IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR NEVADA’S BLIND
AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADULTS
 

THE  VISION

Create and establish a Nevada  person-centered training facility for the blind and visually impaired to prepare individuals and families to live independently with access to services, education, and recreation.

THE PROGRAM

Angela’s  House will be an intensive, structured training program that encourages blind and visually impaired adults to learn to be blind through mastering blindness skill sets and adjustments.

Angela’s House is planned to meet Monday - Friday from 9am to 3pm.  Daily, each participant  will have orientation and mobility (cane travel) and daily living skills training, computer training using adaptive equipment, Braille reading and writing, self-advocacy techniques, and a support group session for idea exchange and ongoing growth. 

There will be a strong mental health presence; it is anticipated that that professionals will be onsite to assist in establishing individual coping strategies.

During early training, activities will be onsite.  As participants learn travel skills, they will Each participant will receive 100 hours of training during a 4-week session.  There will move into the community to use public transportation, visit restaurants, and attend be a strong mental health presence; it is anticipated that professionals will be onsite to community activities. 

Peer support is a major component of Angela’s House.  Program ‘graduates’ will be encouraged to assist in training sessions, provide leadership for peer support groups and outreach to the newly blind who might benefit from Angela’s House programs. 
 

PLANNING EFFORTS

Recognizing the importance of collaboration between public and private providers of service to blind and visually impaired persons, Blindconnect convened a Stakeholders meeting in October, 2006.  Stakeholders included members of Angela’s family, representatives from Blindconnect and other blindness nonprofits and disability-related nonprofits, staff of State agencies, and State legislators.  There are individuals with varying degrees of vision loss involved.  The Stakeholders met to assess available services, identify gaps in services, and begin the process of defining Angela’s House. 
 

THE OUTCOME

This  project will meet the needs of blind and visually impaired adults who wish to regain independence and live as contributing members of their community. 

It is a large-scale public/private collaboration – the first in the blindness community of Nevada.

The blindness skills training center will be the first in the State of Nevada and, as such, will immediately become a catalyst for those with vision loss, for those who want to be part of this much-needed service, and for those who want to commit time and resources to helping others help themselves.
 

ANGELA'S HOUSE STEERING COMMITTEE

BLINDCONNECT, INC. 

The organization is a 501(c)3 Nevada nonprofit that was established in 1997 to assist adults with severe vision loss to access services and resources.  The organization’s mission is to connect blind people to other blind persons, to available services and resources, and to their community-at-large.  Blindconnect strives to educate about blindness, to advocate for increased services and inclusion, and to encourage community support.

 CONTACT:

 Blindconnect, Inc at lander718@aol.com or (702) 631-9009