New Hampshire Association for the Blind D / B / Association Future in Sight

Youth services - programs are provided for children who are experiencing visual difficulties and/or blindness. Specialized instruction in disability-specific compensatory skills and adaptive techniques provided by a teacher of the visually impaired. Programs include orientation and mobility instruction, personal management and alternative communication skills. The organization provided service to 99 children in the school and community throughout New Hampshire including students in 37 districts during the 2021/2022 school year. Each student has an individual education plan which sets specific goals and outcomes.

Occupational therapy - occupational therapy's focus is to assist people to achieve their highest level of independence, enabling them to participate in activities of daily living despite their vision loss. The number of clients who received occupational therapy services during the fiscal year was 102.

Social work - the social work program includes individual and family adjustment to vision loss counseling, support groups and referrals to community services. The average number of clients receiving intake, case management and referral monthly is 89 (791 unique total clients for the year). The number of clients/family members receiving adjustment to blindness counseling was 18 over the past year.

Other Program Services: Rehabilitation training - rehabilitation therapy program helps an individual maintain his/her independence by developing practical skills of daily living such as cooking, banking, personal grooming and home management, reading and writing braille, and diabetes management/education. 142 clients received rehabilitation training services during the year.Orientation and mobility - orientation and mobility instruction involves specialized training on a one-to-one basis to help an individual develop safe independent travel skills and learn new routes and environments. 83 clients received orientation and mobility instruction during the year.Low vision - low vision services are provided by eye care professional and low vision therapists. These services assist people who are partially sighted to use their remaining vision more effectively, through low vision evaluations and training in the use of low vision aids. 290 clients received low vision services during the year.Assistive Technology provides instruction of techniques using devices and software to build up independent communication and safe travel skills at home, work, or in the community. 211 clients received assistive technology instruction.Other programs - advocacy assistance, public education, volunteer coordination, and braille services.