Pippa keeping busy
Pippa is a middle-aged woman who has had total vision loss since birth. She lives a busy life that includes part-time work, part-time study and various social pursuits with friends, such as dinners and concerts. With the use of aids, technologies, strategies and her guide dog, Pippa completes all daily pursuits independently.
Pippa’s goals were to maintain her participation in employment and study, increase her social participation, improve efficiency in maintaining independence in tasks at home and in the community, as well as maintain her independent living situation. The support that Pippa receives from her employer and educational institution were acknowledged in her plan. The following support needs were identified to enable Pippa to meet her goals.
- Aids for daily living activities include talking kitchen scales, talking barcode scanner (product identification aid), talking clothes sensor and other talking devices. Pippa also uses organisation strategies and sense of touch to independently complete daily tasks. She reported that daily tasks require increased concentration and time to ensure safe and thorough completion. The impact of house cleaning on productivity in other areas of life and the uncertainty of not missing spots before hosting visitors was discussed.
- Technology to access print materials includes the Victor Reader Stream (a portable device to listen to downloaded audio newspapers/magazines/books), text-to-speech computer software and text-to-speech scanning device of print materials.
- Communication technologies include the iPhone and iPad with the “Voice-over” accessibility feature to enable independent and portable access to menus, contacts lists, text messages and emailing. Pippa’s portable Braille device enables wireless input to these technologies.
- Mobility: Pippa’s guide dog is crucial to her independent mobility. Pippa independently travels to study and work using public transport and support from her guide dog. The need for orientation and mobility training for independent navigation to new destinations was identified. Taxi transport allows Pippa to get to irregular appointments.
Funded supports in Pippa’s plan included the following:
- Costs associated with the upkeep of her guide dog (food, vet costs and worming)
- Orientation and mobility training for foreseeable travel to new destinations. These were related to study and social participation.
- Taxi fares
- Victor Reader Stream (current one was on loan)
- Upgrade to computer text-to-speech software (to ensure optimal efficiencies with use)
- Text-to-speech scanning device (Pippa was accessing one at university)
- Fortnightly home cleaning assistance.
Should any of Pippa’s aids/technologies require replacement/upgrades Pippa was informed they would be considered in her plan at that time or at review.
Pippa’s plan ensures more efficiency in independence at home and in the community, increased social participation and ongoing participation in employment and study.