BISM SENIOR SERVICES

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) offers a wide range of training programs and services for blind and visually impaired senior citizens state-wide. Skills training in non-visual techniques empowers seniors to regain independence, enhance self-esteem, and enjoy life to the fullest. Training is available in a format that will accommodate each senior’s individual needs. Options include:

• Center-Based Training Programs
• In-Home Teaching
• Residential Senior Retreats
• Community-Based Workshops
• Monthly Support Group Meetings

BISM Senior Services are available from the mountains to the shore! Training Centers in Baltimore, Cumberland and Salisbury!

Community-Based Workshops
Statewide
Seniors will meet within their own communities for a full day of skills training, peer interaction, socialization, and support. A lovely luncheon is included. Workshops will be held for groups of ten or more at various locations across the state.

S.A.I.L.   Seniors Achieving Independent Living
Baltimore, MD Center-Based Training
Seniors meet twice weekly for a full day of education and instruction in Braille, computer technology, independent living, cooking, adjustment to vision loss, and cane travel (advanced travelers will learn to utilize public transportation systems). Seniors enjoy making new friends, peer interaction, off-site training excursions, community activities, and special classes such as gardening, rug making, crafting, and LOTS more!

S.T.A.R.S.   Seniors Taking Active Roles in Society   (Text Only)
Cumberland, MD Center-Based Training
Seniors meet weekly for blindness skills training in computer technology, Braille, independent living, cooking, and cane travel. Seniors enjoy peer support, lively discussion, and guest speakers in this newly remodeled and expanded rehabilitation training center in Western Maryland. Within the center’s state-of-the-art Computer Technology lab instruction is given in basic keyboarding, MS Office, JAWS, Internet, email and more. Seniors also enjoy off-site community activities.

V.I.P.Plus   Visually Impaired Persons
Salisbury, MD Center-Based Training
Seniors enjoy weekly training in cane travel, independent living, cooking, individualized Braille classes, music therapy, Book Club, adjustment to blindness, as well as guest speakers, community outings, support group meetings, and MORE! The Weaver-Sutton Technology Center features a wide variety of assistive technology and computer equipment for demonstration and training.

VIP Newsletter

In-Home Teaching
Blindness skills training is available at home for those seniors who cannot attend center-based training. Within the comfort and convenience of home, seniors are taught Braille, cane travel, and daily living skills. They can learn non-visual skills for cooking, cleaning, laundry, ironing, money identification, medication labeling, neighborhood travel, appointment management, using aids and appliances, and accessing specialized services for the blind. This training is very individualized to exactly those skills the senior most needs to remain independent in their home environment.

Residential Senior Retreats
Exciting four-day residential retreats specifically for senior citizens dealing with vision loss are presented throughout the year at various locations around the state. Seniors will learn new skills, build self-confidence, and develop strategies for living independently with vision loss. Classes include cane travel, Braille, adjustment to blindness seminars, computer technology, independent living, cooking, community outings, social activities, and crafts. The residential format allows for expanded training time in the evenings as well as the opportunity for special evening outings. Meal preparation at dinner time provides a unique and tasty addition to the curriculum as well as an additional avenue for learning. Overnight accommodations are provided at a hotel in close proximity to the training center. Senior retreaters form lasting friendships among their peers and establish a strong support network for the future.

Computer Technology Classes
Specialized Computer Technology classes provide seniors with instruction on state-of-the-art computer hardware and software. They learn basic keyboarding, MS Office, composing documents in Word, surfing the Internet, sending and receiving email, printing documents, JAWS, screen readers, screen magnification, portable note takers, and a variety of other applications. Technology at any age is FUN!

 

CALL TO:

Schedule a facility tour in Baltimore, Cumberland, or Salisbury
Sign-up for a Community-Based Workshop or Residential Senior Retreat!
Arrange for an In-Home Teaching Visit!
Start a Support Group in your area!
JOIN any of the above programs!
Request additional information!

Baltimore: Ruth Sager 1-888-322-4567, ext. 2649   rsager@bism.org
Cumberland: Roger Williamson 1-888-267-4111   rwilliamson@bism.org
Salisbury: Amy Crouse 1-888-749-1366   acrouse@bism.org
or Robin Zimmerman   rzimmerman@bism.org

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to help fund our critically needed programs for seniors please send your donation to:

SENIOR SERVICES FUND Accounting Department Blind Industries and Services of Maryland 3345 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21227

Please make checks payable to BISM