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SERVICES
Regional Low Vision Center: The Regional Low
Vision Center is not a clinical setting, but an evaluation and
resource center. As the number of individuals with low vision
has grown, more low vision services are necessary and we are
in the process of expanding services to become a clinical setting.
Averages of 3500 patients pass through the Regional Low Vision
Center each year. Most of our clients are in the low to moderate
income group. Receiving these services allows our clients to
continue with the quality of life they merit. There are two eye
doctors that volunteer their time to provide the evaluations.
On staff we have a Certified Orientation and Mobility/Low Vision
Therapist, along with 2 highly trained staff that assists the
eye doctors. Referrals come from ophthalmologists or optometrists
in the regional area, and through other service agencies or hospitals.
No client is turned away from receiving services. The Regional Low Vision
Center serves children and adult clients. |
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Letha Dangerfield Children’s
Braille and large type lending library: Volunteer
workers create modified library books for Children. The
process is to copy books into the Braille program and then
produce them in Braille. The library consists of books
and educational materials in Braille and large print for
children and their families. Through this program we are
able to provide limited instruction into braille reading
and writing skills for those individuals assisting braille
readers in the area. |
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Joplin Service Club of the Blind: The Association
facility also serves as a meeting place for this group. The Service
Club has an average of 60 members and meets each Tuesday at the
facility for lunch. Throughout the year the club attends various
social activities. The number of members has increased with the
addition of the Low Vision Resource Center. |
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JAB Support Groups: Adult and Children Support
Groups have members who are visually impaired, and family members
who rotate as their differing needs are met. The groups meet
monthly at the JAB facility for educational meetings and activities.
The Support Groups provide educational assistance to the blind
and visually impaired in the area.
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Transportation: Without
transportation being provided, the majority of clients
traveling to the
Joplin Association for the Blind for needed services
would find it to be cost prohibitive. Two vans and one
mini bus,
operated by volunteer drivers, are available to help
the Joplin Service Club of the Blind, and Blind Association
Support Group, assist with children’s programs
and in meeting a variety of client needs. |
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| Referral Service: Early on the
Joplin Association for the Blind established its role to provide
more information for families and the community regarding blindness
or low vision questions. The Association works closely with other
agencies and eye care doctors in the community to provide quality
referral services. Ongoing assistance is given to family members
of our clients. Questions are answered in the community regarding
services and assistance, and awareness to the needs of individuals
with low vision or blindness through presentations given to other
service agencies, organizations and clubs, to explain the seven
programs offered by the Joplin Association for the Blind and
Low Vision Resource Center as well as the services available
through state rehabilitation centers, Prevention of Blindness,
Wolfner Library, Lions Club, and area schools. |
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