Older Blind Program: iKan-RCIL

Posted March 13, 2019 by Mandy Smith in

As I get ready to get in the car for today’s appointments, I thought I would take this rainy morning to remind everyone of iKan-RCIL.  iKan-RCIL is a program for those who are 55 years and older and have a vision loss caused by such conditions as Glaucoma, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and many more.  This program is often referred to as the “older blind program”.   The person does not have to be totally or “legally” blind but the condition causing the vision loss must affect their daily living to qualify for services.  The iKan-RCIL program covers 32 counties which are listed below and if you are interested in a county not listed email Amanda Smith and I’ll get you the contact information. iKan-RCIL coverage includes: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Brown, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Clay, Coffey, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Elk, Geary, Greenwood, Jackson, Labette, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Pottawatomie, Riley, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, and Woodson counties.

I visit individuals at their home and teach them skills or give them technology to live as independently as possible with their vision loss.  To qualify for this service you must live in one of the mentioned counties, be 55 years or older and have a vision loss. There is no cost to participate in this program and if you or someone you know is interested they can email Amanda Smith or call at (785) 528-3105.

Mandy Smith

Mandy has worked at RCIL since June of 2009. She is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and provides services in 32 counties to individuals who are blind or have low vision and are 55 years and older.

Related Articles

Eureka Low Vision Class

By Mandy Smith | April 13, 2023

April 25th, I will be in Eureka teaching a class on independent living skills for those with vision loss. This is a one day, two hour event hosted at the Greenwood County Senior Center that will provide information on skills, tips, techniques, and show off tools that can help with daily living. The class will start at 10:00am. There is…

Upcoming Blind/Low Vision Events

By Mandy Smith | February 8, 2023

I am hosting low vision independent living classes in Chanute on February 21st and 28th from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The first day will focus on overall skills of living with vision loss (cooking, cleaning, health care, transportation, communication, etc.) and the second day will be more focused on tools to help with these skills. This event is located at Southeast Kansas Area…

Assistance with losing sight

By Mandy Smith | November 17, 2022

Is your mom, dad or grandparent struggling with their eye sight? RCIL has a program (iKan-RCIL) for anyone 55 years or older that has a vision loss that is affecting their daily living. This service is free and offered in 32 counties. Services include: white cane training, independent living skills training (such as cooking and cleaning techniques), demonstration and acquiring…