Society for the Blind
Student Handbook

Last Revised October, 2006

Table of Contents

Welcome
Accessibility
Society for the Blind's Mission Statement
Contact Information
Operating Schedule
Service Delivery
Intake Materials
Program Options
Teaching Materials
Staff
Criteria for Eligibility
Nondiscrimination Policy
Policies and Procedures
Attendance and Cancellation
Homework Policy
Satisfactory Progress Policy
Outcomes Study
Transportation
Smoking
Guide Dog Relief
Drugs and Alcohol
Use of Property
Mobility Tools
Standards of Conduct
Cellular Phones
Dress Code
Referral to Outside Agencies
Safety
Student Rights

Grievance and Appeals Policy
Suspension or Termination of Services
Photo Release - Click here to download the printable Photo Release Form
Release of Information - Click here to download the printable Release of Information Form
Receipt of and Agreement to Terms of Handbook - Click here to download the printable Receipt of Handbook Form

Welcome to Society for the Blind! This handbook serves as a guide to Society for the Blind’s policies, procedures, and services. It sets forth your rights, what you can expect from us, and what is expected of you as a client of Society for the Blind (also referred to in this handbook as “Society”). Please note that certain Society for the Blind programs will entail specific policies and procedures not delineated in this manual. Those policies will be made clear to you before you participate in any of those programs. In this handbook, the words “client” and “student” will be used synonymously to describe any individual receiving training services through Society for the Blind. Please feel free to discuss the information contained in this document with a designated Society for the Blind staff member if you have questions or need clarification. We look forward to providing you with a positive learning experience at Society for the Blind. We are glad you’re here!

Accessibility

This handbook is made available to all Society for the Blind students, potential students, and representatives of outside agencies that serve the blind. It is available in Braille, large print, CD, cassette, and electronic format. This manual can be accessed 24 hours a day on Access News by calling 916-732-4010, or by visiting Society for the Blind’s website at www.societyfortheblind.org.

Society for the Blind’s Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship.

Contact Information

Society for the Blind
2750 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818

Phone: (916) 452-8271
Fax: (916) 452-2622
E-mail: info@societyfortheblind.org
Web: www.societyfortheblind.org

Operating Schedule

Society for the Blind is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with training scheduled during these operating hours. No adult instructional program classes are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to allow for a lunch break. Students may remain on the premises or leave during this time and are responsible for providing their own lunch.

Some programs will require students to attend evening and/or weekend activities. Any program that requires overnight stay will be supervised by Society staff. The Aids to Independence Store is open from 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the Low Vision Clinic office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday by appointment only.

Society for the Blind is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Access News and www.societyfortheblind.org are available 24 hours a day and remain available during these holidays.

Service Delivery

Intake Procedures

Society for the Blind accepts referrals/requests for services from the California Department of Rehabilitation, private sources, and self-paying clients. Individuals requesting instructional services from Society for the Blind directly are referred to the appropriate state agency serving the Blind in order to authorize instruction. In the case of self-paying clients, Youth Enrichment Program, and Senior IMPACT Project, students may be self-referred and are not required to be a client of an outside agency.

When a student has been authorized to begin instruction, a representative of Society for the Blind will contact the student to schedule classes and discuss transportation options. During the first complete date of services, an intake is completed and the student is given a comprehensive orientation to the facilities and program and advised of policies and guidelines.

Program Options

Society for the Blind provides adjustment training for adults with severe vision loss. Instruction is available in Braille, cane travel, daily living skills, computers/rehabilitation technology, and other skills as necessary. Length of training will depend on individual needs. Society for the Blind also offers a variety of Career Development Programs based on the individual needs of each client. These include ACE (A Competitive Edge), EMPOWER (Employment Power), and VEP (Vocational Exploration Program). Additionally, specialized programs and services are available for Seniors (55 and over) in Northern California and Youth (0-18) throughout the state. Program options are subject to change.

Teaching Materials

Society for the Blind strives to find the most effective teaching materials available from any source. Effective teaching materials in blindness are currently few and far between, and the staff constantly seeks to identify those writings, films, and other aids that convey a practical, positive view of blindness and its solutions.

From time to time, students will be presented with materials developed by agencies and organizations that promote themselves during the presentation. The Society takes no official position on the merits of these blindness agencies or consumer groups. Rather, we encourage all students to read as deeply and widely as possible and form their own opinions about which groups and agencies would help them best achieve their own personal goals.

Please understand that if you find a particular teaching aid unduly political or otherwise objectionable the staff has found that it is, on balance, the best teaching aid for the subject despite such controversy. If you have suggestions for alternative teaching aids covering the same subject, the staff would greatly appreciate your help in obtaining them.

Whatever the teaching material, however, please be aware that it is the Whatever the teaching material, however, please be aware that it is the Society's formal policy to be open to all philosophies, organizations, and consumer groups, and that we make every effort to incorporate in our curriculum all materials that present a positive, respectable view of blindness and the alternative techniques blind people use to gain power and control in their lives.

Staff

The staff of Society for the Blind consists of highly qualified and certified professionals from throughout the country who bring great diversity of experience, education, and expertise to the agency. Many of the administrative and direct service staff are blind individuals who serve as role models for those in training. All direct service staff are trained in CPR and First Aid.

Criteria for Eligibility

Individuals who have been medically determined to have severe vision loss and whose primary disability is blindness are eligible for instructional programs at Society for the Blind. Those enrolling in the adult instructional programs are typically 18 and over, but can be as young as 14 with Department of Rehabilitation approval. Participants in the Senior IMPACT Project must be 55 or older; Youth Enrichment Program enrollment ages vary by activity and will be specified in informational and application materials.

Client participation in Society for the Blind programs is at the discretion of Society for the Blind staff. If it is determined at any time during the course of a student’s training that a service is not appropriate for him/her, Society for the Blind reserves the right to reassign that student to another service or discontinue service entirely.

Nondiscrimination Policy

It is the policy of the Society to provide equal opportunity access to services for all people from every segment of society regardless of sex, race, culture, creed, religion, national origin, physical or mental ability, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or source of payment for training.

Policies and Procedures

Attendance and Cancellation

When a student must miss a scheduled service appointment, he or she is required to inform Society for the Blind at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. In cases of emergency or sudden illness, notice must be provided as far in advance as possible. Students should contact Michelle Bruns, Assistant Director – Programs at 916-452-8271 ext. 328 in order to cancel any appointment. An emergency is something that causes significant hardship or detriment to a client’s well-being. Society staff may require documentation of a situation for it to qualify as an emergency. A student who consistently provides no notification or cancels appointments less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to suspension of services.

A student who is in excess of 30 minutes late for, or fails to keep, three scheduled general service appointments without informing Society for the Blind will be contacted in writing regarding the nature of the problem and will be placed on probationary status for services. If the student misses one additional appointment during his or her probation, all services may be denied to him or her. Any student suspended from service will receive a copy of the agency's appeals procedures. A copy of the probation and/or suspension notice will be placed in the client’s file.

Homework Policy

Students are expected to complete all homework by the date assigned by the instructor. Students should arrive for class prepared with appropriate homework and materials. Failure to complete homework assignments or arrival without proper materials may impede student satisfactory progress in learning, which is a requirement for our continuing service. Therefore, each class for which a student is unprepared will be counted as an absence.

Satisfactory Progress Policy

All the policies followed at Society for the Blind are intended to ensure that students make satisfactory progress toward their learning goals. Although no grades are given, service may be terminated if it is determined that skills are not being learned and/or sufficiently retained. Society for the Blind cannot spend the staff time retraining students who have previously learned skills unless there are extenuating circumstances. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the staff at our agency.

Outcomes Study

Society for the Blind is constantly striving to provide students with the highest quality experience here at our agency. In order to evaluate and improve services, a representative of the Society may call individual clients to ask some questions regarding their satisfaction with our service. All information about individual cases is held to the strictest standards of confidentiality.

Transportation

Unless otherwise agreed upon, students are expected to arrange and provide their own transportation to and from all services and activities. When transportation is provided by Society for the Blind for any training, event, or activity, all rules of conduct, policies, and procedures from this manual are in effect. In accordance with California law, clients are expected to utilize the safety belts in the agency vehicles at all times. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in suspension of transportation privileges.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside Society for the Blind’s main building on 24th Street, in its vehicles, at the Senior Intensive Retreat House, and any other offices used by or for Society for the Blind. Outdoor smoking areas are available on the side of the building, and students are only permitted to smoke during their designated breaks. In compliance with federal law, students who are under the age of 18 are prohibited from smoking at any time during Society activities.

Guide Dog Relief

Guide dog users may use the alley to the South of the Society for the Blind’s building for relief of their dogs. In order to maintain a professional, sanitary environment, guide dog users are required to pick up after their dogs and use the outdoor dumpster on the South side of the building for disposal of dog waste.

There is a hose in the front of the building that is available for filling dog bowls. Water bowls are also available by request inside the building; these bowls are to remain on the premises.

Drugs and Alcohol

Under no circumstances should a client arrive for classes or activities at Society for the Blind under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Any student who is in possession of illegal drugs or who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at Society for the Blind, in its vehicles, or on any activity associated with the Society will be required to leave immediately.

Use of Property

Students are expected to treat Society for the Blind property with respect and take every precaution not to damage, lose, or misuse property. Damage, loss, or misuse of property may result in suspension and/or a fine equal to the cost of fixing or replacing the item.

Students using Society for the Blind computers and/or internet access may not use this equipment in order to participate in illegal activities or to harass, solicit, or otherwise abuse any individual or entity. All materials accessed using this equipment should be appropriate for a professional setting. Any client who does not comply with this policy may lose computer and/or internet privileges, may have services terminated, or may have activities reported to appropriate authorities.

Students are responsible for their personal property while at Society for the Blind, in any of its vehicles, or at any activity related to Society for the Blind.

Mobility Tools

For the safety of all Society for the Blind students and staff, students are strongly encouraged to use a mobility tool such as a white cane or guide dog at all times when on the premises and when participating in agency activities.

Standards of Conduct

Society for the Blind is a place of professional business and student behavior should be appropriate for the setting. Physical injury or verbal abuse inflicted by one student upon another student or staff member may result in immediate termination from the program. Sexual harassment among students or staff is not tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Sexual harassment among students or staff is not tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Any other conduct representing significant risk of imminent harm to the client, to others, or to the program may be grounds for dismissal from the program. Violation of program policies may result in probation, suspension, or termination of services. Students engaging in any unlawful activities under any circumstances are subject to immediate dismissal from the program.

Cellular Phones

Cellular phones may be used outside the Society for the Blind building and in the waiting area during breaks, but must be turned off during scheduled classes and activities. Proper courtesy and professionalism must be practiced in use of mobile phones; therefore shouting, using profanity, or any other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Dress Code

Society for the Blind’s dress code is designed to prepare students for appropriate dress in the workplace. A client’s appearance reflects his or her confidence, professionalism, and personality to the community. Maintaining a neat and professional appearance is a key factor in attitude, and a positive attitude increases student learning.

The following are some guidelines for dress and grooming requirements for students at Society for the Blind:

• All clothing should be well-maintained and free of stains, rips, holes, frays, and wrinkles.
• Clothing that is sheer or revealing is inappropriate. Any clothing that reveals a student’s undergarments is also unsuitable. Some examples of inappropriate attire include bare midriffs, crop tops, shorts or skirts shorter than fingertip length, shirts that reveal large amounts of chest and/or underarm area, and undergarments (men’s undershirts, bras, boxer shorts, etc.) worn as outerwear. These rules apply to men and women.
• Logos on clothing that advertise alcohol, tobacco, or banned substances, or that include obscene or offensive language or images are not allowed.
• Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and the classes taken by a student. For example, students taking Cane Travel training will be required to spend a great deal of time standing and walking, so they should wear well-maintained, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for these classes.
• It is expected that good bodily, oral, and hair hygiene and cleanliness will be observed and that appearances will be neatly maintained.

If a student is unsure whether something falls within the dress code guidelines, he or she may ask Michelle Bernstein, Case Manager.

Referral to Outside Agencies

Society for the Blind provides information regarding external agencies based on individual client needs. The provision of such information does not constitute an endorsement of any program or service. Therefore, clients are to utilize outside services at their discretion and cannot hold the Society responsible for negative experiences with outside agencies.

Safety

In the event of an emergency, students are asked to follow all staff directions. Students may be asked to evacuate the premises, remain in the building or office, or to follow other instructions given by staff or safety personnel. There is one emergency exit located at the front (East) of the building in the reception area and two on the South side of the building: one near Access News and the other in the Low Vision Clinic. Several semi-annual fire drills will be conducted and students are asked to treat these tests as actual emergencies and follow proper evacuation procedures.

All students and staff are expected to do their part to avoid causing or exacerbating unsafe situations. Clients should follow safety directions given by instructors or other staff in training situations.

There will be no medical personnel, nurses, or other medically-trained staff present at Society for the Blind or its activities unless indicated otherwise. All direct-service staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid. However, this is not a guarantee of medical care or treatment. If medical problems arise, the staff has the right to seek emergency care by calling 911. It is each student’s responsibility to provide current emergency contact and relevant medical information to Society for the Blind. This information is kept confidential and will only be used in the case of an emergency.

The instruction provided by Society for the Blind necessarily takes place in natural, ordinary surroundings. Thus, meals will be prepared with sharp knives, food will be cooked in hot ovens and over stoves, and travel lessons with the white cane will be conducted in places with curbs, stairs, and other obstacles that must be learned. At the discretion of each instructor, some of this training will be conducted under learning shades to enhance blindness skills by temporarily blocking the student’s remaining vision. The types of challenges that exist in the training environment are comparable to those in the average home, retail environment, restaurant, or office.

Student Rights

The student and family will have the right to be treated with consideration, respect, dignity and individuality. The student and family will have the right to be fully informed prior to, or at the time of use, of services available within the Society and of related charges, if applicable. The student and family will have the right to know the identity and professional status of the individuals providing service and to be assured that the staff who provide services are qualified through education and experience to carry out the services for which they are responsible.

The student will have the right to participate in the planning of his or her training, if desired. The student will have the right to be assured confidential treatment of personal records and to approve or refuse their release to another individual or agency or as required by law or third party payment contract.

The student and/or family will have the right to address complaints regarding services provided by the Society by contacting Michelle Bruns, Assistant Director - Programs with the expectation that the complaints will be handled confidentially. The student and/or family may activate the student appeals process at any time they feel staff decisions or actions adversely affect their services.

In addition to these conditions, students are assured the following rights and considerations:
• Staff and volunteers will treat all students with dignity, consideration, individuality, and respect. All interactions shall be done on a professional and confidential basis.
• It is expected that all staff and volunteers will only maintain professional, service-oriented relationships with students and will refrain from practices such as: lending, giving, or receiving personal possessions (gifts, money, etc.); inviting students to call or visit staff or volunteer homes; and socialization outside of program activities.
• Staff and volunteers will be particularly sensitive to any behaviors that may be perceived as provocative or offensive to students.
• Students, staff, and volunteers will be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.

Confidentiality

All information from and about students is considered confidential. No information may be released from the Society without a release form properly completed and signed. Discussions dealing with students are to be limited to appropriate staff professionals only. The student's signed permission must be obtained before a request for information about the student can be made to other sources. Where case records are utilized in record keeping procedures and research, the identity of the student and family are effectively disguised.

Student records are recognized as privileged communications and are only to be reviewed by authorized staff of the Society, referring professionals, payment source, and others authorized by the student. No information – written or otherwise – may be shared without a signed Release of Information Form.

Student records are to be locked in a file cabinet each day at close of business and at other times when the staff is not present. For the purpose of this policy, written confidential material will constitute any documents, medical reports, progress notes, and other memoranda that are identifiable either by name or reference as pertaining to a particular individual or group of individuals. Written material of a confidential nature will not leave the premises unless specifically necessary for current service requirements or permission is received from the Executive Director.

Upon a student's completion of training, documents will be kept on file following the provisions of these policies and procedures. The student has a right to know the names and titles of all individuals privileged to review their confidential file. In the event the student wishes to challenge any of those individuals, the student may proceed under the appeals procedure. Students may access their files by submitting a written request to Michelle Bruns, Assistant Director – Programs.

For the purpose of this policy, non-written confidential information will include any information pertaining to a student's course of study, medical data, family background, psychological state, financial status, etc. Such information will not be discussed with anyone other than appropriate staff members, referring professionals or others authorized by the student. To safeguard student confidentiality, such discussion will only occur in appropriate areas such as in an office with the door closed.

Mandated Reporting

Student confidentiality does not extend to the point at which a student is a danger to him/herself, others, or is gravely endangered. Student confidentiality also does not cover instances of suspected abuse. Staff will report all such instances to the Executive Director and proper authorities (such as Adult Protective Services or Child Protective Services) as soon as possible. Furthermore, staff will also inform potential victims of threatened action.

Grievance and Appeals Policy

he Society recognizes the right of students to appeal decisions affecting their course of training or participation in its programs. Students also have the right to appeal staff actions or decisions that affect them. The following policies and procedures are established to provide students with a process to appeal decisions and procedures.

Before beginning the appeal process, students are requested to discuss the issue with the staff member(s) whose decision or action resulted in the grievance.

If satisfaction is not obtained, then the formal appeal process begins. The order of appeal is as follows:

1. Michelle Bruns, Assistant Director - Programs
2. Kevin Duggan, Executive Director
3. Program Committee of the Board of Directors
4. Full Board of Directors

The time frame for appeals is as follows: If the grievance is not satisfied at the lowest level, the student may request and obtain an appointment with the Assistant Director – Programs within seven working days. If the situation is not resolved, the student has seven additional working days to appeal to the Executive Director. If this does not remedy the situation, he or she may appear before the Program Committee for an appeal. If there is still no resolution to the situation, the student may bring the appeal before the full Board of Directors.

Students filing an appeal beyond the Executive Director may request other individuals (witnesses) with specific knowledge about the appeal to be present. Staff members may also make the same request. The results of all appeals will be recorded in writing with copies going to all parties involved and a copy being placed in the student’s file.

The appeals process will not prejudice the quality or quantity of services rendered to the student. Students exercising the right of appeal will not be refused services solely based on the grounds the appeal was made. If the quality or quantity of service is at the center of the dispute, the appeals process will be completed before additional service is rendered to the student.

Suspension or Termination of Services

Students may be refused or have services terminated for any of the following reasons, although this list is not exhaustive:

• The student poses a danger to the staff or to other students, or has displayed inappropriate behavior to the staff and/or other students. • The client has shown a sustained disregard for staff time and/or is not motivated to receive instruction.
• The student has shown a consistent inability to learn the desired skill.
• The student already possesses the desired skills to a sufficient degree that further learning is not required.
• Provision of service would duplicate a service the client is currently receiving through another agency.

Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis. All students who have services refused or terminated will be sent a letter stating the reasons for the action and their right to appeal. A copy of the letter will be placed in the client’s file. The client has the right to appeal any services that have been refused or terminated.

Sample Photo Release

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE PHOTO RELEASE

I hereby authorize and give full consent to the Society for the Blind to copyright, publish and display all photographs taken in which participant known as ________________________________ (Participant's Name) appears.

It is further agreed that the Society for the Blind may use or cause to be used his/her photographs for, or in, any and all exhibitions, public displays, publication, commercial art and advertising purposes, provided and upon condition that the Society for the Blind is duly credited when photographs are used or printed.

____________________________________________ _____________
(Signature/Signature of parent or guardian) (Date Signed)

Please return this completed form to designated Society for the Blind staff.

Sample Consent to Release Non-Medical Personal/ Confidential Information

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE CONSENT TO RELEASE INFORMATION FORM

Society for the Blind
2750 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818

Applicant/Client’s Full Name: ____________________________________________________

Social Security Number: _____________________ Date of Birth: _______________________

Street Address: ________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________________

I Hereby Consent to and Authorize Society for the Blind to: (check one)
_____ Obtain from you the following information:
_____ Release to you the following information:

Description of Information to be Released: __________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

I understand that I have a right to receive a copy of this signed authorization. I understand that this consent shall be valid for a period not to exceed 1 year, unless otherwise specified* from the date this consent is signed.
(*Specified date, if other than 1 year: ________________)

Send information to:
Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Applicant/Client’s Signature: _________________________________Date: _______________
Parent/Guardian Signature (Required for Minor): _____________________________________
If unable to write his/her name, the client should enter an “X” or other mark. Signatures of 2 witnesses are required.
Witness 1: __________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Witness 2: __________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Please return this completed form to designated Society for the Blind staff.

Copy 1 – Addressee Copy 2 – Case File Copy 3 – Client

Sample Receipt of and Agreement to Terms of Handbook

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE AGREEMENT TO TERMS OF HANDBOOK

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all information set forth in the Society for the Blind Student Handbook. I acknowledge my receipt of the handbook and recognize that I am responsible for the information it contains.

Printed Name: ______________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: __________

If the student is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian signature is required.

Parent/Guardian Printed Name: _________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: __________

If unable to write his/her name, the student should enter an “X” or other mark. Signatures of 2 witnesses are required.

Witness 1: __________________________________________ Date: __________

Witness 2: __________________________________________ Date: __________

Please return this completed form to designated Society for the Blind staff.