OIB-TAC is excited to introduce Promising Practices in Action, a new initiative aimed at enhancing services for older individuals who are blind (OIB). This effort highlights successful strategies implemented by OIB-funded programs across the country, providing a valuable resource for agencies seeking to improve service delivery, maximize resources, and better meet the needs of the individuals they serve. 

Through Promising Practices in Action, OIB state programs and local non-profit agencies have the opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences and gain insights into effective models and approaches that have demonstrated success. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we can strengthen OIB programs nationwide and ensure continued improvements. 

OIB-TAC is the only program actively collecting promising practices from both state and local non-profit agencies receiving OIB funding to serve individuals with blindness and low vision. Below are some promising practices that we’ve found: 

Volunteer Driver Program 

Future In Sight in New Hampshire offers program participants, including OIB consumers, transportation to essential appointments, grocery shopping, and Future In Sight events and activities FREE of charge through their volunteer driver program. Participants must be a current Future In Sight client to benefit from this program.  

Senior IMPACT Mentorship Program  

Mentors are clients who come with different experiences, backgrounds, and skill sets. They express interest in volunteering for California’s Society for the Blind as a Mentor. Mentors demonstrate the ability to learn and practice good listening and empathy skills, share their story, be a role model, demonstrate non-visual skill building, structured discovery principles, strategizing, and problem-solving skills. Learn more about their program here: Programs for 55+ | Society For The Blind  

Community Partner Network 

The Aging Eyes Initiative, through Minnesota's State Services for the Blind, is a network of providers collaborating to offer information, resources, and referrals for low vision needs. Partners include social workers, audiologists, occupational therapists, agencies focused on aging, and more. They receive kits of basic supplies to distribute during assessments. Individuals needing intensive training and vision rehabilitation are referred to Minnesota’s State Services to access comprehensive OIB services. 

Maximizing the NLS Cartridge 

Idaho Commission for the Blind instructors create personalized audio lessons, voice memos, and individual plans for each participant as needed. Additionally, staff members have produced pre-recorded lessons that are universally applicable and shared among clients. Our team also makes audio recordings compatible with iPhones and various digital devices for easy sharing. Learn more: Creating MP3 Files with Voice Memo on iOS 

Stay tuned as we continue to showcase innovative practices that drive excellence and collaboration in OIB programming! 

To learn more, visit our best practices here: OIB-TAC Best Practices