The Work Skills Preparation Program at The College of New Jersey (WSP@TCNJ) is a 2-week residential summer program for extended school year service and transition/vocational assessment for youth who are blind/visually impaired with complex educational needs. This program utilizes highly specialized approaches to the education of youth who are blind/visually impaired through highly qualified experts in the field of vision and blindness education.
Participants
The participants are high school students (ages 16-21) who are blind and visually impaired with additional disabilities and who would benefit from an employment outcome upon graduation with or without supports.
Instruction and Assessment
The WSP@TCNJ program is designed as a comprehensive vocational program that provides skill reinforcement and assessment of critical factors involved in transition from school to a successful adult life. A written assessment will be provided at the completion of the program to help both the parents and schools include appropriate Transition goals in the student’s IEP. Recommendations will be made in the following areas:
- Job Site Experience & Job Sampling
- Orientation and Mobility (travel skills)
- Academics
- Self Advocacy and Self Determination
- Person-Centered Planning and Goal Mapping
- Accessible Technology
- Skills of Independence (ILS)
Job Site Experience & Job Sampling
Students spend half of each weekday cycling between different employment sites both on and off campus.
Orientation and Mobility
Each student receives a mobility assessment and training across a variety of environments. Cane travel, orientation to new environments and awareness of public transportation are emphasized.
Academics
Students spend half of each weekday in classes that focus on literacy & numeracy skills for successful employment. Authentic assessment approaches during activities of literacy & learning are utilized to assess individual student skills and the quality of his/her access to academics.
Self Advocacy and Self Determination
Opportunities for self advocacy and self determination are provided. Instruction in this area is given as needed.
Person-Centered Planning for Transition
Experienced teachers from TCNJ help students set personal goals & objectives related to employment & other life outcomes. Students develop a PowerPoint presentation that illustrates their person-centered plan to be shared with those involved in supporting the student while he/she plans for his/her future.
Assistive Technology
Students will learn to access the computer through technology and software designed for users who are blind/visually impaired. This part of the program takes place at CATIES, The Center for Assistive Technology and Inclusive Education Studies, located at TCNJ.
Skills of Independence
TCNJ’s campus is an ideal setting for the students to practice managing their time, money, travel, and personal needs. The low student to staff ratio allows for direct supervision and support while each student learns to do his/her own laundry, homework, food prep, and grooming while keeping his/her personal schedule and arriving on time.
Staff
WSP@TCNJ is staffed by highly trained professionals and upper class college students who are supervised by TCNJ program directors & selected CBVI staff. There is approximately one staff to every 2-3 students during the day and evening along with 24 hour nursing services. During the night there will be staff awake in the residence to monitor the halls and other on-site staff that will be available, if needed.
