Programs
Dynamic Vocational Programming
Lions World Services for the Blind is a rehabilitation center for adults who are blind or visually impaired, located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
When the residential training center was founded in 1947, the only vocational training program offered was the operation of a food vending business.
Since then, LWSB has expanded its vocational offerings considerably. Lions World Services for the Blind has played a major role nationwide in the development of new vocational programs that utilize assistive technology and enhancements in adaptive equipment to bring more job opportunities to people who are blind or visually impaired.
The center has a dynamic method of operation centered on meeting the needs of individual trainees. Today, LWSB offers 13 vocational training programs, and the center continues to explore new avenues of employment for people who are blind and visually impaired.
LWSB is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Impaired, and it is the first rehabilitation center to be reaccredited for the eighth time.
The bottom line of vocational training, however, is not acclaim, but successful job placement of LWSB graduates. In all of its vocational courses, LWSB can be proud of an above-average placement record for a facility that offers post-secondary career training.
In fact, three of its training courses — Contact Collection Representative, Service Center Collection Representative, and Taxpayer Service Representative — have placement statistics of almost 100 percent. These courses train students for careers with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The vocational training areas are affiliated with the Projects With Industry program of the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Referral Information
State rehabilitation counselors should contact LWSB to establish the trainee’s starting date for the 30-day evaluation period.
The following forms must be completed about the person applying for admission and received, along with the other pertinent information, at least one week before the date set for the evaluation process to start:
- An application for admission
- A copy of the client service plan
- A statement of certification of eligibility for services
- A written authorization to provide evaluation
- A federal application for employment (SF-171) for people referred for training in any of the IRS-related vocational programs
- Current medical and ophthalmological reports
- Psychological test results
- Any other pertinent information that would help us work with the trainee
The referring counselor should contact LWSB regarding the person’s time of arrival in Little Rock. The best arrival time is between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on a weekday. We will provide transportation from the airport or bus station to the center.
30-Day Evaluation
It is important to LWSB's staff that we fully understand each client as an individual and grasp his or her unique needs. The first 30 days at LWSB are spent in evaluation. LWSB staff and consultants get to know new clients and their skills during this time. Vocational evaluation and testing are also available.
Based on the evaluation results, the professional staff will determine if the trainee has the skills necessary for vocational training in the program of his/her choice, or if additional personal adjustment and/or prevocational training are needed to improve skills. The general skill expectations for entrance into all vocational programs are listed below.
Vocational Evaluation
Individuals who would like testing to determine their vocational aptitudes and capabilities can be referred for one month of evaluation. The referral procedure listed above should be followed.
LWSB retains a consultant who specializes in vocational evaluation. A variety of tests are used to explore the trainee’s aptitudes and interests.
Listed below are the testing instruments and career exploration materials used by LWSB staff. They are accessible by tape, print or braille.
- Valpar Work Sample System, including CUBE (Conceptual Understanding through Blind Evaluation)
- McCarron Dial Evaluation System
- SAGE and other work samples
Admissions Committees
Some vocational courses at LWSB require the approval of an Admissions Committee before the trainee’s entry into a course. The committee is composed of LWSB staff members and representatives from the related job field. The committee reviews the candidate’s application and evaluation results, and conducts a personal interview. Individuals are expected to dress appropriately, as if participating in an office job interview (example: coat and tie for males; suit or dress for females).
The vocational courses that involve a review before an Admissions Committee are the three IRS courses -- Contact Collection Representative, Service Center Collection Representative and Taxpayer Service Representative -- and the Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer, Enterprise Solutions Programming, Customer Service and Assistive Technology Instructor courses.
When a trainee is accepted into a vocational training program, his/her referring counselor will be notified by letter. The letter will detail the training authorization procedure for fees, tuition, room and board, as well as training equipment and supplies.
All training authorizations are requested on a monthly basis.
Specialized Courses
For individuals not requiring a full vocational training program, LWSB will make available components of its course offerings (with the exception of the Internal Revenue Service-related courses).
For more information about customizing a special program, contact LWSB’s Director of Vocational Services.
Individualized programs can be designed by combining components of several programs to meet specific, identified training needs. Components include:
• Assistive Technology
The LWSB Assistive Technology Learning Center has an extensive selection of hardware and software products on personal computers.
A person can review the choices and learn to operate one or more assistive technologies. Always on the cutting edge of the latest technology on the market, the selection includes screen reader systems, scanners, as well as Braille printers and devices.
The training is useful for job retention, upward career mobility, academic work for high school or college students, and for home personal use for correspondence, record maintenance and money management.
• Career Training Center
The Career Training Center offers clients training in job-seeking skills that a person who is blind can utilize throughout his/her career. The Center can be utilized by a trainee with a current vocational goal or by a trainee who needs to explore vocational interests and options.
The curriculum includes:
- Self-directed job search techniques, using resources like the Internet, Thomas Register, as well as newspapers and telephone books.
- Vocational exploration
- Career testing
- Telephone skills training
- Resume/cover letter instruction
- Employment application instruction
- Employer research training
- Job shadowing and on-the-job training
- Interviewing skills training
Group activities also cover job-site issues, goals, resume compiling, dress and grooming, self-organization, job retention and much more.
• Small Business Management
Training includes classroom instruction in financial and merchandise responsibilities, plus practical experience. The Assistive Technology Learning Center provides training in word processing and spreadsheet software in business applications.
• Transition from School to Work
Training is for vocational readiness and/or to obtain a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. The course includes counseling services, vocational exploration and observation, academic courses taught by a certified teacher, and training in socialization skills and adaptive skills.
Training and Professional Services
Psycho-Social
- Testing and evaluation
- Counseling
- Deaf/blind specialist
- Social skills
- Physical conditioning and recreation
In-service Training and Internship
- Orientation and mobility
- Rehabilitation teaching
- Administrative
- Counseling
- Vocational evaluation
Personal Management
- Grooming
- Home management (cooking)
- Clothing care
- Table etiquette
- Housekeeping
- Independent apartment living
Orientation and Mobility
- Cane travel
- Monocular training
- Electronic travel aid
- Braille compass
- Public transportation
Educational Services
- Braille (Grades I, II, III)
- Typing
- Arithmetic (abacus, talking and print calculators)
- Alpha communicative techniques (signature, money, telephone)
- Adult basic education
- Oral communications
- English as a second language (when needed)
Career Training Center
- Job readiness
- Job development/placement
- Job retention services
- Internet job search techniques
Low Vision
- Clinical examinations
- Ophthalmological services
- Optical and non-optical aids
- Training by low vision specialist
- Print reading
Assistive Technology Training
- Closed circuit television readers
- Scanners
- Speech synthesizers
- Braille terminals
- Braille-to-speech devices
- Braille-to-print devices
- Computer screen enlargement system
- Computer screen reader systems
- Talking calculators
- Audio paper money identifiers
Volunteer Services
- Drivers
- Readers
- Shopping attendants
Medical
- Nurse
- General Practitioner
- Ophthalmologist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
Home and Leisure Skills
- Home repair
- Woodwork
- Crafts
Housing
- Laundry
- Dormitory
- Cafeteria and snack facilities
- 24-hour housing and security personnel
Recreational Services
- Physical fitness
- Field trips
- Cultural events
- Shopping
- Outdoor activities
General Skill Requirements
There are general vocational skill standards required for entrance into all vocational programs. The person’s skill levels are determined by the results of the 30-day evaluation.
Orientation and Mobility — The ability to travel independently in business districts and residential areas using public transportation.
Techniques of Daily Living — The ability to meet personal clothing care needs.
Grooming — The ability to maintain personal hygiene and grooming appropriate for the workplace.
Home Management — The abilities to plan and safely prepare economical, well-balanced meals as well as to clean and properly care for personal living quarters.
Math — The ability to perform mathematical computations in all four math processes, including percentages and decimals. Competency levels for each training program are listed under the course name.
Reading — The ability to access material through print, Braille or tape. Reading speed and comprehension for each program are listed under that course name.
Written Communications — The abilities to type or write in order to convey information to others and to prepare a resume and job application form. Specific requirements for each program are listed under that course name.
Signature — The ability to legibly sign his or her name.
Oral Communications — The ability to speak effectively in various situations and to understand a job interview procedure.
Personality — The ability to relate appropriately in a well-tempered manner with co-workers, supervisors and the public in a work setting. Specific characteristics are listed for each training course.
