Older Alabamians System of Information and Services (OASIS): a model Title VII chapter 2 low vision rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND

Little attention has been paid in the ophthalmic literature to programmatic issues of low vision rehabilitation services delivery. The Older Alabamians System of Information and Services (Project OASIS) is a model low vision rehabilitation program functioning within the state of Alabama. This program is funded through Title VII, chapter 2 of the Rehabilitation Act, Independent Living Services for Older Blind Individuals. The program provides a comprehensive array of independent living services, including optometric low vision evaluation and low vision devices, to persons who are older and blind. Through intergency agreements between various state agencies and private entities, OASIS is able to maximize limited resources and reduce service redundancies.

METHODS

Components of the OASIS consortium are reviewed along with outcomes of participants in fiscal year 1993-94.

RESULTS

In fiscal year 1993-94 1,114 persons were entered into Project OASIS. Over half (569/1,114) of individuals accepted into the program received traditional optometric low vision rehabilitation services. More than 80% (586/717) of persons were able to achieve their independent living goals.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a consortium effort between aging and rehabilitative services, minimal resources have been maximized to allow older visually impaired adults to benefit from comprehensive low vision rehabilitation services.