Independent Living For Older Blind Individuals | Time To Be Bold

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon's Commission for the Blind (OCB) provides services to Oregonians who experience vision loss and need specialized training and support to live full and productive lives. 

Oregon Program Information

What are the eligibility requirements?

Individuals must be 55 years old or older and have severe vision loss that is inhibiting person’s ability to remain independent. Our experienced teachers come to your home and share techniques on how to perform daily tasks.

What is the process for applying for services?

Individuals can call, email, or go to our website and fill out a referral form. 

What documentation is required?

No additional documentation is required.

Available services:

  • Functional Vision Assessments – testing magnifiers, adjusting lighting, reducing glare
  • Discussing and assisting in adjustment to blindness
  • Teaching Self Advocacy
  • Providing a magnifier, shaded glasses, a long cane, bump dot placement, as needed
  • Training in how to complete daily living techniques with reduced or no vision
  • Assessing current phone use, recommend best phone, provide training
  • Providing information and referral to other resources
  • Teaching long cane, orientation and mobility training

Additional service information:

We have a team of 9 instructors that cover the entire state. We have four offices located down the I-5 corridor from Portland to Medford and one office in Central OR. 

Program contact information:

Portland Headquarters

  • Address: Portland Headquarters
    535 SE 12th Avenue
    Portland, OR 97214
  • Phone: 971-673-1588
  • Toll-Free Phone: 1-888-202-5463
  • Fax: 503-234-7468
  • Email: ocb.mail@ocb.oregon.gov 

 

Local Commission for the Blind Office Contact Information

Address: 535 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Phone: (971) 673-1588

Fax: (503) 234-7468

Address: 213 Madrona Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302

Phone: (503) 378-8479

Fax: (503) 566-8550

Address: 541 Willamette St, RM 408, Eugene, OR 97401

Phone: (541) 686-7990

Fax: (541) 485-7107

Address: 724 South Central St, STE 110, Medford, OR 97501

Phone: (541) 776-6047

Fax: (541) 772-0970

Address: 813 SW Highland Ave, STE 102, Redmond, OR 97756

Phone: (541) 699-5090

Fax: (541) 699-5097

Oregon Commission for the Blind Program Brochure

Client Testimonials

• "The individual home training was essential. I wouldn’t have learned it without being home and getting a one-to-one demo."
• "You were very helpful and knowledgeable and helped me get tools to make my life easier."
• "I felt more confident that there is help as my eyesight gets worse."
• "Training at home is great! I was able to stay in my book group."
• "Having a vision specialist show up in my home with aids is a wonderful service."
• "You made me feel I could cope with my vision loss."
• "I feel I can take care of myself now!"
• "I now feel as if my life is not over."