13.1 - Rehabilitation Teaching/Orientation and Mobility

Rehabilitation teaching/orientation and mobility evaluations and training services are available through DVR Instructors and private DVR vendors. Personal Adjustment Training (PAT) evaluations and training can occur in a facility or in an individual’s home and/or worksite.

DVR strongly believes that PAT, which teaches the skills to allow a person who is blind or visually impaired to function independently, is critical to success both in a career and in life. Enrolling in PAT to gain skills of independence can enhance a person’s capacity to compensate for visual deficits that impede their ability to perform a variety of personal tasks. PAT may be beneficial if the individual is having difficulty performing tasks such as reading print, using a computer, cooking, cleaning, or traveling independently.

In Colorado, there are two DVR field services options (internal staff or private vendors) and several facilities (the DVR Rehabilitation Center and private, not-for-profit facilities) for the provision of PAT. The DVR Counselor shall assist the individual in gathering initial information about each facility to address questions about specific issues or concerns regarding the training available through each program. After touring and/or discussing the different options, the individual shall be ready to make an informed choice as to the service and service provider, and the counselor shall make the necessary arrangements. The service record shall include written documentation of the individual’s choice.