Losing your sight can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate vision loss alone. Oklahoma offers many services and resources for the blind and visually impaired. This guide will cover the key assistance available to help you adapt and thrive with visual impairment.
Primary Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services provides both vocational education and rehabilitation to help those with vision impairments find and maintain employment. You’ll get counseling, training, and adaptive technology needed to succeed at work.
A vocational rehab counselor can help develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) outlining your goals and required services like job skills training, assistive tech, and placement assistance.
To be eligible, your vision loss must act as a barrier to employment, and vocational rehabilitation or other services, must be able to improve your prospects.
Build Independent Living Skills
Beyond employment help, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services also offers training to help adjust to vision loss and maintain independence in daily life. Rehab teachers can provide in-home instruction on personal management, home skills, mobility, communication aids, using public transportation, and more.
These independent living services aim to give you the tools to safely care for yourself and get involved in recreational, community, and leisure activities. Regaining confidence and self-sufficiency is the goal.
Programs for Older Adults
For those 55 and older with legal blindness, the Older Blind Program provides specialized assistance. Rehabilitation teachers will work with you one-on-one to help adjust to vision loss and maximize independence.
The program focuses on daily living skills, communication aids, home safety modifications, mobility training, and providing adaptive equipment needed to remain self-sufficient. Support groups are also available to reduce isolation.
More State Services
Beyond vocational rehab and independent living services based on skills training, Oklahoma offers other resources like:
- Library for the Blind – Free recorded books and audio players delivered to your door. Listen to bestsellers, textbooks, magazines and more from the Oklahoma library.
- NEWSLINE for the Blind – Free telephone access to read local and national newspapers and browse job listings.
Additional Organizations that Provide Support
Numerous non-profits also offer valuable services and peer support like:
- NewView Oklahoma – Low vision clinics, medical services, rehabilitation services, and employment programs. Learn more.
- Oklahoma Council of the Blind (OCB) – Works to empower and enhance the lives of individuals visually impaired.
- Others provide transportation services, digital accessibility training, and free vision screenings
- BlindShell USA – Offers specialized phones and services for the sight loss community.
Check with local organizations to find additional resources and social networks to connect with. These groups can help you thrive and realize your potential regardless of vision level.
Save on Bills with Lifeline & ACP
If you receive government assistance services for the blind, you likely qualify for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. These Federal programs provide monthly discounts on phone and internet service to help reduce bills and close the digital divide.
EASY Wireless is a wireless provider of the Lifeline and ACP program and offers FREE wireless service and a free phone if you qualify.
Our online enrollment process also works with screen readers and other accessibility tools to serve the blind community.
As a Lifeline and ACP provider, we can help qualified residents stay connected and cut costs.
EASY Wireless Service Details
At EASY Wireless, we provide FREE wireless connectivity without any binding service contracts to those qualifying for programs like:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start
You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Our plans offer FREE Unlimited Talk, Text and Data on the Nation’s largest network.
Check your eligibility and see if you qualify to get a free smartphone and service today.
Start Saving Today!
Start Saving Today!
Visit One of Our Many Stores across Oklahoma
If you prefer to have one of our enrollment specialists sign you up for FREE wireless service stop by a store today.
Not only will we assist you in signing up for free service we can also get you the latest upgraded phones and accessories.
Be sure to ask about our Rewards Program where you’ll receive tons of benefits just by keeping your FREE service with us.
Find a retail location near you
Connect with Community Support
Losing vision can be a challenging adjustment, but you don’t need to go it alone. Tap into the many government and non-profit resources available in Oklahoma. And connect with discounted wireless service to stay involved and save money. With the right support, you can thrive and live life to the fullest.
