Adjustment to Blindness Training
One of the primary functions of the ABL Training Center is Adjustment to Blindness Training. This is done through a variety of courses designed to strengthen not only everyday skills that the client brings to ABL, but to offer alternative ways of doing things and teach entirely new skills. The coursework offered is listed below. Click on the links below for more information about a particular course.
This curriculum is individualized and permits each student to progress at his/her own pace. Clients not meeting the minimum typing speed necessary for entry into technology training will benefit from this individualized instruction to help them attain the entry-level skill standard. Clients who already possess typing skills can use this training to upgrade and improve typing speed and accuracy.
This training focuses on providing or enhancing the client's ability to communicate effectively with others, especially as it relates to their individual needs.
Training Topics include:
- Braille
- Slate and Stylus
- Paperless Braille
- Handwriting
- Writing Guides
- Tracking/Tactile Sign Language
- American Sign Language
- TTY
- Use of Digital Recorders
Home and Personal Management teaches adaptive skills that build confidence in clients and their ability to live independently. We focus on the individual needs each client has in the following areas:
• Food Preparation
o Meal planning
o Shopping
o Labeling
o Cooking
o Clean up
•Home Care
o Making bed
o Washing clothes
o Mending clothes
o General cleaning
• Personal Care
o Hyenine
o Make up application
o Grooming
• Money Management
o Money identification
o Accessible bill paying
o Check writing
o Budgeting
Orientation and Mobility, teaches safe and independent travel in a variety of environments, thus enhancing the lives of our visually impaired, blind and Deaf-Blind clients allowing them to achieve their highest level of performance.
Here at ABL we teach two methods of Orientation and Mobility. One, the “Structured Discovery Method of Cane Travel” requires a blindfold and development of one’s total sensory array. The second, or “Traditional Method” encourages the use of residual vision. Any aids or appliances that may assist in the training process are as follows: canes, an interpreter, sunglasses, flashlights, communication signs/cards and electronic devices with refreshable Braille. Clients with guide dogs and/or use a wheelchair or other mobility aids, will have their training modified accordingly.
Training Topics include:
1.Pre-Cane Skills
2.Cane Skills
3.Indoor Travel
4.Residential Travel
5.Business Travel
6.Downtown Travel
7.Rural Travel
8.Business Location
9.Public Transit which includes city bus travel and Paratransit
10.Ride Share via Uber and/or Lyft
Peer Counseling is counseling that occurs between people who have a common disability. Clients who have reservations and concerns about their ability to succeed as a productive, independent individual benefit from peer counseling. The peer counselor, after evaluating the situation, encourages the client to become actively involved in setting goals and developing a program of change. Hopefully, this will bring about desirable results for themselves and their family. The peer counselor may assist in identifying and securing other sources of help, such as medical or social services, independent living centers, and other services which may be useful in helping the client lead an independent and productive life.
ABL offers a residential program allowing clients to live on-site during training. The goal is to equip clients with the skills necessary for living in an independent or semi-independent manner. Clients live in dorm rooms and share a community kitchen and living area. They receive continual reinforcement and evaluation of independent living skills. They also participate in center-sponsored recreation and social activities. Clients who complete the residential program may graduate to the Supervised Independent Living Program in an on-site apartment. The goals of the Supervised Independent Living Program are to provide a transitional living arrangement in which deaf-blind and blind individuals can utilize, evaluate, and expand their independent living skills for a one to three month period.
Technology has opened the world to visually impaired, blind and Deaf-Blind individuals. ABL uses state of the art technology to enable our clients to be competitive in this area. Our curriculum includes adaptive computers skills, text to speech engines, smart phone usage, smart devices/personal assistant, refreshable Braille displays, Braille embossing and even more.
Admission Policy & Criteria
To be eligible for admission, trainees must be blind or visually impaired and at least 18 years of age. Trainees must be ambulatory or mobile through the use of a wheelchair or similar conveyance. ABL does not deny admission on the basis of race, sex, creed, national background, or ancestry.