Utah Foundation for the Blind &
Visually Impaired

Independent Livings Skills

One of UFB's missions is to teach age-appropriate independent living skills to the blind and visually impaired children of Utah. When taught the appropriate techniques blind people can be independent adults but they need to receive appropriate training as children. UFB provides instruction in all areas of independent living including the following.

Cooking
    cutting, slicing, measuring, pouring, grating, baking, frying, serving, etc.

Cleaning
    mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, dishes, etc.

Clothing
    sorting, washing, ironing, selection & matching, sewing, etc.

Personal Hygiene
    shaving, make-up application, hair care, etc.

Child Care
    bathing, diapering, feeding, supervision, etc.

Record Keeping
    paying bills, writing checks, budgeting, balancing checkbook, taxes, etc.

These are examples of areas of independent skills that blind people can master with instruction. Since they don't see others performing these tasks however, blind children don't learn even simple things such as how to wash dishes or set the table unless they are provided instruction. UFB provides individualized instruction in the home to help each student learn to use and mark their own appliances, learn various methods for labeling and identifying cans, bottles, boxes and packages as well as labeling clothes for identification and matching.

Blind children need to learn how to do age appropriate tasks from the simple such as making their bed and putting toothpaste on their own toothbrush to the advanced skills of shopping and preparing meals for the family.

UFB instructors are trained in the methods and techniques used by the blind to accomplish these kinds of tasks. How does a blind person frying a hamburger know when it is done? How does a blind person know the difference between a can of chili and a can of peaches? How can a blind person put on make-up? We help our students master these skills and become familiar with the specialized devices that can help them.  c

UFB accepts referrals for our daily living skills instruction program from both parents and teachers. Please contact UFB if you are aware of a child who would benefit from this instruction. Please be aware that we serve as many children as possible, but there is often a waiting list for this program. If you are a certified teacher of the blind and would like to work a few extra hours a week working with students in your area on daily living skills please contact us.

UFB's daily living skills program is funded through grants and private donations. If you would like to help us provide this much needed training please click here for information about making donations to UFB.

Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired
2056 West Carriage Avenue
Riverton, Utah 84065