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Services Instructional Programs
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Core Instructional Programs
Orientation and Mobility
The ability to move around safely and efficiently is an essential function of living a full life. At Society for the Blind, we teach Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills to help you move around and expand your world. Orientation is the understanding of where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. Mobility is the physical ability to move safely, independently, and efficiently. Our instructors have specialized Master's Degrees which prepare them to instruct clients at all levels and ages in how to get around successfully by using a white cane. Instruction is one-on-one and begins with an assessment of your current level of travel skill. Next you'll be taught safe and effective means of travel in many environments, from around your home to all over town. Related skills for Orientation include personal safety, information gathering, accepting and refusing public assistance, problem solving, and social interaction skills. Orientation and Mobility skills will allow you to continue to enjoy a full and active life. Braille Instruction
The ability to read and write is important for an active life. At Society for the Blind we offers classes in Braille, a tactile reading and writing system used by blind people all over the world. Braille can help you read and write everything from grocery lists to full length novels. We begin with an assessment of your current skill level and assess your needs for beginning, intermediate, or advanced Braille skills. We will train you on how to use a slate and stylus so you can have a simple, affordable, and mobile means of keeping track of important information. We can also teach you how to use a Perkins Brailler, which will allow you to produce longer and more complex documents and materials. If you're interested in more advanced training, we can enable you to learn the entire Braille code. This skill will make you a fluent user, able to read books and magazines, use calendars, keep records and files, and speak in public using Braille notes. Access to the California State Braille and Talking Book library will open clients to a whole world of fiction and non-fiction materials for educational and recreational reading. Daily Living Skills
Daily living skills instruction includes many of the everyday tasks which are essential to independent living, getting along independently in life. They encompass an enormous range of skills from brushing one's teeth to preparing a full meal. After assessment, our instructor will tailor training, one-on-one or small groups, to meet the client's specific needs and interests. This can include intensive lessons in cooking, housekeeping, organizational skills, personal grooming, and creative activities, as well as many essential basic skills for anyone living independently. Examples of these include telling time, using a telephone, signature writing, tape recording lists or phone numbers, taking out the garbage, identifying money and clothing, or setting the thermostat. Clients can also choose to focus in one area of instruction, such as becoming an expert at cooking or sewing, which can fulfill creative impulses while being rewarding and challenging. Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals; or sewing and other crafts for recreational purposes. The basic principle behind this instruction is to assist clients in remaining safe and independent in their own homes, ability to live full, active, and healthy lives. Adapted Computer Skills
In the last few years advances in the quality of adaptive software for blind and visually impaired computer users are amazing! Technology has risen to a level which provides excellent access to most of the major software applications commonly used today. Specialized screen reading software such as JAWS or Window-Eyes provide excellent interfaces for programs such used with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These programs provide access to email and Internet programs. These programs make applications highly accessible for clients properly trained in their use. We also instruct clients with sufficient vision to use software such as ZoomText, a program which efficiently magnifies what is on the screen for the computer user. This excellent program has allowed many users to retain employment and perform advanced computer tasks. It can be used for easier tasks like writing a business letter or make a grocery list. After assessment, clients will begin their one-on-one individualized training programs to meet their specific goals. We can begin a client with basic keyboarding skills, or an advanced spreadsheet design in Excel. Most clients will learn in MS Word at a beginner to intermediate level and then move on to specialized skills dependent upon vocational or recreational goals. Clients will be trained in all aspects of contemporary computer use at the level appropriate to their interests and skill level. Other computer-related skills instruction available includes closed circuit television use, scanning and scanning software, and use of Braille and "kqwerty" keyboard notetakers. |