Young adults who are blind or visually impaired benefit from social and academic transition services when making the shift from adolescence into adulthood. Through assessments and specialized programming, the Carroll Center for the Blind’s transition services aim to create a solid foundation by developing critical life skills during a critical age to help young adults achieve lasting success.
Our transition services are designed to teach independent living skills, including vocational skills, to help young adults become as independent as possible, including securing competitive integrated employment, or pursuing advanced education.
During the summer months, the Carroll Center also offers a variety of summer programs for young adults ages 14 to 21 that empower youth to develop socially, academically, and independently.
Transition Assessments
A three-day assessment to determine the student’s current functional independent skills in the areas of communication and technology, daily living and personal needs, travel skills, braille and low vision, self-advocacy, and vocational readiness.
SPECIFIC AREAS MAY INCLUDE:
Communication/Technology skills such as note taking methods, Touch Typing, accessing resources for print and other media materials, computer access (magnification and/or screen reader ), computer applications (including documents, e-mail, internet), hand-held devices (tablet, smartphone) with use of email, messaging, phone, internet, and apps that assist with blindness-related skills, object identification, use of sighted assistance, and managing schedules and appointments.
Braille skills such as uncontracted and contracted braille reading and writing, labeling and identification, and additional academic and personal tasks.
Low Vision (if applicable) such as methods used to access print information, distance viewing, color contrast, magnification, and eye protection.
Daily Living/Personal care skills such as organizing and labeling, time management, small household appliances (eg, laundry, microwave, toaster), money identification and handling, basic meal preparation, clothing and outfit identification, cleaning surfaces, household safety, budgeting and shopping (including online options), and use of courtesy shoppers.
Orientation and Mobility skills such as cane and non-cane techniques, indoor travel, sidewalk and business area travel, street crossings and intersection analysis, use of public transit, use of public assistance, GPS and travel planning, and human guide.
Adult Readiness skills such as understanding of vocational and educational goals and needed skill sets, degree of self-determination/self-sufficiency (such as by making own plans/keeping own calendar), ability to communicate needs related to disability, self-advocacy skills, social interaction skills, disclosure of disability, and management of physical and mental health needs if applicable.
Health management skills such as identification, organizing, and labeling of medications, and adaptive methods for managing medical conditions if applicable.
The assessment takes approximately three days at the Carroll Center for the Blind campus. For more information or to make a referral, please contact our admissions team at (617) 969-6200, extension 216 or by email at info@carroll.org.
Vocational Transition Program
A 20-week program that combines work experience with independent living skill development for young adults transitioning to work and higher education.
