PROGRAMS AND SERVICES - YOUTHS AND ADULTS

SMART PROGRAM

SMART client The S.M.A.R.T. Program (Skill Mastery and Adjustment in Rehabilitation and Transition) targets the rehabilitation needs of employment-bound adults and the transition needs of youth who are blind/visually impaired.

The mission statement of SMART is to assist adults and transitioning youth who are blind or visually impaired to achieve satisfying, self-reliant lives which enable them to fully integrate into their communities.

We will accomplish this by providing a high-quality continuum of services including: comprehensive assessments; instruction in adaptive daily living skills, use of low vision aids, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, and Braille; adjustment counseling and mentoring; provision of information on recreational options and other resources; assistance with career exploration, job readiness, job development and placement.

Individualized services will be provided in a manner that promotes students’ dignity and self-confidence while empowering them with resources that will help them make strides toward their dreams.

What is S.M.A.R.T.?

S.M.A.R.T., which began in 2004, is a nonresidential comprehensive and cohesive job readiness program to assist blind/visually impaired youth and adults to obtain or maintain employment.

Who Pays for the Services?

FBC is a private nonprofit organization, which depends on grants, contracts, and fundraising. The S.M.A.R.T. program is funded through a contract with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), a division of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), under the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES).

How Does a Person Enroll in the Program?

To participate in services here a person must first be a VR client. When SMART client a prospective student and his/her VR counselor choose this program, as soon as a slot is available the client is scheduled for a series of assessments – in assistive technology (AT), orientation and mobility (O&M), activities of daily living (ADL), career exploration (CEx), low vision, and adjustment to disability. Reports are sent to the VR counselor. The student typically begins receiving training right away. A Staffing is held as soon as possible, including the client, the VR counselor, and our staff. The results of the assessments are reviewed and recommendations are made as to how much time the participant may need in each area.

How Long Does the Program Take?

The individual’s current skill levels, goals, and learning pace, determine how long it will take to complete the program. Progress is monitored throughout, and monthly staffings are held with the student, staff, and VR counselor. Our mutual goal is for the participant to finish with confidence in his/her job readiness and ability to lead a productive, satisfying life.

Schedule

The program runs Monday through Thursday 8:00-3:00 and Friday 8:00-noon. Each student has an individualized schedule, which may vary from one week to another.

Transportation

New participants who are able to travel independently and safely are responsible for arranging their own rides from the outset. However, if necessary, a VR counselor may arrange taxi rides for a student initially. The goal is for the student to take charge of

his/her own transportation as soon as it is determined by the O&M instructor that the individual is a safe traveler and knows the relevant routes.

Low Vision

Clients who have any remaining vision and have not had a low-vision evaluation within the past 6 months will be scheduled for an evaluation with Dr. Lisa Chiles, an optometrist specializing in low vision. She runs our Vision Rehabilitation Services. She will send a report to your VR counselor specifying what, if any, low-vision aids could maximize effective use of your vision. Your VR counselor will staff any recommendations with VR’s consulting vision specialist. If they concur, the devices will be ordered. When they arrive, Dr. Chile ’s staff provides instruction in their use.

Counseling and Mentoring

A licensed professional counselor provides individual, group, and family counseling to promote adjustment to vision status. She teaches such tools as stress management, communication skills, self advocacy, awareness of resources, problem-solving and decision-making. Being blind herself, she also serves as a mentor.

O & M client

Orientation and Mobility (O&M)

Students will learn to travel safely around campus, in their home neighborhoods, to businesses and other community resources, and to job sites.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

A rehabilitation teacher (RT) assists blind/visually impaired individuals to gain or enhance independent living skills using adaptive methods and tools. The curriculum includes instruction in such areas as safe cooking, clothing care, housekeeping, bill paying, and organization. If low vision aids have been prescribed, the RT may assist the student in integrating their use in activities of daily living.

Assistive Technology (AT)

Tech team works with each student to determine the optimal mode for computer access – screen magnification, speech output, or a combination. Then one of our instructors works with the individual on whatever skills have been determined to be necessary for job readiness. Once a person has a job, a work site evaluation can be arranged, so that our Tech staff can help set up the system to be used.

Career Exploration

SMART clients Career Exploration normally starts with self-discovery exercises and, after either determining or confirming a viable vocational goal, includes lessons that are more tangible. These lessons will include writing resumes and cover letters, learning and practicing interviewing techniques, conducting research for a Labor Market Survey and Job Search. The service may be extended to include one-on-one sessions with a Job Development Specialist, to assist in finding and keeping a job.