Providing comprehensive training for greater independence at home, work, and school.
Vision Loss Resources offers a full adjustment to blindness rehabilitation training center with full-time, part-time, or flexible learning plans. We provide fully furnished apartments near our training center, for those traveling from outside of Minnesota.
Find out more today at 612-843-3415 or info@vlrw.org.
We will work with you to achieve your goals! We take into account your schedule and your needs, to develop a personalized, flexible plan for your vision rehabilitation. There is no set amount of time required for completion of a specific training subject or the full program. Classes are one-on-one or small-group. Our trained instructors work with each student starting at their current level and working with them to achieve their goals.
Our program is open year-round, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:05pm. There are eight 50-minute class periods in a day. We will work with you to develop a schedule that works with your lifestyle and your goals: full-time, part-time, or itinerant.
Live close to our offices in Minneapolis! We have apartments available for full-time students, a short walk from our Minneapolis campus.
Minnesota residents may contact State Services for the Blind (651-539-2373).
Outside of Minnesota? We would love to work with you! Request our training through your state vocational rehabilitation agency. You may also contact us directly to enroll independently and self-pay on a monthly basis, or use insurance if your policy covers vision rehabilitation training.
Our extensive and comprehensive training can help you become a confident, safe, and independent traveler. In addition to learning to cross streets safely and use public transportation, learn problem-solving skills and information gathering to keep you aware of your environment. Proficiency in this program is an excellent foundation for those interested in getting a guide dog.
Technology levels the playing field: learn how you can use it to achieve your professional, academic, and personal goals. Depending on your needs, learn assistive software for Windows, Apple, iPhone, iPad, and Android. Practice using magnification and screen-reading programs such as ZoomText, MAGic, SuperNova, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack.
Touch typing is key to confidence! Gain or renew your familiarity with the keyboard through typing practice. Practice proofreading and editing skills. Learn keyboard shortcuts that will save you time and make you feel like a pro. Depending on your goals, you may also learn to write personal narratives, research papers, poetry, or other writing projects.
Our training kitchen is the place to practice cooking your own meals safely, efficiently, and healthily. Learn techniques for measuring, cutting, and preparing items; cook with confidence using the stovetop, oven, and appliances such as microwaves; and clean up and do the dishes with ease. Our instructors work with you to identify techniques and recipes that fit your diet and lifestyle.
Everyone is encouraged to learn the letters of the alphabet, punctuation, and numbers, known as uncontracted Braille. From labeling your medication bottles to identifying buttons on an elevator, a basic knowledge of Braille can be majorly empowering. Students wishing to use Braille for reading texts, such as books or refreshable Braille readers, may study contracted — advanced — Braille.
Learn the skills you need to live independently, with spark and creativity. Increase your efficiency with tasks such as cleaning and grooming, handling your finances, housekeeping, and labeling and organizing products you use every day.
In this weekly discussion group, 3-5 students and an instructor gather to talk about a variety of topics and issues. We also invite guest speakers who are visually impaired or blind, to discuss their careers and professional paths.
Our on-site woodworking shop might also be called a confidence shop. We train you on how to safely use hand tools, power tools, and a variety of materials. Then, you’ll build your own unique project. It’s a one-of-a-kind place to learn new skills!