REFERRALS TO THE CENTER
Those referring Clients to the Center for Assessment or Training are asked to provide the
following:
1. DAY PARTICIPANTS (those who reside elsewhere and come to the Center for classes during the day):
a. Current Eye Doctor Report (results of an exam conducted within past 12 month): Many services
provided at or by the Center, especially Low Vision Assessments, are based on
information derived from the results of an examination conducted by an eye doctor within
the past year. Center staff prefer to have this report before a Participant comes for
classes to better prepare for service delivery.
b. Referral Form and Authorization for Services (appropriate for the referring agency): The
Referral Form or other basic information from the referring agency provides Center staff
with basic data on which to develop more targeted instructional activities. As time
permits, Center staff will talk with a referred Participant prior to arrival to answer
questions, describe basic daily class structure, and gain a better understanding of goals
for assessment and training as well as possible vocational considerations.
c. Results of Test to Assure Freedom from Infectious Diseases: The Center is licensed
by the Municipality as a Quasi-Institution approved to deliver services to a vulnerable
population in a manner that promotes and upholds their safety. To that end, the Center
undergoes at least five annual inspections to maintain that license: fire, sprinkler,
backflow, fire extinguishers, and overall safety. Participants coming for day classes will
need to have the results of a recent test that indicates absence of infectious or
communicable disease in their files (such as a TB test). A form can be provided to the
referring agency if needed.
2. RESIDENTIAL PARTICIPANTS (those who reside at the Center while attending classes):
a. Current Eye Doctor Report (results of an exam conducted within past 12 month): Many services
provided at or by the Center, especially Low Vision Assessments, are based on
information derived from the results of an examination conducted by an eye doctor within
the past year. Center staff prefer to have this report before a Participant comes for
classes to better prepare for service delivery.
b. Referral Form and Authorization for Services (appropriate for the referring agency): The
Referral Form or other basic information from the referring agency provides Center staff
with basic data on which to develop more targeted instructional activities. As time
permits, Center staff will talk with a referred Participant prior to arrival to answer
questions, describe basic daily class structure, and gain a better understanding of goals
for assessment and training as well as possible vocational considerations.
c. Results of a Brief Physical Examination: The Center is licensed by the Municipality as
a Quasi-Institution approved to deliver services to a vulnerable population in a manner
that promotes and upholds their safety. To that end, the Center undergoes at least five
annual inspections to maintain that license: fire, sprinkler, backflow, fire extinguishers,
and overall safety. Participants residing at the Center will need to have the results of a
physical examination, including assurance of freedom from infectious or communicable
disease such as tuberculosis, in their files, preferably before they arrive. A form can be
provided to the referring agency if needed.
d. Itinerary: If possible, Center staff may pick up an out-of-town Participant at the airport. If
not, the cost of a cab ride is around $20 or less since the Center is located near the
airport. Arrival time is especially important when the Participant is coming in on a
weekend so that the Residential Monitor will be available to welcome and provide a tour
of the facilities. The Residential Monitor will also settle the Participant into a bedroom and
inquire about other needs.
3. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
a. Stipend: Arranged between the Participant and the referring professional, a stipend
covers incidental costs such as transportation and personal necessities as well as food
during the stay. Participants are expected to begin practicing skills of independence as
soon as possible, one of which is meal planning and preparation. The only meals
provided by the Center are those made during the Activities of Daily Living classes.
Generally, Participants are scheduled in these classes during the first week of their stay
so they can learn safety techniques as well as nutritious food selection and preparation.
If a Participant arrives over a weekend, the Center has a few modest provisions
available. It is recommended that the Participant bring enough food to last a day or two,
especially if there are dietary considerations or limitations. Generally, an Orientation and
Mobility class will be scheduled on the first day which includes a trip to purchase food for
the week or longer.
b. Clothing and Incidentals: Orientation and Mobility in the winter may well require
extended time outside at subzero temperatures, so Participants should be advised to
bring cold weather gear.
Participants should bring the following:
 coat(s) appropriate to Anchorage weather (heavier in fall, winter, early spring)
 warm hat(s) and gloves (especially in colder months)
 covered footwear in which to walk outside such as boots for fall, winter, and spring
(open-toed shoes, clogs, and flip flips are not suitable) and warm socks
 snow pants and/or thermal undergarments in fall, winter, and early spring
 rain gear (especially head cover)
 night clothes and at least 3 changes of clothing
 sunglasses (suitable ones may be determined as part of the Low Vision Assessment)
 low vision devices currently being used, such as magnifiers and portable CCTVs
 shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, hand soap, and other preferred
toiletries
 a radio and/or alarm clock (if available)
Towels are supplied by the Center, as are bed linens, and are to be kept in individual
rooms instead of in the bathroom as part of Municipal infection control requirements.
c. Orientation and Mobility: This component ensures that a Participant can walk safely in
various settings. When instructing, the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist may
provide a demonstration cane initially then give the Participant an appropriate one,
including tip. In that case, the billing for both will be appended to the report sent to the
referring agency.
In the winter, ice grippers are often recommended. Because most Participants do not
have a pair, the Orientation and Mobility Specialist has stock on hand from which to draw
to prevent falls on icy streets. As with the cane, if a pair is provided for a Participant, the
billing will be appended to the report sent to the referring agency.