The Role of Occupational Therapy with the Visually Handicapped

Abstract

This article begins by discussing some of the characteristics of the visually handicapped or “legally blind” population in Canada. It is significant to note that 60 percent of the approximately 28,000 persons registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind are over age 65. As well, 83 percent retain some useful vision. Despite the fact that the emotional impact of blindness on an individual is similar to that of other disabilities, consideration should be given to the extent of the loss. To gain some insight, it might be helpful to therapists to spend a period under a blindfold. Specific ideas are presented for the therapist to assist both the blind person and those around him in adjusting to his handicap. Therapists can be instrumental in helping to solve such typical self-care problems as pouring and spreading, telling time, or identifying money. The inability of blind persons to communicate easily, both verbally and non-verbally, is a major difficulty. The article covers some of the various communication skills and aids (particularly those for reading or writing) which can be acquired or retained.