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Empowering the Blind and Visually Impaired: NDIS Support for a Fuller Life

A blind person using a white cane to navigate a Melbourne street

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

As the CEO of The SALT Foundation, I’ve seen firsthand how the right support can transform lives. Today, I want to talk about a topic close to my heart: empowering blind and visually impaired individuals through NDIS support.

Living with blindness or visual impairment presents unique challenges. But with the right help, people can thrive in all areas of life. Let’s explore how the NDIS can help blind people in Melbourne and Victoria lead fuller, more satisfying lives.

Table of contents

Key Takeaways:

  • The NDIS offers comprehensive support for blind and visually impaired individuals in Victoria.
  • Support can empower seven key life areas: intellect, career, health, relationships, impact, prosperity, and spirituality.
  • NDIS services include disability support workers, support coordination, and psychosocial recovery coaching.
  • Tailored support plans can significantly improve quality of life for blind individuals.
  • Early intervention and ongoing support are crucial for maximising independence and quality of life.

Understanding Blindness and Visual Impairment

Before we dive in, let’s clarify what we mean by “blind and blind.” This phrase often refers to varying degrees of visual impairment, from partial vision loss to complete blindness.

In Australia, over 800,000 people live with vision loss. That’s a lot of folks who could benefit from targeted support! It’s important to note that blindness and visual impairment can affect people of all ages, from children to seniors.

The causes of blindness vary widely. Some people are born blind because of genetic conditions. Others lose their sight gradually because of diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration. And some experience sudden vision loss because of accidents or other medical conditions.

Regardless of the cause, living with blindness or visual impairment can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to limit a person’s potential or quality of life. That’s where the NDIS comes in.

How the NDIS Empowers Blind People

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a game-changer for many Australians living with disabilities. For blind people, it offers a pathway to greater independence and fulfilment.

Let’s break down how NDIS support can empower the seven key life areas:

1. Intellect: Wisdom, Understanding, Creativity

Blindness doesn’t dim the mind’s light. With NDIS support, blind individuals can access:

  • Assistive technology for learning and research
  • Braille education and resources
  • Audio description services for films and TV
  • Screen reading software for computer use
  • Talking books and adaptive learning materials

These tools open doors to knowledge and creative expression. I’ve seen blind poets, scholars, and artists flourish with the right support. I heard of a participant who completed a PhD with the help of NDIS-funded assistive technology!

2. Career: Business, Achievement, Service

A fulfilling career shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone. The NDIS can provide:

  • Job readiness training
  • Workplace modifications
  • Transport help for commuting
  • Adaptive equipment for specific job roles
  • Career counselling and vocational training

With these supports, blind individuals can pursue their professional dreams. From lawyers to massage therapists, the career possibilities are vast. I was told a story once of a blind software developer who uses NDIS-funded screen reading software to code just as efficiently as his sighted colleagues.

3. Health: Wellness, Vitality, Fitness

A blind athlete running with a guide runner, both wearing running gear

Physical health is crucial for everyone. For blind people, staying active might require some creativity. NDIS supports can include:

  • Orientation and mobility training
  • Adaptive sports equipment
  • Personal training sessions
  • Nutritional counselling with accessible resources
  • Mental health support tailored for those with vision loss

I was told of a blind marathon runner who credits her success to her NDIS-funded guide runner. Inspiring stuff! Another participant uses NDIS support to attend weekly yoga classes, which have improved her balance and overall well-being.

4. Relationships: Love, Communication, Family

Strong relationships are the bedrock of a happy life. The NDIS can help blind individuals nurture connections through:

  • Social skills training
  • Communication aids
  • Support for community engagement
  • Help with dating and relationship building
  • Family counselling to help loved ones adjust to vision loss

From dating to parenting, these supports help blind people navigate the complex world of human relationships. The NDIS can even be used to support couples to prepare for parenthood, accessing specialised training and equipment.

5. Impact: Social Influence, Leadership, Legacy

Everyone deserves a chance to make their mark on the world. The NDIS can empower blind individuals to become leaders and change makers by providing:

  • Leadership training
  • Public speaking coaching
  • Support for volunteering activities
  • Help with advocacy and community organising
  • Help with writing and publishing personal stories

I’ve seen blind advocates change policies and perceptions. Their impact ripples far beyond their immediate circle. One participant used his NDIS support to start a podcast about living with blindness, reaching thousands of listeners worldwide.

6. Prosperity: Wealth Building, Philanthropy

Financial independence is a key goal for many. NDIS supports can include:

  • Financial literacy education
  • Help with managing expenses
  • Support for entrepreneurship
  • Career development and networking opportunities
  • Guidance on disability-specific financial planning

With the right guidance, blind individuals can build wealth and even give back to their communities.

7. Spirituality: Mission, Presence, Awareness

Spirituality means different things to different people. The NDIS respects this diversity and can provide:

  • Transportation to religious services (like our monthly church service in Frankston)
  • Help with meditation or mindfulness practices
  • Support for spiritual retreats
  • Help to access religious texts in accessible formats
  • Guidance on incorporating spirituality into daily life with vision loss

These services help blind individuals explore and deepen their spiritual lives. 

NDIS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Now, let’s look at some specific NDIS services that can benefit blind and visually impaired people:

Disability Support Workers

These trained professionals can assist with daily tasks, from personal care to grocery shopping. They’re the unsung heroes who help blind individuals maintain independence. Support workers can also provide companionship and emotional support, which is invaluable for those adjusting to vision loss.

Support Coordination

Navigating the NDIS can be tricky. Support coordinators help blind participants make the most of their plans, connecting them with the right services and supports. They can also advocate for participants, ensuring they receive the full range of support they’re entitled to.

Psychosocial Recovery Coaching

Living with blindness can take a mental toll. Recovery coaches provide emotional support and practical strategies for maintaining good mental health. They can help participants set goals, develop coping strategies, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

Assistive Technology

The NDIS can fund a wide range of assistive technology for blind individuals. This might include:

  • Screen readers and magnification software
  • Braille displays and note-takers
  • Talking watches and clocks
  • Smartphone apps for navigation and object recognition
  • Smart home devices for increased independence

These technologies can dramatically improve quality of life for blind individuals, opening up new possibilities for work, study, and leisure.

Early Intervention Services

For children born with or developing visual impairments, early intervention is crucial. The NDIS can provide:

  • Early childhood educators specialising in vision impairment
  • Occupational therapy to develop essential life skills
  • Speech therapy to support language development
  • Mobility training from an early age

Early intervention can set the foundation for a lifetime of independence and achievement.

Conclusion

The journey of living with blindness or visual impairment isn’t always easy. But with NDIS support, it can be rich, fulfilling, and impactful.

From nurturing intellect to building prosperity, the right supports can empower blind individuals in all areas of life. It’s about more than just managing a disability—it’s about thriving and contributing to society.

As we’ve seen, the NDIS offers a wide range of supports tailored to the unique needs of blind and visually impaired individuals. Whether it’s through assistive technology, personal support, or specialised training, the NDIS can help participants achieve their goals and live life on their own terms.

Action Steps

If you’re blind or visually impaired and living in Victoria, here’s what you can do:

  1. Check your NDIS eligibility if you haven’t already.
  2. Reach out to a local NDIS provider like The SALT Foundation to discuss your needs.
  3. Start dreaming big—with the right support, you can achieve more than you might think!
  4. Connect with visually impaired communities for peer support and shared experiences.
  5. Stay informed about new assistive technologies and NDIS policy changes that might benefit you.
  6. Read our next post in this series, about what it means to have 6/60 vision.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. There’s an entire community ready to support you, and the NDIS is here to help you reach your full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was Helen Keller born blind and deaf?

No, Helen Keller wasn’t born blind and deaf. She was born with sight and hearing, but lost both at a very young age.

How did Helen Keller become deaf and blind?

Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old because of an illness, likely scarlet fever or meningitis.

How do deaf and blind communicate?

Deaf-blind individuals use various methods to communicate, including:
– Tactile sign language
– Braille
– Fingerspelling
– Tadoma (feeling the speaker’s face)
– Pro-tactile communication (a method that uses touch to convey visual and environmental information)

How do you communicate with deaf and blind people?

To communicate with a deaf-blind person:
– Learn their preferred communication method
– Use touch signals to get their attention
– Be patient and clear in your communication
– Provide environmental information through touch and description
– Respect personal space and always ask before initiating physical contact

Can a blind and deaf person communicate?

Absolutely! With the right tools and training, blind and deaf individuals can communicate effectively. Many lead rich social lives and even pursue higher education. Technologies like refreshable braille displays and tactile sign language interpreters have opened up new possibilities for deaf-blind communication.

Remember, every individual is unique. The key is finding the right support and communication methods that work for each person. With the support of the NDIS and a caring community, blind and visually impaired individuals can lead full, active, and connected lives.