PRIDE works with Arizona's Vocational Rehabilitation counselors to provide VR clients with the following services to aid with job placement:

• Assistive Technology Assessment & Training
• Counseling
• Adaptive Living Skills Training
• Orientation & Mobility Training
• Diabetes Education
• Low Vision Evaluation & Training in the Use of Aids and Devices
• Social/Leisure Skills Development
• Career Exploration and Readiness Training

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Assistive Technology is the instructional area that teaches the skills necessary to utilize specialized software and equipment in order to successfully operate a computer. This includes evaluating the ability of each person to use enhanced magnification, synthetic speech or Braille access devices in order to perform word processing functions and other computer related activities related to their individualized rehabilitation goals.

COUNSELING

Counseling is offered in the adjustment to vision loss and in support of guidance and intervention. Counseling can be provided in individual, family and peer support group environments. Additionally, counseling in the adjustment to disability group sessions will also focus on education regarding rights and responsibilities, as well as benefits and supports available to the blind and visually impaired community. An investigation and explanation of community resources available to blind and visually impaired persons, and exposure to consumer organizations of and for the blind and visually impaired. Self advocacy is promoted in order to achieve positive outcomes in community reintegration.

ADAPTED DAILY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING

Rehabilitation Teaching is the instructional area that addresses the daily tasks necessary to manage every day activities in order to regain independence. These skills encompass the broad range of activities including personal grooming, food preparation, eating skills, household management, organizational skills, labeling techniques, and time management skills that serve to increase an individual's independence in their home and personal life. Communication skills where opportunities are provided to learn Braille, utilization of specialized audio products, typing and keyboarding skills, hand writing and use of various writing devices, and the use of assistive technology to accomplish the storing and retrieval of information, reading, managing financial records, etc.

ORIENTATION & MOBILITY TRAINING

O & M is the instructional area where persons are provided training to effectively use their remaining senses in a compensatory manner. Provides training in the proper utilization of protective techniques and assistive devices, in order to independently travel in a safe, efficient and confident manner in both familiar and unfamiliar environments. Travel devices include the long cane, support cane, telescopic aids, absorptive lenses and alternative mobility devices such as walkers. Electronic mobility devices cane demonstrated and instruction provided as deemed necessary by the vocational rehabilitation counselor and client (agency has certified electronic travel device instructor). Individuals who utilize a dog guide can be provided with orientation and familiarization to various travel environments. Travel situations for all orientation and mobility clients will include navigation inside restaurants and stores, safely crossing the street at controlled and uncontrolled intersections, locating landmarks, utilization of public transportation, independent travel lessons, etc.

DIABETES EDUCATION

Since diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment, individuals and their vocational rehabilitation counselors (when needed) can be provided specialized instruction by a certified diabetes education consultant to learn adaptive devices and the ability to measure and administer insulin independently. The course also provides individuals with exposure and instruction in the use of talking blood glucometers in order that they can learn to independently, safely and accurately measure their glucose levels throughout the day.

LOW VISION SERVICES

Low Vision Services is the instructional area that addresses the needs of individuals with partial vision to gain a better understanding of their vision problems through client education. For those individuals and their vocational rehabilitation counselors who desire this service as it relates to the individualized rehabilitation plan or functional assessment, clinical low vision evaluation (by our consulting low vision specialist) and instruction by staff who are certified as low vision therapists can be provided. The instructional sessions will include training with special optical devices and aids that are designed to meet the various needs of individuals being served. These needs may include lessons that employ a variety of visual aids, devices and special equipment, and training modalities that address near, intermediate and distance tasks as necessary in order to read printed material, perform activities of daily living, independent travel or educational and vocational goals.

SOCIAL/ RECREATION/ LEISURE SKILLS

Various classes, recreational and vocational activities are available within the Center and community. While they are not directly related to vocational rehabilitation, they can afford the individual organizational, tactual awareness, spatial awareness, comprehensive problem solving,
integration of residual skills and confidence building. They can also assist the individual to effectively acquire and transfer a leisure time interest back to their home and community following successful rehabilitation. These activities are designed to enhance a participant's experience in the agency's programs and promote positive adjustment to vision loss. As such, the activities are offered on a daily basis and participating individuals are encouraged to utilize the skills, techniques and devices learned during their class training. This particular segment of the agency program is strictly optional and would be requested by individuals and vocational rehabilitation counselors as deemed appropriate.

CAREER EXPLORATION and READINESS TRAINING

This Section of the program will concentrate on research and development of career goals, resume development, detailed job search training, interview and presentation skills development, active job search and networking skills. The instruction and training will be conducted by volunteers who are in the business community here in Phoenix and who are involved in selection and hiring of individuals for their own community businesses and corporations.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING PRIDE

• Comprehensive Evaluation Process
• Individualized Program
• Small Group Component
• Frequent Organized Staffings with Counselors
• Facility-Based, Structured Environment
• "Real World" Strategies Shared by Blind Individuals
• Graduation Upon Successful Completion

To refer one of your clients or for additional information, please contact:
Frank Vance
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(602) 273-7411 x109
fvance@acbvi.org