Jornal de Oftalmologia Clínica e Experimental
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Study on Awareness and Utilization of Rehabilitation Services among Visually Disabled Individuals

Tintu Susan Joy, Pavana Krishnaraj Acharya, Kavitha Chikkanayakanahalli Venugopal and Sudeep Navule Siddappa

Aim: To study the awareness and utilization of various rehabilitation measures by visually disabled individuals.
Methods: A questionnaire based study was conducted on 100 people with visual disability of 40 percent or more during January 2016-May 2016.
Results: Out of 100 patients, 39 patients had 100 % visual disability, 23 patients had 75% visual disability and 38 patients had 40% visual disability. All the patients were aware about monetary benefits like monthly pension and concessions in travel fares, 12 patients knew about the educational scholarships and job reservations, 14 patients knew about special education and blind schools. 24 patients were already availing the monetary benefits. Other rehabilitation services utilized included low vision aids (1%), mobility training (12%), training in braille script or using special educational devices (14%), vocational training (7%) and job reservation (1%).
Conclusion: Although everyone knew about monetary benefits, only few patients were aware about other rehabilitation measures which help them to attain highest possible level of functional ability so that they lead an independent and self-sufficient life.