group held monthly for clients and their families to meet individual needs. One is held in the evening, another during the day.

The Office, our home, is open to clients. This informal setting is relaxed, and preferred by clients. The single location saves money by keeping down expenses.

A customized packet of information is given to each client. This includes forms of areas they are most interested in. Resources cover all facets of life:
- Sighted guide tip sheets
- Entertainment options
- Adaptive equipment catalogue
- Family education packet
Volunteer Mentoring System coordinated by Loretta O'Connor. Her staff of client volunteers makes monthly calls to individuals on their list. This is an added way to check on each person to see how he or she is doing, if they need anything, and to encourage their attendance to a meeting or social event. This service is greatly appreciated. Clients know that they can call their mentor to report a problem, knowing we will help.

Website and Email discussion list. The Executive Director keeps clients updated on new technology and other items of interest.

First Steps moves faster than Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB). Information is usually out within a week, including many items that RSB does not cover.

Social events are held throughout the year. This is especially important for those whose vision loss is recent. These are opportunities to meet other visually impaired people and form friendships.

If First Steps is aware in time of a person's potential vision loss, we will make every effort to see that they receive the treatment necessary to save their vision. Other agencies and organizations require the person be seriously visually impaired prior to helping. First Steps believes if someone’s sight can be saved, everything possible should be done to keep that person from becoming blind.

The Adaptive Equipment Fund is available for clients to purchase equipment that can make their lives easier. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind does provide some equipment to clients, but only equipment that is deemed necessary. Many of our clients also find that it is more convenient to deal with First Steps.

First Steps is associated with Gifts in Kind, a subsidiary of United Way. We have been the recipient of computers, printers, and other items our clients could not otherwise afford.

First Steps is affiliated with Heart to Heart International. They have donated many items for our clients. These include new clothing, shoes, over the counter medicines and more. Since most clients are on a limited income, or fall below the poverty level, this is most welcome.

First Steps’ Executive Director Cathy and her husband Peter set themselves as role models, living a normal life while conducting business within their own home. This gives new hope to others, especially the newly diagnosed.