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Training and Adjustment Classes

The Training & Adjustment Services (TAS) program helps students achieve greater independence through it’s core values of infusion of hope, mastery of skills, integrating into society, and emotional adjustment.

Classes offered include Cane Travel, Braille Literacy, Computers and Adaptive Technology, Home Management, Woodshop and Fiber Arts. Classes are offered between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students master skills through completing course curriculum. The TAS program holds weekly group discussions on topics to assist in emotional adjustment. Activities are arranged to give opportunities for students to build confidence; to share new experiences and to integrate into society.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch our instructors demonstrating the skills taught in these classes.

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Students are evaluated and allowed to progress at their own pace. On average, students require approximately six to nine months of formal instruction in order to obtain an adequate proficiency to pursue education, employment, and integrate into society. There is no cost to students in order to attend classes at DSBVI. Classes are taught at 250 North 1950 West, Suite B, Salt Lake City, Utah.

To be eligible to participate in the Training and Adjustment Services Program, students must be able to meet the physical and mental requirements. Students must be free from encumbrances that may impede attendance and delay their progress in the training program. For additional information, please call Jodi Duke at 801-323-4348 or Adam Rushforth at 801-323-4347. A general description and requirements of each class are listed below:

Braille Literacy
Instruction is given in reading and writing of both uncontracted and contracted UEB (Unified English Braille). The differences between UEB and EBAE (English Braille American Edition) are also taught. Students use Braille instructional material, a slate and stylus, a Perkins Braillewriter, and electronic Braille. Classes consist of reading aloud and/or to oneself. Students participate in timed reading and writing exercises and drills. Students are given homework in the form of reading and writing assignments. Completion of the Braille class usually includes reading a novel that consists of at least two volumes of Braille.

Cane Travel
Students are taught by a certified cane travel instructor and other dedicated staff in safe and independent travel. The cane travel instructors focus on the individual needs of each student by using structured discovery and other progressive learning techniques. Cane travel instruction takes place inside the center, in the surrounding community, residential areas, and in both small and large businesses. Some areas of instruction include the use of a long white cane, sidewalk travel, street crossings, cardinal directions, locating an address, route planning, and public transportation. By combining all newly learned skills during their time at the center, our rigorous cane travel program helps provide students the opportunity to reach their independent, educational, and career goals.

Adaptive Technology/Computers
Instruction is provided on basic computer keyboarding skills; an introduction to the JAWS screen reading software; navigation and use of the internet and email; and practice with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Adaptive Technology also provides optional training on devices such as the Apple iPhone; Victor Reader Stream; digital book player from the National Library Service for the Blind; notetakers, and additional adaptive software and equipment.

Employment Readiness class
The employment specialist assists students who are actively looking for employment with building resumes, updating resumes, matching talents and skills with meaningful employment, mock interviews, and advocating for the student if the student prefers the employment specialist to be at the interview.

Home Management
Students learn the basic skills needed to independently manage a household including cooking, cleaning, laundry, organization skills, product identification strategies, financial management, shopping, apartment hunting, managing mail and other documents, braille/tactile marking options, use of various appliances, adaptive technology, and other skills useful in managing a home. WATCH HERE.

Woodshop
Students are given instruction in the basics of woodworking skills and techniques. Students are introduced to alternative methods of measuring and cutting. The hand and power tools students learn to use safely include (but are not limited to) the click rule, table saw, compound miter saw, jointer, plainer, shaper/routers, air and electric sanders, and the lathe.

Offsite Training Activities
Full time students participate in an offsite training experience monthly. These trainings are designed to provide students with integrating experiences in the community, exposure to organizations and agencies for the blind, and confidence-building activities in which students may use and apply the skills they have learned. Examples of offsite training activities include snow tubing, water skiing, tours, camping and hiking. These activities often include eating out in public and working on daily life challenges faced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

LifeSkills/Fiber Arts
Offers introduction and instruction in knitting, crocheting, sewing and quilting. Students will learn proper use of measuring devices for accuracy of projects, reading patterns, selecting correct yarn or fabric, and finishing and displaying projects. In addition, students learn tactile discrimination, finger dexterity, direction following (both hands on and verbal), math skills, and gain a talent that can be used to give back to their family, friends and community. This class also supplements and encourages other life skills such as ironing, sewing on buttons, or other skills as needed.

Discussion Class
A crucial aspect of the training is the mindset of self-reliance and to eliminate myths and misconceptions about blindness. Our group discussion class meets weekly to cover topics such as self-advocacy, independence, and employment. Topics for discussion are based on the emotional adjustment to and a positive attitude about blindness. Guests speakers are sometimes brought in to discuss and/or demonstrate items related to blindness.

Activities
On activity days, ordinary classes are replaced by activities designed to provide students with integrating experiences in the community, exposure to organizations and agencies for the blind, and confidence-building activities in which students may use and apply the skills they have learned. Students must have the ability to walk and stand for a period of two hours or longer.

Class Curriculum
Course curriculums intertwine, and are designed to incorporate the use of developing skills. This is achieved through overlapping skills learned in one class to accomplish a task in a different class. Students are strongly encouraged to consider training as if it were a job.

Training Shades
Students with any light perception must wear training shades (blindfolds) at all times during training classes and activities. The use of training shades throughout training provides a total immersion experience that develops excellent self-confidence, and a belief in the alternative techniques of blindness that are essential for success.