- Last Updated
- May 20, 2022
Some of this orientation may have been discussed with the potential student during their first contact with the division (response to initial enquiry in person, by email or phone) but should be repeated during the formal in-person orientation.
- Confirm potential student meets admission criteria
A. 19 years or over
B. Blind, DeafBlind, or experiencing vision loss
C. Wishes to learn blindness/DeafBlindness skill(s) - Discuss student’s challenges and needs. There will be a formal Assessment and goal setting.
- Describe/review the approach to training used in the Blind People in Charge program: Learning Shades, Structured Discovery, Long white cane
- Describe Blind People In Charge funding. $700 a month for rent of a unit shared with one other student. Training is heavily subsidized and financial assistance is available for those who can’t pay the $700 a month cost, funding permitting.
- Describe blindness/DeafBlindness skills taught in the Blind People in Charge program; tactile/Braille, travel with the long white cane, technology using speech and Braille output, daily living including cooking, social/employment readiness, etc.
- Outline the streams offered: Immersion, Focus on Braille, and Focus on Technology
- Explain that staff are peers with experience of blindness, DeafBlindness, or vision loss successfully using blindness/Deafblindness skills on a daily basis. They are not necessarily certified trainers.
- Explain that the student makes the decision to participate in a given activity. They are in charge. They will be asked to sign a waiver.
- Inform potential student of the option of attending as an observer before formally enrolling in a program
- If the potential student wishes to observe or enrol in a program, review/complete and sign “Participant Intake” form and “Participant Agreement” form.
- Review current Blind People in Charge waitlists and next steps.
- Show student around campus.
