Center for The Visually Impaired
volusia - brevard - flagler - putnam
Programs
Teen Transition Program
Computer Training Program
Orientation and Mobility
Independent Living Program
Job Readiness Program (beginning March 1, 2010)
Transition Program
What is the Transition Program?
The Transition Program is specifically designed for visually impaired and blind teenagers. The overall goal of the program is to transition teenagers from childhood dependence on parents to maximized independence as contributing adult members of society.
What is taught in the Transition Program?
In addition to the independent living skills training offered to CVI’s adult clientele, the Transition Program also includes teaching in the following “adolescent-oriented” topics:
- Self-esteem and peer pressure: How to build self-awareness
- Job seeking and interview skills including résumé writing
- Recreation and social adjustment
- Comprehensive computer and technology studies
- Volunteer involvement, citizenship, and community service issues
When does all this happen?
The Transition Program is a year-round curriculum designed and implemented by our trained Transition instructors CVI’s highly qualified team include a certified rehabilitation Counselor, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist and a Rehabilitation instructor. During the school year, the curriculum goals are met through weekly individual and small group instruction, as well as weekend workshops and field trips to places like Wikiawa Springs State Park and Busch Gardens Worlds of Adventure. Often these field trips involve collaborative efforts with similar transition groups from across the state.
In summer, the Transition Program swings into high gear with full-day events. Classes are scheduled at least three times a week, replacing the individual and small group instruction. During this time Transition students participate in a paid “employment experience” to gain practical job skills and to build the confidence needed to become successfully employed.
Who qualifies for the Transition Program?
Young people (ages 14-21) with an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from a public or credentialed private school and a recognized visual impairment receive a referral from the Florida Division of Blind Services. Upon receipt of the referral, the Transition Program Manager will contact the student with information on how to get started. There is no cost to qualified participants.
Computer Training Program
Why A Computer Program?
Today’s world is driven by computers, and it is difficult to imagine any individual engaging in society without adequate computer skills. Still, many people who develop visual impairments believe that computers are now “out of reach.” Thanks to a wide range of adaptive software programs, this is not at all the case.
CVI’s Computer Training Program is here to change that and help you achieve or re-achieve your computer savvy so that you can take advantage of computers and all that the internet can offer.
What Adaptive Computer Programs are available?
The Computer Training Program uses a number of different adaptive software programs designed to help those who are visually impaired or blind make full use of computers.
Students receive training in the following:
- Screen reader programs including JAWS, Window-eyes, and Connect Outloud
- Screen Magnifiers like “Big Shot”
- Screen enlargement programs including Zoom Text, and MAGIC
- Voice recognition programs like “Dragon Naturally Speaking”
- Scanning programs such as Kurzweil, Open Book, and Omni Page Pro
- Typing programs like “Talking Typing Teacher.”
If you are ready to learn how to maximize your computer use, our highly skilled and experienced computer staff is motivated and eager to help. Even if you have never used a computer before, the Computer Training Program can help you learn to use computers to maximize your independence.
Orientation & Mobility
WHAT IS ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY?
Orientation and Mobility (O & M) Training enables a blind or visually impaired person to gain the necessary skills to travel outside of their home. Through the development of an individualized rehabilitation plan at CVI, the individual will learn the skills that allow him or her to accomplish safe and effective travel in their home and community.
WHAT SKILLS ARE TAUGHT IN AN O & M PROGRAM?
When planning an O & M program the focus of training may include any of the following depending on the students’ needs:
- Public Transportation: Learning to use public transportation, such as fixed route bus system and paratransit (door-to-door) service
- Sighted Guide Techniques: Traveling with the aid of a sighted person
- Safe Travel: Using protective techniques which provide added protection in unfamiliar areas
- Orientation: Become familiar with your environment by traveling to familiar and unfamiliar areas in your community with an experienced instructor
- Cane Skills: Use of various cane techniques to clear one's path or to locate objects along the way. Use of support canes and determining the proper length of such a cane
Orientation and mobility training is essential for persons with visual impairment because without the ability to travel, a person may become unnecessarily home-bound. With proper training, a person with visual impairment can learn the skills needed and build the confidence needed to effectively and safely travel to wherever he or she desires to go.
Independent Living Program
Rehabilitation Teachers provide instruction and guidance in adaptive independent living skills, enabling individuals who are blind or visually impaired to confidently carry out their daily activities. If you have experienced vision loss, you may find your everyday tasks more difficult. The Rehabilitation Program will help you regain control of your life and resume the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Through the training and support provided by this program, you can effectively overcome the emotional and practical consequences of vision loss. The focus of the Rehabilitation Program is to offer a broad range of services designed to empower you to:
- Increase your ability to accomplish everyday tasks
- Improve your understanding of your visual impairment
- Continue to be involved in recreational activities
- Improve your ability to travel in your home and community
- Communicate with family and friends
- Increase your level of confidence and improve self-esteem
REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDED
CVI provides independent living training to blind and visually impaired individuals to enable them to function within their home and community. Each student is assessed by a Rehabilitation Teacher. Together, they develop an individualized plan to help the student reach his or her goals. Following this assessment, CVI teachers schedule the client for instruction in the home, school or workplace.
The Individualized Rehabilitation Plan can include any of the following instructional areas:
- Home Management: Food preparation, sewing, home maintenance, labeling etc.
- Personal and Home Management: Develop organizational skills, money handling, telephone techniques, leisure activities and kitchen safety.
- Communications: Braille, keyboarding techniques, handwriting guides, talking books, etc.
- Educational: Adaptive equipment (watches, clocks, etc.), adjustment to blindness counseling.
- Low Vision: Training in the use of magnifiers and other low vision devices.
- Counseling: Participate in group and individual counseling to help identify issues associated with vision loss.
HOW ARE SERVICES PROVIDED?
Services are designed with the client in mind, taking into account his or her individual situation while maximizing services within available resources. This is accomplished by providing a variety of service approaches to promote independence such as:
- Group classes designed for small groups of individuals who participate at class sites within the community. The small group atmosphere allows the student to connect with others who are visually impaired.
- In-home instruction to those who cannot attend a class or who prefer more intensive one-on-one training
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICES?
Rehabilitation training is available to any visually impaired individual. Students must be ambulatory and experiencing difficulty in their daily life due to vision impairment.
How can I apply for services or receive more information?
For information on any Center for the Visually Impaired program, or to apply for services, contact 386-253-8879 or 800-227-1284 or click on the Application Form
Job Readiness Program
The Job Readiness Program focuses on providing working aged adults who are blind or visually impaired the tools and strategies necessary for them to achieve their own professional goals and aspirations.
Resume development, interviewing techniques, job coaching and identifying work experiences are some of the skills that will be developed in Job Readiness classes. Whatever their vocational rehabilitation goals may be, students who participate in Job Readiness classes will gain skills, training and confidence to assist them in accomplishing their objectives.
Support for this program has been provided by the following organizations:
LOCATIONS
Phone Numbers:
(386) 860-7389
Toll Free: (800) 227-1284
Administrative Offices
1187 Dunn Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 253-8879
(386) 253-9178-FAX
Deltona
Justin Square
840 Deltona Blvd.
Suite C
Deltona, Fl 32725
(386) 860-7389
(386) 860-5525 FAX
Brevard County
113 King Street
Cocoa, Fl 32922
(321) 631-9791
(321) 631-8068 FAX
Putnam County
Toll Free: (800) 227-1284