What does a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) primarily do?

• A. Trains in occupational therapy skills
• B. Provides academic tutoring
• C. Conducts mobility training for outdoor navigation
• D. Teaches adaptive independent living skills that allow people (usually adults) to perform a wide range of daily living activities

Answer: (D)

Vision Rehabilitation Therapists focus on helping people with vision loss live as independently as possible. Their primary role is teaching adaptive independent living skills that let adults perform a wide range of daily activities, such as self-care, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, dressing, budgeting, shopping, and safety in the home. They introduce adaptive devices, labeling systems, and strategies to complete tasks efficiently and safely, and may help modify the home environment to support independence. Outdoor mobility and navigation are usually addressed by Orientation and Mobility Specialists, not VRTs, which is why this option stands apart from the main focus. Occupational therapy or academic tutoring cover different professional areas, so they aren’t the primary responsibilities of a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.