Editor’s Note: The APH ConnectCenter updated the following blog as of March 2025.
We observe Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) Appreciation Week annually on Anne Sullivan’s birthday (April 14, 1866). This year, VRT Week will occur from April 13 to 19, 2025. Anne Sullivan was the home teacher who taught Helen Keller the skills she later used as a world-renowned writer and lecturer. “Home Teacher” preceded today’s Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT). A VRT is a professional who often provides primary rehabilitation for individuals who are blind or low vision.
VRTs Are a “Best Kept Secret”
Ironically, as well-known as the story of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller is, the VRT has been called “one of the best-kept secrets” for those experiencing vision loss later in life due to eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. VRTs are most often work for state and local agencies serving individuals who are blind or those with low vision.
Doctors may not refer patients to these resources (although referring low vision patients to vision rehabilitation is the current standard of care for ophthalmologists). Likewise, patients may not be aware of these services. Doctors, patients, and their family members may not realize that individuals with low vision can benefit from skills training and assistive technology available at these agencies, or may not know how to access them.
What VRTs Do
Like Anne Sullivan, present-day VRTs can teach braille for creating household labels or for reading and writing. People who are blind or have low vision may also choose to learn how to use handheld and electronic magnifiers, as well as smartphones and tablets with magnification and screen-reading software. It is essential that they know how to adjust to their vision loss. There is a wide variety of adapted daily living skills to learn for work, home, and leisure.
Like Sullivan, VRTs can have vision impairments themselves. This gives them a unique, firsthand understanding of the challenges of working, managing a home, staying current with technology, and adjusting to vision loss.
How to Find VRTS and Other Vision Rehabilitation Services
Fortunately, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to find or work with a VRT. To find a vision rehabilitation therapist or services near you, check out the APH Directory of Services . Likewise, you can call APH ConnectCenter toll-free at 1-800-232-5463. You may find that there is no out-of-pocket fee for their services or that they offer them on a sliding scale.
Learn More
- Check out our Getting Started Kit and “A Roadmap to Living with Vision Loss.”
- Want to learn more about vision rehabilitation therapists and their vital role? Check out the Hadley Presents interview with VRTs, Kendra Farrow and Steve Kelley, “A Guide to Vision Rehab.”
- Listen to the Vision Rehab Podcast.
- Celebrating Helen Keller blog