Erin Farrow: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Title and Years with Goodwill:
Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist - I've worked at ABVI for 8 years.
What is your role at ABVI?
I work closely with a team of clinicians at ABVI, as well as people from other agencies. There are various specialities that focus on providing vision services. As a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, I work with people of all ages who are legally blind; in their homes, at their jobs, or at their college. First, my clients tell me the goals they have, and the skills they'd like to practice. Then, I teach adaptive ways of doing those skills, and I show clients how to use adaptive devices that can help make completing a skill easier. For example, my clients have practiced reading with the use of adaptive technology, how to safely use their oven, how to use their smartphone, smart speaker, and smart tv, they've gone shopping and learned how to choose clothing and how to navigate the store, and when they move to a new home they're taught how to navigate within that space. Basically, if there's anything that must be done during the day, and my client wants to get things done more quickly, efficiently, or safely, they can share that with me, and together we will find ways to achieve that goal.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I get the chance to meet so many new people, and there's always something interesting to learn about everyone. What I love the most, is when a client teaches ME a new way of doing something that I've never thought of before!
What do you enjoy in your free time?
In my free time, I'm usually working on an art project or doing something crafty. I love gardening, walking my dogs, biking along the canal, hiking in the Adirondacks in the fall, and spending long lazy days down the shore in the summer.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I've raised 7 puppies for The Seeing Eye.