These Group Programs have a variety of funding options and are primarily aimed at adults living with low vision. Complete the Expression of Interest form and you will be contacted with more information on how to join the group.
Orientation & Mobility Walking Groups
Build your cane confidence and make new friends in one of several new walking groups. Get familiar with new areas in a fun and safe group environment, as you explore the Metronet C Series train, navigating finding your towel and the beach, exploring Perth’s tourist hotspots via the Ferry, and nighttime group opportunities. One on one training is available on request.
Explore Metronet with Us!
Join us as we experience the new Perth Metronet as it opens to the public! Our Orientation and Mobility group will tour the brand-new Morley station and the state-of-the-art C series train. Enhance your navigation skills and explore the latest in public transport alongside fellow commuters.
These sessions will cover:
- Boarding and disembarking procedures
- Seating configurations, including accessibility seats
- Availability of grab rails
Group details
When: Wednesday, 11th December 10am Meeting at Perth Train station or 10:45am at Morley station. The program will conclude at 1pm.
Register your interest in exploring the Metronet with us
Dude, Where’s My Towel?
Are you interested in mastering Orientation and Mobility skills at the beach? Be ready for summer and using you mobility skills for maximum recreation.
Join our exciting group session that includes:
- Orientation from Perth to Cottesloe Beach using public transport.
- Beach Walk: Experience walking on sand while trialling the Dakota tip.
- Navigation Strategies: Learn how to find your way back to the beach entrance after a walk.
- Find Your Towel: Get tips and tricks on locating your towel if you were to have a swim in the ocean.
- Low Contrast Navigation: Navigate low contrast areas with maximum glare like a pro.
Group details
When: Tuesday, 14th January 830am. Meeting in the city or 10am at the beach. The program will aim to conclude at 2pm.
Register your interest in joining Dude, where’s my towel?
Don’t Pay the Ferryman (Until He Gets You to the Other Side)
Join us for an exciting adventure that takes you through the heart of Perth’s scenic spots. Our Orientation and Mobility group invites you to a day full of exploration, learning, and fun! Don’t miss out on this unique blend of mobility training and connection to this beautiful city.
Group Highlights:
- Orientation to Elizabeth Quay: Start your journey with an in-depth orientation at the beautiful Elizabeth Quay.
- Ferry Ride to South Perth: Learn how to catch a ferry and enjoy travelling across the Derbal Yerrigan.
- Use your mobility skills along the beautiful paths along the river.
- Apps and O&M Skill Development: Enhance your Orientation and Mobility skills using the latest apps and techniques.
Group details
When: Tuesday, 4th February Meeting at 8:30 at Elizabeth Quay train station. The program will aim to conclude at 2pm.
Register your interest in seeing Perth’s sights in the Don’t Pay the Ferryman Group
Friday Walking Group
Are you interested in joining a Friday morning walking group for people with low and no vision? Led by the Exercise Physiology team, the proposed group would meet on Friday mornings over 6 weeks. The Group completes the same route for the six weeks together with an Exercise Physiologist. The aim is to enjoy getting outside for some fresh air and exercise, while increasing the number of areas that you are comfortable exercising in.
Group details
- Meeting Friday mornings, over 6 weeks
- Supported by Exercise Physiologists
- Funded and fee for service options available
Register your interest in the weekly exercise physiology walking group
Dining Skills
This workshop will give you the skills to dine out with confidence. You’ll learn practical ways and low vision aids to address common eating difficulties such as:
- Knocking items over on the table
- “Empty fork”
- Cutting manageable bite-sized pieces of food
- How to fill a glass and drink pouring techniques
- Locating items on the table by using the centering technique
- Reading menus
Then share a delicious lunch together to practice these skills. Dining should be a pleasurable and not stressful experience!
Date: Tuesdays TBC
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Duration: One session
Location: VisAbility, Victoria Park
Register interest in joining the Dining Skills class
iDevice Clinics
If you live with vision impairment and require support or training on how to use the accessibility tools on a smartphone or tablet, our Assistive Technology team holds weekly iDevice Clinics or one-to-one sessions, which can answer your questions and resolve any problem you may have.
Register your interest in attending an iDevice Clinic
Look Good, Feel Good Without Sight
Have you ever struggled to find what you are looking for in your wardrobe, or to select and apply make-up? How do you know if you have put together a great looking outfit that flatters you?
The Look Good, Feel Good program aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge to feel confident that you are looking your best.
This course is facilitated by a VisAbility Occupational Therapist and is supported by a qualified make-up artist for the make-up tutorial session. Both have over 20 years of experience.
Topics include:
- Identifying barriers to feeling confident in your personal presentation
- How to problem solve tasks you find difficult
- Make-up tutorial
- Wardrobe management and how to select flattering clothing
- Identifying colour
- Laundry challenges
- Style personality
- Assistive technology and low vision aids
- Resources available to assist you further
Date: Monday 16 October – Monday 30 October 2023
Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm (1.30pm – 4.30pm final week)
Duration: Three sessions
Location: VisAbility, Victoria Park
Register interest in attending Look Good, Feel Good without Sight
Night Orientation and Mobility
Explore some of the challenges and barriers of travelling during times of low light, eg at dusk or night time and learn ways to overcome these barriers. These sessions are for people with blindness and low vision, who use a white cane but do not go out at night time due to night blindness and/or feeling anxious.
In order to join these sessions, participants must have had O&M assessment and training in the past and be able to complete two routes independently during day time. If you don’t have this, then we can offer you a one-on-one assessment and training in advance to prepare you for the session. Contact us today to get the required training to be in time for this course.
Dates: Tuesday evenings, 1 August – 5 September 2023
Time: 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Duration: Weekly, for six weeks (total 18 hours)
Where: VisAbility, Victoria Park
Cost: $1,163.88
How to join the Night Orientation & Mobility Course
Learn more about the Night Orientation and Mobility course
Confident Living Group (formerly Living Well Program)
The Confident Living Group helps you understand the causes and effects of vision loss and its impact on everyday life. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your story and ideas with others in a similar situation to yours. The group is facilitated by a VisAbility Occupational Therapist.
Topics include:
- Common eye conditions and the possible effects
- Understanding vision loss
- Maximising remaining vision and using other senses
- Staying in touch: tips for using technology (eg. mobile phones), alternatives to writing, time and date and assistive technology.
- Managing personal care: includes medication and money
- Home management: includes cooking and dining skills
- Stepping out: leisure and recreation, safety in the community and getting around safely.
- Learn more about other low vision services or low vision support groups available through VisAbility.
Dates: Tuesday 15 August – Tuesday 19 September 2023, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Duration: Weekly, three-hour session over six weeks
Location: VisAbility, Victoria Park
Register interest in attending the Confident Living Group
Falls Prevention and Recovery
Focusing on improving stability, balance and confidence to reduce risk of falls and accessing community safely and confidently.
These sessions are for people over age of 65 years with blindness and low vision who are experiencing falls and/or at risk of falls.
These sessions will be delivered by an Exercise Physiologist and Orientation & Mobility Specialist in a small group.
Date: Future dates to be confirmed. Please complete the form below to register interest in attending.
Time: 9.00am – 11.00am
Duration: Weekly, two-hour session over eight weeks
Location: VisAbility, Victoria Park
Register interest in attending Falls Prevention and Recovery class
Cooking Skills for Beginners
Learn essential practical skills to get confidence in the kitchen and safely prepare food and cook a meal. Explore adaptive strategies and make use of aids and equipment to build independence in the kitchen.
Date: Future dates to be confirmed. Please complete the form below to register interest in attending.
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Duration: Weekly, two hour session over six weeks
Location: VisAbility, Victoria Park
Register interest in attending Cooking Skills for Beginners.
Braille classes
Join our Braille classes each week to learn or improve reading Braille.
Register your interest in attending a Braille class.