State Rehabilitation Services Opens Office Serving People with Visual Disabilities

TULSA, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) opened its Tulsa Visual Services Center at 907 S. Detroit Ave., Ste 500. The center is an independent training center for those with vision loss.

“Consumers can come to the center to participate in training programs held to teach alternative techniques or one of the five rehabilitation teachers can work with them individually within their home to assist them in learning skills to live safely, independently and efficiently with vision loss,” Marilyn Sanders, DRS program manger, said.

“With this center, we have the opportunity to bring consumers in to teach transferable skills in a controlled environment. We see immediate progress with higher confidence.

“Also very importantly they get met others who are experiencing the similar vision problems,” Sanders said. “This fosters friendships and support at a tough time in a person’s life.”

Coming soon, the center will be able to give consumers the opportunity to see and experiment with various assistive technology devices; both low tech and high tech devices, to learn which device may or may not serve them best.

The Tulsa Visual Services Center serves consumers in the northeast quadrant of the state. The telephone number is 918.551.4900 and 918.551.4933 for those who use telecommunications equipment for the deaf

Clients seeking or receiving other services from DRS, such as vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance, may work with staff assigned to other locations. To reach the nearest Vocational Rehabilitation or Visual Services office, phone 1-800-487-4042.

Last year, the Department of Rehabilitation Services provided assistance to 68,753 Oklahomans through vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living, residential and outreach educational programs and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. For general information visit www.okdrs.gov.

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