Rehabilitation Services

Social Work

SABVI Social Workers are the first points of contact for planning services for an individual who is blind or vision impaired. These trained professionals meet with clients in their homes to assess current needs, review services and make referrals for care. In addition to running several client groups, our social workers also serve the needs of the community through free presentations about SABVI and vision loss.

Who, What, Why?

WHO: Who is eligible for SABVI services?

An individual who has severe vision impairment with visual acuities around 20/70 or worse in each eye with eyeglasses or significant visual field loss. One does not have to be legally blind or totally blind to qualify for SABVI's services. Interpreters are available for those who are deaf or Spanish speaking.

WHAT: SABVI's Rehabilitation Department works with individuals who are blind or vision impaired in areas affecting their daily living and quality of life.

SABVI offers a full range of services geared towards allowing blind or vision impaired individuals maintain or regain as much independence in their daily lives as possible.

WHY: SABVI recognizes the impact that vision impairment/blindness may have on a persons life.

A diagnosis of blindness can be overwhelming. SABVI's Rehabilitation Services are primarily one-on-one services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. It is our mission to help the blind or vision impaired maintain or regain independence in their daily lives.

How to obtain services

For more information, please contact Linda Greth by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 138 or lgreth@sabvi.com, or, Joy Weiler by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 113 or jweiler@sabvi.com.

Orientation and Mobility

Individuals who have lost their vision may feel insecure or uncomfortable about their safety when traveling. The ability to move independently, safely and with confidence through the environment is essential for the independence of all people. Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists teach children and adults who have visual impairments the specific orientation skills used to find one's way and the mobility skills needed to travel safely.

Instruction is usually provided on a one-on-one basis and can include skills such as sighted guide, white cane usage, orientation to unfamiliar environments, navigation of public transportation systems such as riding the bus, safe street-crossing and the operation of low vision devices and electronic travel aids.

For more information, please contact Pete Horn by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 102 or phorn@sabvi.com, or, Chris Ament by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 123 or cament@sabvi.com.

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

A Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) works with individuals of all ages who are blind or vision impaired. The primary goal is independence in daily activities such as:

Reading and writing
Operation of household appliances
Meal preparation
Medication organization
Recreation and leisure
Braille
Use of closed-circuit television readers (CCTVs)
Computer skills

For more information, please contact Kendra Farrow by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 140 or kfarrow@sabvi.com, or Bernadette Anderson by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 116 or banderson@sabvi.com.

Computer Access Technology

Using a computer is often an enriching experience. Like other technologies, computers are pieces of equipment that often need adaptation to be accessible to a user who is blind and/or vision impaired. SABVI's technology center is located in our Lancaster facility. The center offers computers and other devices which help offset the limitations created by many vision impairments. The center also offers clients the ability to investigate and find the best options that meet their needs.

For the partially-sighted, computers can be adapted with screen enlargement software to enlarge the information on the computer screen and make it visible to those who can read large print. Speech software allows information on the screen to be translated into voice. Speech programs use keystrokes to navigate the screen, substituting for the mouse pointer. The SABVI technology center is also equipped with a Braille embosser for Braille printing.

The technology center provides a place for people who are blind and vision impaired to explore their interest and skill with computers. Trying out the various pieces of equipment in the technology center can be as simple as making an appointment. There is no cost to the client for this service.

Low Vision Aids

If you or someone you love is blind or vision impaired, you should visit our low vision store. SABVI carries low vision aids that help the vision impaired enjoy a more independent lifestyle. We carry the most popular items for people who are blind and vision impaired including talking watches, magnifiers, canes, closed-circuit televisions, sun shields and many other adaptive aids. Store hours coincide with the association's regular hours, 8:00AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

For more information, please contact Rosie Nightingale by dialing (717) 291-5951 or rnightingale@sabvi.com.

Clubs and Group Meetings

Card Club
Sabvi's Card club is open to any client who is interested in playing cards in a friendly and social environment. Braille and large print cards are used along with any other adaptations needed to successfully enjoy the experience. New games can be taught, however it is the clients who choose which game will be played that day. The group meets on the third Monday of the month from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. For more information please contact Chris Ament by dialing (717) 291-5951 Ext. 123 or cament@sabvi.com.

Craft Club
Craft Club meets once a month. One small craft is completed during the 90-minute session. Supplies are provided for each project at no cost. Craft Club meets the second Tuesday of the month from 1 PM to 2:30 PM at SABVI in Lancaster.

To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com.

Crochet & Knitting Club
Clients who have an interest in crocheting and knitting meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month to work on projects. Sharing patterns and adaptive tips for knitting and crocheting are encouraged. New clients are welcome. The group has set goals to donate handmade items to various other community projects and organizations.

To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com.

Social Club
Our monthly social club sessions allow vision impaired and blind individuals and their friends and family members to interact in a fun, social setting outside of the home. Group members choose all of the activities, and SABVI makes each activity enjoyable and accessible to everyone regardless of vision loss. Examples of activities include bingo, pizza/holiday parties and visiting local attractions. Social club meets the third Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com.

STEP-Teen Group
This group is open to any persons ages 12-21. The purpose of the teen group activities is to promote independence skills. The skills learned will be applicable to the transition process from school to work and independent living. Some of the areas addressed by these activities include:

age appropriate socialization
home management
recreation and physical activity
independent travel
personal management

For more information, please contact Kendra Farrow by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 140 or kfarrow@sabvi.com.

Support Groups
SABVI monthly Sight Loss Groups provide a wonderful opportunity for vision impaired and blind individuals and their friends and family members to meet and share stories with each other while learning new information. This group assists clients in adjusting to vision loss and in achieving maximum independence.

Sight Loss Support Group meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and also meets the fourth Friday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON. All meeting are held at the Lancaster facility.

To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com.

			Rehabilitation Services Social Work \| Who, What, Why? \| Orientation and Mobility \| Vision Rehabilitation Therapy \| Computer Access Technology \| Low Vision Aids \| Clubs and Group Meetings Social Work SABVI Social Workers are the first points of contact for planning services for an individual who is blind or vision impaired. These trained professionals meet with clients in their homes to assess current needs, review services and make referrals for care. In addition to running several client groups, our social workers also serve the needs of the community through free presentations about SABVI and vision loss. Who, What, Why? WHO: Who is eligible for SABVI services? An individual who has severe vision impairment with visual acuities around 20/70 or worse in each eye with eyeglasses or significant visual field loss. One does not have to be legally blind or totally blind to qualify for SABVI's services. Interpreters are available for those who are deaf or Spanish speaking. WHAT: SABVI's Rehabilitation Department works with individuals who are blind or vision impaired in areas affecting their daily living and quality of life. SABVI offers a full range of services geared towards allowing blind or vision impaired individuals maintain or regain as much independence in their daily lives as possible. WHY: SABVI recognizes the impact that vision impairment/blindness may have on a persons life. A diagnosis of blindness can be overwhelming. SABVI's Rehabilitation Services are primarily one-on-one services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. It is our mission to help the blind or vision impaired maintain or regain independence in their daily lives. How to obtain services For more information, please contact Linda Greth by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 138 or lgreth@sabvi.com, or, Joy Weiler by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 113 or jweiler@sabvi.com. Orientation and Mobility Individuals who have lost their vision may feel insecure or uncomfortable about their safety when traveling. The ability to move independently, safely and with confidence through the environment is essential for the independence of all people. Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists teach children and adults who have visual impairments the specific orientation skills used to find one's way and the mobility skills needed to travel safely. Instruction is usually provided on a one-on-one basis and can include skills such as sighted guide, white cane usage, orientation to unfamiliar environments, navigation of public transportation systems such as riding the bus, safe street-crossing and the operation of low vision devices and electronic travel aids. For more information, please contact Pete Horn by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 102 or phorn@sabvi.com, or, Chris Ament by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 123 or cament@sabvi.com. Vision Rehabilitation Therapy A Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) works with individuals of all ages who are blind or vision impaired. The primary goal is independence in daily activities such as: Reading and writing Operation of household appliances Meal preparation Medication organization Recreation and leisure Braille Use of closed-circuit television readers (CCTVs) Computer skills For more information, please contact Kendra Farrow by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 140 or kfarrow@sabvi.com, or Bernadette Anderson by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 116 or banderson@sabvi.com. Computer Access Technology Using a computer is often an enriching experience. Like other technologies, computers are pieces of equipment that often need adaptation to be accessible to a user who is blind and/or vision impaired. SABVI's technology center is located in our Lancaster facility. The center offers computers and other devices which help offset the limitations created by many vision impairments. The center also offers clients the ability to investigate and find the best options that meet their needs. For the partially-sighted, computers can be adapted with screen enlargement software to enlarge the information on the computer screen and make it visible to those who can read large print. Speech software allows information on the screen to be translated into voice. Speech programs use keystrokes to navigate the screen, substituting for the mouse pointer. The SABVI technology center is also equipped with a Braille embosser for Braille printing. The technology center provides a place for people who are blind and vision impaired to explore their interest and skill with computers. Trying out the various pieces of equipment in the technology center can be as simple as making an appointment. There is no cost to the client for this service. Low Vision Aids If you or someone you love is blind or vision impaired, you should visit our low vision store. SABVI carries low vision aids that help the vision impaired enjoy a more independent lifestyle. We carry the most popular items for people who are blind and vision impaired including talking watches, magnifiers, canes, closed-circuit televisions, sun shields and many other adaptive aids. Store hours coincide with the association's regular hours, 8:00AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact Rosie Nightingale by dialing (717) 291-5951 or rnightingale@sabvi.com. Clubs and Group Meetings Card Club Sabvi's Card club is open to any client who is interested in playing cards in a friendly and social environment. Braille and large print cards are used along with any other adaptations needed to successfully enjoy the experience. New games can be taught, however it is the clients who choose which game will be played that day. The group meets on the third Monday of the month from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. For more information please contact Chris Ament by dialing (717) 291-5951 Ext. 123 or cament@sabvi.com. Craft Club Craft Club meets once a month. One small craft is completed during the 90-minute session. Supplies are provided for each project at no cost. Craft Club meets the second Tuesday of the month from 1 PM to 2:30 PM at SABVI in Lancaster. To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com. Crochet & Knitting Club Clients who have an interest in crocheting and knitting meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month to work on projects. Sharing patterns and adaptive tips for knitting and crocheting are encouraged. New clients are welcome. The group has set goals to donate handmade items to various other community projects and organizations. To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com. Social Club Our monthly social club sessions allow vision impaired and blind individuals and their friends and family members to interact in a fun, social setting outside of the home. Group members choose all of the activities, and SABVI makes each activity enjoyable and accessible to everyone regardless of vision loss. Examples of activities include bingo, pizza/holiday parties and visiting local attractions. Social club meets the third Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com. STEP-Teen Group This group is open to any persons ages 12-21. The purpose of the teen group activities is to promote independence skills. The skills learned will be applicable to the transition process from school to work and independent living. Some of the areas addressed by these activities include: age appropriate socialization home management recreation and physical activity independent travel personal management For more information, please contact Kendra Farrow by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 140 or kfarrow@sabvi.com. Support Groups SABVI monthly Sight Loss Groups provide a wonderful opportunity for vision impaired and blind individuals and their friends and family members to meet and share stories with each other while learning new information. This group assists clients in adjusting to vision loss and in achieving maximum independence. Sight Loss Support Group meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and also meets the fourth Friday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON. All meeting are held at the Lancaster facility. To register or arrange transportation, please contact Danika Stauffer by dialing (717) 291-5951 x 156 or dstauffer@sabvi.com.