Intake Procedure

Last Updated
May 20, 2022

Enrolment Criteria

PTC will consider anyone for enrolment in the Blind People in Charge program who is:

  • 19 years or older on the date they begin training;
  • Blind, DeafBlind, or experiencing vision loss; and
  • Wishing to learn Blindness/DeafBlindness skills.

Possible exceptions to this enrolment policy include: funding limitations or particular funder requirements or restrictions such as a particular initiative focused on age group e.g. seniors or young adults or adults preparing for employment.

The Executive Director of the Division or their designate, on the advice of the Division Board of Directors, has authority to make decisions on student enrolment in any given situation.

students who have multiple disabilities are welcome.

If an applicant is not eligible for their chosen program, they will be given the option of an alternate COBD program they are eligible for, if one exists.

If an applicant is not eligible for any COBD program:

  • They are informed of the reasons
  • Alternate resources (if known) will be given to the applicant

Referrals

Potential students may self-refer or be referred to PTCB by a professional.

Best Practice:

  • A potential student learns about the program.
  • They are directed to contact the Program and Student Affairs Coordinator or their designate.
  • The Program and Student Affairs Coordinator or their designate will respond to enquiries within one week of a message being left.
  • The initial interview will include discussion regarding the potential student’s:
    • goals and expectations,
    • role in setting their individual service goals,
    • responsibilities

As it is outside the mandate of PTC to provide low vision rehabilitation services, individuals seeking training in the Use of computer screen magnification programs, electronic low-vision devices or prescriptive magnification devices will be directed to Neil Squire, Canadian Assistive Technology, and/or a low vision peer support group.

Those seeking telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) with large visual displays will be directed to Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing or their local equivalent if one is known.

  • Once the student’s questions are addressed, they are invited to attend the PTCB for orientation. Refer to Orientation checklist.
  • If the potential student decides to enrol in the program, the student will complete any remaining forms and undergo an assessment.

Waitlists

If there is no room in a particular program, the student’s name will be placed on a waitlist and they will be contacted every three months to inform them of the waitlist status. Those on the waitlist will be offered available spaces in the Blind People in Charge program on a first come, first serve bases. If they choose not to accept the space within a given time frame, the next name on the list will be offered the space.

Student Forms

Students will be given accessible copies of all relevant forms for their records upon request.

All student forms must be completed and signed after their orientation is completed and before they start regular PTC classes.

Participant Intake Form

Students must complete a Participant intake form, which has six sections including:

  • Section A. – Basic Personal Information;
  • Section B. – Emergency Contacts;
  • Section C. – Vision-Related Information;
  • Section D. – Medical Information;

  • Section E. – Medical History; and

  • Section F. – Interests.

Participant Agreement

Students then must sign the Participant Agreement, which consists of:

  • confidentiality,
  • medical release,
  • assumption of risks,
  • release of liability (waiver of claims and indemnity), and
  • participant responsibility.

Media Release Agreement

Students will be encouraged to sign the Media Release Agreement, which is optional.

Student Handbook

Students will be provided with a student Handbook in the format of their choice.

Student Assessments

Please note: See the section titled “Assessments and Goal Setting Procedure” for more information.

Students will be assessed to determine their level of mastery in the various blindness/DeafBlindness skill areas. This assessment will also help students to refine their goals.