Mobile counseling - A pilot project of the Swiss Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The service is free of charge and is aimed at visually impaired people and their relatives. An initial assessment has already been made.

So far, 30 people seeking advice have received information and initial consultations about a visual impairment. During the discussions, the specialists explained the options for improving their visual and reading ability or provided information on social insurance benefits. It was established that there is a great need for information on the use and handling of aids and support options. Some people just wanted to get a replacement part for their cane or a new reading device. The majority of those seeking advice were female and over 70 years old. They were made aware of or referred to the mobile advice service by ophthalmologists, retirement homes, opticians, print and social media. For in-depth and further individual clarifications and social consultations, the mobile advice service staff referred the people to specialized professionals at advice centres.

The mobile counseling specialists provided those seeking advice with an initial overview of the following topics:

• Low vision (assessment of visual potential, advice and training in the use of optical and electronic aids)
• Orientation & mobility (teaching techniques for safe locomotion, such as the use of a long cane or orientation aids)
• Practical life skills (assessments, advice and support in teaching techniques for coping with everyday tasks such as cooking, personal hygiene, housekeeping and communication)
• Aids to improve reading and visual acuity
• Offers and services of the SBV (course offers)
• Social counseling (advice on social insurance issues, information on companions and Spitex services, information on aids, support with administrative issues).

Mobile contact and advice service

In an interview with Urs von Gunten, the project manager of this pilot project, we found out about the idea behind this project, how it all started and whether it will soon be possible to obtain this type of advice in other cantons in Switzerland.

Mr. von Gunten, how did you get started with the "Mobile Advice" service?

Good, I'm satisfied. So far, we've received two to three inquiries a week. That's a good start, especially as we haven't advertised the service heavily yet. Demand is sure to increase, as ophthalmologists and retirement homes will refer clients to us.

What issues can I contact the mobile advice service about?

Basically with all issues relating to living with a visual impairment. Many people turn to us with questions about social insurance benefits, such as supplementary benefits, helplessness allowance and the assistance contribution. It is important that people with visual impairments know what they are entitled to. They often live on a modest pension of CHF 2,000 to 2,400 per month. We can provide an initial overview. For more in-depth, individual social counseling, we can refer you to an appropriate counseling center.

What are other concerns?

Get to know and try out aids. We always have a selection with us so that you can get a feel for it. Some people just want a spare part for their cane or information about SBC's services. The requests are many and varied.

What can mobile consulting cover?

We carry out detailed consultations and then refer clients to specialists for a specific assessment/training. Due to demand, we are currently clarifying whether we can offer extended advice in the area of low vision.

Who is the mobile advice service aimed at?

To all people with a visual impairment in the canton of Berne. So far, it has mainly been women aged 70 and over. They have either contacted us directly, been referred by relatives or by opticians. The service is free of charge and is also aimed at relatives. All those seeking advice are welcome on our advice bus.

Are there also plans to expand the service in other cantons?

Mobile counseling is a pilot project. We incorporate our findings and feedback into the design of the service on an ongoing basis and adapt the service to the needs of clients as far as possible. The test phase will run from August 2024 to August 2026, after which the project will be evaluated and a decision made on whether to expand it.

Is the advisory bus used for other purposes?

We also use the bus for awareness-raising events for specialists and companies. It is also ideal for trade fair appearances, such as recently at the Neuland trade fair in Thun, where we were present together with the Bernese Oberland section.

For further information and advice, please contact "Mobile Beratung" on 031 390 88 90 or mobile-beratung@sbv-fsa.ch.