Dr. Homer Page, Executive Director of the Colorado Center for
the Blind (CCB), has asked me to post this announcement. It is
meant primarily for diabetics who are blind or losing vision,
and their families. It concerns a new program that will soon be
getting under way at the Colorado Center for the Blind that will
give blind diabetics a program to learn the skills and aquire
the attitudes necessary to live a healthy, productive, and
independent lifestyle. We at the Colorado Center are very
excited about this program -- it fills a great needd for blind
diabetics.
Sincerely,
Jim Rebman
The following is directly from the desk of Homer Page:
services to persons who are blind and diabetic
What is the need?
Persons who are blind and diabetic face a unique set of
challenges. If they are to live independent, productive lives,
they must learn to manage their diabetes, develop healthy life
styles, and plan effectively for their future. They must learn
to use the adaptive technology, which is now available for the
management of diabetes. They must learn to plan and prepare
nutritionally sound diets. They must develop healthy life
styles, and they must plan for meaningful vocations. They need
to develop challenging yet realistic expectations for
themselves. They need to make sincere commitments to the
management of their own lives. These needs will be addressed in
the new CCB program.
How will client needs be addressed?
A 3-month program is being offered. This program will be
divided into two parts. Part I will consist of a 6-week
intensive experience located at the CCB facilities. Part II
will involve continuing follow up by CCB staff with each client
in his or her home environment.
Part I
During the first part of the program, the client/student will
participate in a daily program, which lasts for 6 weeks. The
student will participate in classes that explore the medical and
psychological dimensions of diabetes, adjustment to blindness,
fears and expectations for one's future, creating a healthy life
style, planning for a meaningful career and life, and strategies
for immediate implementation of one's goals for the future.
Students will be exposed to persons who are blind and diabetic.
These individuals will act as role models and advisors. They
will meet with medical professionals and discuss medical issues.
They will have hands-on experience with the development of a
healthy diet and a healthy life style., and they will be given
training in strategies for setting personal and vocational
goals.
Part II
During Part II of the prpgram, each individual will work with a
staff person in his or her home environment. Staff and student
contact will be maintained as frequently as needed to ensure
that the student has the support that he or she may need to
implement the goals that were developed during the first part of
the program. This follow-up phase of the program is crucial to
ensure that the healthy patterns of living and the goals for
community and vocational involvement are truly implemented.
What are the desired outcomes?
Three outcomes will emerge from this program. Each individual
will develop a working knowledge of how he or she can
independently manage his or her diabetes. Second, each student
will develop the knowledge needed to develop and implement a
healthy life style. And finally, each student will develop
realistic expectations and a plan for personal and vocational
development. Students will identify the decisions, which they
need to make in order to implement their goals. Support will be
given to ensure that these decisions are acted upon. Each
student should complete the program with a clear direction for
the future. This direction may include additional training or
immediate employment. Whenever possible, the student will be
encouraged to return to the employment area where the student
worked prior to the onset of his or her blindness.
Fees for this service.
The fee for this service is $2,000 per month for the 3-month
program. If housing is needed, there will be an additional fee
of $350 per month. Students will be expected to provide for
their own maintenance.
For more information contact Homer Page at the Colorado Center
for the Blind: (303) 778-1130 or (800) 401-4632.
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