Programs for Special Populations

SENIOR SEMINAR - This one week training program is designed to provide visually impaired older adults with personal adjustment skills training and opportunities for socialization. Instruction is provided in Independent Living Skills, Medical and Health Care Issues, Leisure Time Skills, and Aging Issues.

Computer Exploration - This one-week program for youth, ages 14-21, offers opportunities for building keyboarding skills; Braille technology skills; computer literacy; expertise with voice, image enlargement, or Braille access for computer use; and competency with various software applications. Recreation, home management, and cooking classes are also provided.

Transition From School To Work -This program provides visually impaired high school students with personal adjustment skills training designed to supplement the academic and adjustment skills training that they receive at school and at home. Students also participate in social skills development through classroom instruction and community experiences. A vocational awareness component provides a base for career planning.

College Assessment -This two-week program is designed for partially sighted and blind individuals who are considering college studies. Participants may be completing their sophomore to senior year in high school or may be adults who are considering resuming their education. The applicant's readiness for college, both in terms of academic and adjustment-to-blindness skills, is assessed. Instruction is provided in skills related to success in college.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM - The CSR Program prepares students for employment in the customer service field. Four weeks of intensive instruction in computer, telephone, customer relations, and job readiness skills are followed by a one- to two-month customer service internship in the community. Interested individuals must demonstrate good personal adjustment skills, computer skills, and the ability to deal effectively with the public prior to applying for the CSR Program. A student who successfully completes the CSR training program will be able to: type at lease 25 wpm, accurately; independently access information from the computer utilizing prescribed adaptive equipment; successfully complete customer service transactions; successfully complete a telephone skills curriculum; employ effective problem solving techniques for managing issues that arise on a job; maintain appropriately work behaviors and person appearance; utilize effective job search and interviewing skills; and complete a 4 to 8 week internship at an approved job site.