Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What is your experience with independent living programs or blind schools? (self.Blind)
submitted by the_orca_jungle
The one in my state (CA) is called the Davidson Program for Independence and it’s basically six months in a dorm room at CSUDH where they teach independent living skills such as cooking, shopping, assistive technology, among other things. I’ve never been through any independent living programs or orientation and mobility training. I am legally blind so I still have some vision left. I have been thinking about signing up but I’m not sure.
Curious to know if anyone on this sub has gone through one of these or something similar. If so, how was your experience? What did you learn?
Thanks!
Curious to know if anyone on this sub has gone through one of these or something similar. If so, how was your experience? What did you learn?
Thanks!
No-Satisfaction7842 8 points 1y ago
I did a version of this through my state commission for the blind called summer work experience program when I was ages 15 through 17 and it was frankly life-changing. They actually got you a job at one of several local companies that agreed to participate in the program, but we did actual work and actually got paid for it. We stayed in a dorm and learn independent living and social skills. Some of the greatest memories of my life and I would not be the successful adult I am today without that experience and the mentors I met along the way.
I made a lifelong friend through that program whom I still talk to and hang out with every week. I really can’t say enough good things about these types of programs, especially for young people. I’m in my 40s now but the lessons learned in that program and others like it are still valuable today.
I made a lifelong friend through that program whom I still talk to and hang out with every week. I really can’t say enough good things about these types of programs, especially for young people. I’m in my 40s now but the lessons learned in that program and others like it are still valuable today.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 6 points 1y ago
Wow. Interesting that you learned social skills. Sounds like something I could benefit from!
If you don’t mind me asking, what was a typical day like in the program? Was there a schedule you had to follow or specific activities that you had to participate in? I am thinking about applying for my state’s program but I’m not sure about the whole thing. It sounds very interesting though.
If you don’t mind me asking, what was a typical day like in the program? Was there a schedule you had to follow or specific activities that you had to participate in? I am thinking about applying for my state’s program but I’m not sure about the whole thing. It sounds very interesting though.
No-Satisfaction7842 7 points 1y ago
Well, to clarify, there wasn’t really any formal training specifically on social skills, but when you throw a bunch of teenagers in a dormitory together and set some guidelines etc., people kind of need to figure out how to work together and communicate better, LOL. Also, learning how to present yourself professionally in a job situation.
we actually had quite a bit of autonomy. Typical workday you would wake up, get ready for work, have some breakfast if you wanted and then commute to your job. You could pretty much do whatever you wanted in the evenings but there was a curfew where everybody had to be back indoors by 9 PM and in their rooms by 10 PM, I think it was. Those times were an hour later on weekends if I recall. This was all back in the mid 90s so it’s a little foggy now. Sometimes they would have guest speakers and we would often do activities on weekends for fun and team-building purposes. Feel free to ask me any additional questions you have. I actually enjoy getting to reminisce/talk about the program because it was so awesome.
we actually had quite a bit of autonomy. Typical workday you would wake up, get ready for work, have some breakfast if you wanted and then commute to your job. You could pretty much do whatever you wanted in the evenings but there was a curfew where everybody had to be back indoors by 9 PM and in their rooms by 10 PM, I think it was. Those times were an hour later on weekends if I recall. This was all back in the mid 90s so it’s a little foggy now. Sometimes they would have guest speakers and we would often do activities on weekends for fun and team-building purposes. Feel free to ask me any additional questions you have. I actually enjoy getting to reminisce/talk about the program because it was so awesome.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 4 points 1y ago
Ok thank you. I will reach out if I have any further questions!
niamhweking 6 points 1y ago
I would highly recommend. 6 months sounds long but intensive in a good way
My daughter has done lots of O&M camps and days, when old enough there is independent living weeks available, where the teens will live in an apartment on a campus during the summer, I can't wait for her to do one
It's all the incidental learning that's so important
My daughter has done lots of O&M camps and days, when old enough there is independent living weeks available, where the teens will live in an apartment on a campus during the summer, I can't wait for her to do one
It's all the incidental learning that's so important
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks. I’ve also talked with my counselor about it. Just wanted to get another perspective. Looking forward to joining one someday.
AllHarlowsEve 6 points 1y ago
I went to the Carroll Center in MA. For 3 months, we lived in the dorms and had technology, mobility, personal management, braille, woodworking and fencing classes.
It was definitely worth going, my issues with the mobility instructors aside. I learned quite a bit while there, made a table I still use to this day, 8 years later, and if I had the ability to, I'd still do fencing.
It was definitely worth going, my issues with the mobility instructors aside. I learned quite a bit while there, made a table I still use to this day, 8 years later, and if I had the ability to, I'd still do fencing.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Cool. The personal management thing sounds very useful. Was it more like a workshop where you learned with a big group of people or did you get one-on-one lessons? Asking because I tend to work better in one-on-one settings with less people. I know I probably won’t have the opportunity anytime soon, given the current circumstances, but it is definitely a possibility for the future.
AllHarlowsEve 3 points 1y ago
Just about everything was 2 students to 1 instructor, mobility and fencing excluded.
Personal Management was everything from cooking, cleaning, organizing, laundry, maintaining a schedule, and just about anything else that falls under daily life tasks. Mine was mostly cooking because I already was doing basically everything else, but other people had stuff from as simple as how to shower properly and mark the bottles up to stuff like hosting a dinner party, scheduling each course, and making the invitations.
I forgot that we also had both group and individual councilling, split into groups based on if we were newly blind or if we'd always been blind. It definitely helped us build community.
Personal Management was everything from cooking, cleaning, organizing, laundry, maintaining a schedule, and just about anything else that falls under daily life tasks. Mine was mostly cooking because I already was doing basically everything else, but other people had stuff from as simple as how to shower properly and mark the bottles up to stuff like hosting a dinner party, scheduling each course, and making the invitations.
I forgot that we also had both group and individual councilling, split into groups based on if we were newly blind or if we'd always been blind. It definitely helped us build community.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks for the reply. Very helpful :)
mavedenyz 5 points 1y ago
I am in California as well and my counselor did not recommend me signing up for blind schools. There is one in Berkeley, but he referred me to the local organization closer to me and I have started my training through them. I am surprised that your counselor has not hooked you up with training through on organization but I guess the one in CSUDH is providing services for your community. Maybe it’s different by area too.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I’ve only recently got involved with the department of rehab two years ago because I didn’t even know it until I started using assistive technology.
I’ve never had any kind of formal independent living training or orientation and mobility training. I am somewhat new to the whole process and there is still a lot I don’t understand. I was going to sign up for the program years ago but I only read about it and the duration of six months kind of made me doubt my decision because I assumed it would be a shorter. I am starting to reconsider now after talking to some of my family, doing a bit more research, and reading through these comments. Thanks.
I’ve never had any kind of formal independent living training or orientation and mobility training. I am somewhat new to the whole process and there is still a lot I don’t understand. I was going to sign up for the program years ago but I only read about it and the duration of six months kind of made me doubt my decision because I assumed it would be a shorter. I am starting to reconsider now after talking to some of my family, doing a bit more research, and reading through these comments. Thanks.
mavedenyz 3 points 1y ago
I hope you get things sorted out soon! For me, the program is more of a Boot Camp so to speak. At least that is how the camp and Berkeley explained it to me. They told me that if I am not happy or satisfied with the training I was getting through the DOR then to ask the DOR to go to them for training.
Hope the new year is going well for you:)
Hope the new year is going well for you:)
MalcolmYoungForever 4 points 1y ago
One of my late friends (one of many unfortunately) went to Kentucky School for the Blind. One one the things he learned there was how to memorize phone numbers. He was really good at it.
I've only started having problems in the past 7 months. I've had amazing vision for the first 50 some years of my life and am thankful for that. Just thought I'd chime in with this tidbit. Have a great day reddit fam!
I've only started having problems in the past 7 months. I've had amazing vision for the first 50 some years of my life and am thankful for that. Just thought I'd chime in with this tidbit. Have a great day reddit fam!
the_orca_jungle [OP] 4 points 1y ago
Thanks. I just discovered this sub and it makes me so happy :)
DHamlinMusic 3 points 1y ago
I mean seeing as I lost my vision right at the start of the pandemic, my experience is fighting with the state, or having relatives do so, for the first few months at minimum to get any services whatsoever as the commission for the blind was determined to be not an essential service and was entirely shuttered. After resolving all of that wonderful fun, I started getting some mobility / orientation training on a Wednesday month basis due to limits on how often they could see anyone for several months, and finally after more than a year the rehab people could start actually coming out to see clients in person to help with things like doing anything on your own to handle cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, washing dishes, etc etc etc you know not that important stuff after all. At this point though it's been much better that you are able to come out rather regularly, though rehab has been told once again they can't go into people's houses at least for a little while hopefully that doesn't become more permanent again.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Did you learn to use a cane? I haven’t had any orientation or mobility training and I am curious as to what it involves. Thanks.
DHamlinMusic 3 points 1y ago
Yeah learn to use a cane, at first it was over zoom in my house that was interesting. But for example I went for a walk down the block and back yesterday with my mobility instructor, and my fiance ordered be a new cane with custom colors and whatnot for my birthday which is in a few weeks.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
Waaaait! The davidson program is at csudh now I thought it was at jba or whatever they call themselves now path finders or something? That’s neat though.
And you’re in california?
Thats interesting!!!!! So am I, I live like literally 15 to 20 minutes maybe 25 at most from csudh probably 15 or 20 with no traffic.
That’s cool though!
I was sent a few people to train me at home, I didn’t go to hatland or davidson program. The ILs person came a few times but it was determined early on that I didn’t really need her service and was doing a steller job independently. As for mobility that was not that necessary either but they helped a bit with the opened spaces on the campus. But yeah, that’s about it.
And you’re in california?
Thats interesting!!!!! So am I, I live like literally 15 to 20 minutes maybe 25 at most from csudh probably 15 or 20 with no traffic.
That’s cool though!
I was sent a few people to train me at home, I didn’t go to hatland or davidson program. The ILs person came a few times but it was determined early on that I didn’t really need her service and was doing a steller job independently. As for mobility that was not that necessary either but they helped a bit with the opened spaces on the campus. But yeah, that’s about it.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
yeah they just emailed me about the program so I might enroll and see how it is. i feel it would be slightly less valuable now because i just started college and the program is supposed to prepare visually impaired people for college/work but it also has a ton of independent living skills like cooking and stuff so i think it would still be helpful :)
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
Yes I think it would stil be very helpful. That’s cool what are you studying? I am probably really close to you hahaha! I am in Long beach. Here.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
i am a first year psychology major :)
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Oh nice.
Altie-McAltface 2 points 1y ago
Worked well for me. I took a year off from college to go to the rehab program offered by my state. Learning braille and O&M paid major dividends later.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I took a gap year to do some independent living and I was going to join the program. Then covid happened.
Altie-McAltface 2 points 1y ago
For me it wasn't a gap year so much as a coping strategy for suddenly worsening vision. Before 2007 I knew exactly what I wanted to do, but once I noticed my vision getting worse I decided I had to change course.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I haven’t really considered that before but it makes sense. I still have some vision left but there is always the possibility of retinal detachment which would mean losing all my vision. I’ve never thought about what I would do if that happened. I guess that’s why I should try and get all the skills I need right now. Although I’m pretty sure I would have to make some major adjustments in that case. Thanks for the insight.
TXblindman 2 points 1y ago
It entirely depends on what you want out of the program. My first program I went through I had functional vision, more than enough to learn helpful skills with, but was required to wear a sleep shade and was taught only those skills beneficial after I would go completely blind. I’ve been to several programs hoping they would teach me strategies to help me be a better student back in high school and for college in the future, I found that this was often ignored in favor of life skills that I already possess, no matter what I told them. I definitely appreciated the orientation and mobility skills I picked up, though some of the centers require you to carry a specific type of cane which can be frustrating, I personally only use telescoping canes for convenience and storage, and I was very rudely pushed towards carrying a straight non-folding cane at one Center, and told I was hiding my disability by carrying one at the other. As far as computer skills go, you’ll be fine if you use a PC, but the places I went to were very Mac resistant.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Never used a cane before. I still have some vision left so I think I would only need it for low-light scenarios. I don’t think I would like the idea of being forced to carry one though. Still trying to get more comfortable with my disability because I haven’t really had any interaction with other blind people or O&M counselors. I only started reading about this stuff a few years ago and it never occurred to me that such a program existed.
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 1y ago
I lasted less than 18 hours. That place smelled of cabbage.
In all seriousness there are upsides and downsides. You can learn a lot of techniques very fast, but it's not the real world. The real world might not be very nice sometimes but if you want to have a life that isn't just completely crushed by the disability then you do need to be able to deal with it, warts and all.
I would never tell anyone not to go, but I get a bit cautious when people say they're going to go there for months at a time because institutionalisation can set in. I have also noticed they can be quite political in ways that I don't think are helpful. I have met residential school graduates who were really operating from the perspective of the world being out to get them, and I don't think that helps no matter how true or untrue anyone thinks it is.
In all seriousness there are upsides and downsides. You can learn a lot of techniques very fast, but it's not the real world. The real world might not be very nice sometimes but if you want to have a life that isn't just completely crushed by the disability then you do need to be able to deal with it, warts and all.
I would never tell anyone not to go, but I get a bit cautious when people say they're going to go there for months at a time because institutionalisation can set in. I have also noticed they can be quite political in ways that I don't think are helpful. I have met residential school graduates who were really operating from the perspective of the world being out to get them, and I don't think that helps no matter how true or untrue anyone thinks it is.
PrincessDie123 2 points 1y ago
I went to a small one a couple times and will likely have to go again for periodic refreshers. They are not easy but they are well worth it!
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
I really wish they existed here in the UK. I'm not a huge fan of the American government because of its health care but you guys seam to really care about your blind people over there.
CosmicBunny97 1 points 1y ago
I'm in Australia and I feel the same way. America seems to have better things available for blind people - gadgets, braille menus at Starbucks, and I read recently that a McDonalds in Alabama was accessible too. I've often expressed that I wish I could be an international student at one of the independent living centres.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
You can but it’s not cheap. I knew a guy from malaysia who went to the louisiana center for the blind then went to school over there and now bak in malaysia. I think he and his parents helped pay for it all but yeah.
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
Yeah I wouldn’t remind being an international student in a place for six months to a year.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
You can but it’s not cheap. I knew a guy from malaysia who went to the louisiana center for the blind then went to school over there and now bak in malaysia. I think he and his parents helped pay for it all but yeah.
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, it’s definitely not cheep.
CosmicBunny97 1 points 1y ago
I wonder if there’s any way to go about it? Though I’m not sure who to contact. Like, Australia is good and all but I think I would benefit from some form of intensive independent living training
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
I have no idea.
I went to college and they had mobility that was about it.
I went to college and they had mobility that was about it.
the_orca_jungle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Valid point. Oh, and I also have ROP :)
bradley22 2 points 1y ago
Thanks!
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