The Iris Network has helped thousands of people meet the challenge of vision loss. Adjusting is a learning process that takes time and patience. The Iris Network designs a range of services and programs to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. All classes are taught by university trained and certified specialists. While the range of services is broad, there are seven primary programs on which the Iris Network focuses.
Low Vision Clinic - Nearly 14 million Americans, about one out of every 20 people, have low vision. You, or someone you know, could benefit from learning about low vision. The Low Vision Clinic can assist and empower people with low vision to achieve their maximum level of independence and community integration. Low vision is vision that cannot be corrected further through the use of glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. However, there is remaining, usable vision. The specialty of low vision within the field of ophthalmology focuses on identifying, defining and optimizing the use of this remaining usable vision.
At The Iris Network’s Low Vision Clinic, a low vision evaluation by an eye doctor will identify your best available remaining vision. Our occupational and vision rehabilitation therapy services will assist you in maximizing your remaining vision and provide training specific to your daily needs and activities. A comprehensive team of vision experts will identify the best visual aids to meet your reading and writing goals, provide visual skills training to improve the use of your remaining vision, assist by ensuring safety and independence in your home and community, and recommend lighting and glare solutions and provide training in adaptive aids and technology.
Access Technology and Employment - The ATES program will utilize the most up-to-date adaptive technology products and teaching techniques to provide the training required to gain, or maintain, employment. ATES services are provided to increase participant’s ability to use technology to reach their personal, vocational and educational goals. ATES instruction is personalized and delivered to individuals in the format that best meets their needs. ATES training is provided in the least restrictive environment, whether it is in the client’s home or center based.
Rehabilitation Center - offers a comprehensive training program and temporary residence to assist clients in managing day-to-day needs, acquire communication skills, explore career options and learn to travel safely and independently.
Community Rehabilitation Services - reaches clients in their homes, helping them adapt to vision loss, acquire blindness skills and access resources in order to work and live independently.
Technology Resources & Reviews - Newsline is an automated newspaper and magazine reading service designed for the blind and visually impaired or anyone with a disability making access to print challenging. broadcasts newspaper information not typically available in audio form, such as community calendars, store ads and obituaries. This is a vital link for individuals who are print disabled.
Iris Park Apartments - In 2006, this newly -contructed apartment complex opened and greatly expanded, artfully-designed low-income housing facility at the Park Avenue, Portland location. The facility features 30 one and two-bedroom independent-living apartments and common indoor and outdoor areas designed to enhance community. Apartments are 600 and 800 square feet, and each has its own bathroom. Tenants are able to live as independently as they desire, schedule their own activities, and create a personal plan for assisted living services.
The Iris Network offers Vision Rehabilitation Therapy to provide tenants support in all areas of independent living and Orientation and Mobility Training to assist them in navigating outside environments and adjusting to new activities.
Computer Access - provides one-on-one training on computers and adaptive equipment in workplaces, schools and homes across the state.
People who are blind or visually impaired.
