Vocational Courses
Assistive Technology InstructorA nine-month course with open enrollment dates. The training is designed to prepare a person to work as an instructor of assistive technology at a rehabilitation facility, as a sales representative for an assistive technology vendor, or as a consultant for analysis, instruction or problem solving. |
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The curriculum includes instruction in all types of adaptive equipment, installation of hardware and software, instruction to find solutions to computer equipment problems, production of training manuals in accessible format, and professional teaching skills. The assistive technology available in the classroom includes screen magnification, speech output systems, refreshable Braille displays, portable note-taking devices, Braille printers, scanners, closed circuit televisions for print magnification, and accessible Internet. |
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Qualifications:
- Complete and pass the ATI proficiency test
- Print reading speed of at least 100 wpm, with good comprehension
- Ability to read Braille at 60 wpm (if Braille user) or 10 wpm (if non-Braille user)
- Ability to type 30 wpm
- Good knowledge of business math
- 12th grade spelling level
- Good independent living skills and travel skills
- Strong logical reasoning ability and emotional maturity
- Ability to learn and retain information
- Good interpersonal relationship qualities
- Ability to work in a high-tech environment
Bicycle Assembly and RepairA four to six-month course with open enrollment dates. The training is designed to prepare the individual to assemble and repair simple and advanced models of name-brand bicycles and related equipment. The graduate is prepared to work as an independent contractor or as an employee in a retail business. The trainee receives hands-on instruction at an individually assigned work station in the LWSB Shop. The curriculum includes use of repair manuals for the name brand bicycles. |
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For the trainee in the independent contractor sequence, instruction in Small Business Management is included in the curriculum to teach business procedures. The trainee or referring counselor will receive a list of tools needed for use at the work station. Assistive devices are available for print magnification, such as the closed circuit television. |
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Qualifications:
- 8th grade spelling level
- Ability to read and understand repair manuals
- Ability to keep records, order parts and fill out customer order forms
- Ability to calculate work tickets and process normal business information
- Average (or above) manual and finger dexterity
- Average (or above) ability to use mechanical tools
Clerical Skills
A three to four-month course with open enrollment dates.
The training is designed to prepare the individual to work effectively as a clerk/typist in an office work place.
The curriculum includes instruction in office procedures, filing, general typing skills, basic education in grammar and spelling, and telephone etiquette. The trainee also learns to operate a multi-line switchboard.
Trainees are provided basic instruction in word processing on the personal computer to enhance their employment potential. For advanced instruction on personal computers and word processing, the trainee may enroll in Word Processing.
Upon completion of the training program, trainees are provided the opportunity to participate in a clerical practicum to further enhance their skills.
Qualifications:
- General vocational skill requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Ability to type accurately at least 45 net wpm
- Ability to hear information from transcribing equipment or on the switchboard
- English grammar sufficient to prepare letters, reports and memos
- Ability to take accurate messages in Braille or print
Contact Collection Representative
A four-month course with established enrollment dates.
The training is designed to produce a collection tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service.
The curriculum includes lectures and textbook study of technical information about tax law, regulations and IRS procedures. The trainee is taught how to obtain information on the taxpayer’s financial status, potential levy sources and taxpayer whereabouts, in order to encourage voluntary compliance with federal tax laws, and initiate corrective action to prevent future delinquencies.
The trainee also receives practical experience on how to conduct telephone interviews with taxpayers, their representatives and/or third parties, to demand full payment of delinquent taxes and immediate filing of delinquent returns.
The trainee learns to use a personal computer to input and retrieve information in the IRS database while assisting the taxpayer on the telephone.
The computer equipment and assistive technology used in the classroom includes state-of-the-art adaptive equipment suitable for each individual’s needs.
The graduate must be willing to relocate to one of the IRS automated call sites located in the United States.
Qualifications:
- Must be U.S. citizen.
- High School diploma or GED with four years of college or equivalent work experience
- The ability to read print at 100 wpm with 75% comprehension or Braille at 80 wpm with 75% comprehension
- 90% accuracy on a math test (using a calculator)
- 12th grade spelling level
- Filling out forms with a keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
- Ability to work well with people under pressure
Customer Service
A seven-month program with open enrollment dates.
The training is designed to effectively prepare the person with skills necessary to be employed in the customer service field.
The curriculum has two modules: academics and switchboard usage; and computer training and workplace readiness.
In the first module, the trainee is taught the following: functional use of military time; knowledge of the six major time zones within the U.S., the states within each time zone, and skills to convert between zones; locations of states within geographical and political regions; and lessons in cultural differences.
The module on switchboard usage covers general telephone etiquette and techniques. First, basic communication skills are covered to help the trainee make the most of telephone conversations by avoiding miscommunication. Then, trainees learn telephone etiquette for different situations while familiarizing themselves with various types of telephone equipment. The telephone system module ends with practical experience on the LWSB main switchboard and night-time switchboard.
The customer service exercises prepare trainees to provide exceptional service by providing hints and tips for maintaining a positive and helpful attitude. This module of training also offers advice for handling difficult situations such as delivering unwelcome information to a customer and dealing with unsatisfied customers.
The final training module consists of computer training in Microsoft Windows with Microsoft Office products. Computer training is accomplished with the use of assistive technology such as screen-reading programs and magnification programs, depending on the trainee’s vision needs.
In the computer training module, trainees have the opportunity to test for their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in Microsoft Word 2002, Microsoft Word Expert 2002, Microsoft Excel 2002, Microsoft Excel Expert 2002, Microsoft Access 2002, Microsoft Outlook 2002, and Microsoft PowerPoint 2002.
Qualifications:
- Ability to type 35 wpm required, with 45 wpm preferred
- 12th grade spelling level
- Ability to pass two math tests with 90 percent grade
- Print reading speed of 100 wpm or Braille reading speed of 60 wpm (with at least 80 percent comprehension)
- Braille writer speed of 20 wpm (if Braille user)
- Pass a computer literacy inventory test
- Participate in job shadowing of customer service jobs
- Superior knowledge of adaptive techniques -- able to function in whatever adaptive environment necessary without assistance
- Wonderlic test score of 17 or above
- Ability to use a 10-key keypad at 100 key strokes per minute
- Pass an evaluation on the switchboard
- Demonstrate an ability to handle stressful situations
Enterprise Solutions Programming
A ten-month course with established enrollment dates.
The training is designed to educate the individual in computer programming and prepare him or her to work as a programmer at a business that has a computer network. The course is divided into four modules: an introduction to programming, the .Net programming environment, academic instruction and an internship.
The first module will be a combination of introduction to programming and the Java programming language.
The second module will focus on the .Net programming environment. Using the Microsoft Official Curriculum, the nine elements in this module will encompass the entire Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer career track in C#.net.
The third module is a follow up to the academic instruction. Trainees will work on development projects which will serve to pull the diverse elements of the programming courses into a cohesive understanding of programming.
The fourth module of the course will be an internship.
Qualifications:
- Strong Braille skills or print reading speed of 100 wpm with good comprehension
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Excellent keyboarding skills
- High level of proficiency on appropriate assistive technology
- High School knowledge of business math
- Strong logical reasoning ability
- Willingness to relocate for employment
- Passing scores on the Wonderlic test
- Passing scores on the Computer Programmer Aptitude Battery
- Independent living skills in orientation and mobility, grooming and home management
- Positive attitude
- Heavy emphasis on excellent interpersonal skills, good verbal skills
HorticultureA multi-level course of four to nine months with open enrollment dates. The training for each of the three levels is designed to prepare an individual for employment in a variety of horticulture-related businesses. Each tier is constructed to teach a higher level of knowledge and skill, to attain a job with more responsibility. The curriculum includes methods of propagation, plant identification, plant maintenance, soil composition, and basic tools and materials used in the greenhouse, nursery or garden. |
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Instruction in Small Business Management is included for advanced trainees to acquaint them with business procedures. The course uses both textbook instruction as well as practical work on the campus grounds and in the 1,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art greenhouse. Trainees who proceed into the higher tiers of the horticulture training may have the opportunity to intern with local nurseries. |
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Level 1 Qualifications:
- Print reading speed of 70 wpm with 75 percent comprehension, or Braille reading speed of 40 wpm with 75 percent comprehension. (Note: Taped material may be substituted for print or Braille if trainee cannot meet requirements and does not intend to pursue training at Level 2 or 3, or it is not deemed probable that the trainee can improve reading speed and comprehension to the indicated levels during vocational training.)
- Ability to perform all basic operations on a calculator with 90 percent accuracy
- 8th grade level spelling
- Ability to take notes for a reference journal in print or Braille. (Journal can be kept on tape for Level 1 training only.)
- Good physical condition for heavy lifting and/or steady physical work pace for extended periods of time
- Average (or above) manual and finger dexterity skills
- Above average finger sensitivity and tactile discrimination skills
Level 2 Qualifications:
Includes all the requirements for Level 1 with the following changes or additions.
- A high school diploma or GED is preferable for a trainee whose goal is to gain supervisory or management positions
- 12th grade spelling level
- Ability to type accurate letter styles at 20 wpm
Level 3 Qualifications:
Includes all the requirements for Levels 1 and 2 with the following changes or additions.
- High school diploma or GED.
Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer
A ten-month course with established enrollment dates.
The training is designed to prepare a person to work as a computer systems problem-solver at a business that has a computer network, internally or externally, such as educational institutions, hospitals, government agencies, or banks. The entry level position is usually at a help desk with advancement into information technology management.
The curriculum throughout the course prepares individuals for Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer 2003 industry-standard certification through seven certification exams. Eight months of training is spent in the classroom, and the remaining two months are spent in internships with local organizations.
Training for Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer course is held in a state-of-the-art training lab by fully certified instructors.
Assistive technology available in the classroom and computer laboratory includes screen magnification and speech output systems, as well as closed circuit televisions for magnifying print.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED
- Strong Braille skills, if applicable
- Print reading speed of 100 wpm, with good comprehension
- Excellent keyboarding skills
- High proficiency on appropriate assistive technology
- High school knowledge of business math
- Strong logical reasoning ability
- Wonderlic score of at least 27
- Independent living skills in orientation and mobility, grooming and home management
- Positive attitude
- Excellent interpersonal skills, good verbal skills
- Willingness to relocate
Service Center Collection Representative
A four-month course with established enrollment dates.
The training is designed to produce an individual qualified to work as a tax examining assistant for the Internal Revenue Service.
The curriculum includes instruction in basic tax law, and how to handle taxpayer correspondence, payment tracers, credit transfers, and telephone skills. The trainee learns to use a personal computer in order to rapidly and effectively access taxpayer information.
The computer equipment and assistive technology used in the classroom includes personal computers with a large print screen magnification system.
The graduate must be willing to relocate to one of the IRS Service Centers located nationwide.
Qualifications:
- Must be U.S. citizen
- High School diploma or GED with two years of college or equivalent work experience
- The ability to read print at 100 wpm with 75% comprehension when reading technical materials
- Filling out forms with a keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
- 90% accuracy on a math test (using a calculator)
- 12th grade spelling level
- Strong logical reasoning ability
- Emotional maturity
Small Business Management
A two to four-month course with open enrollment dates.
The training is designed to prepare the individual to manage all operations of a small business. It may also accompany the programs of Small Engine Repair, Bicycle Assembly and Repair or Horticulture.
The curriculum includes instruction in basic business principles from an analytical viewpoint. The course teaches procedures for starting a new business, inventory control, stocking and stock rotation, cash flow, banking, insurance, tax computation, and bookkeeping.
Each trainee also has the opportunity to manage the operation of the LWSB Snack Bar to gain practical application of the business theory learned in the classroom. This portion of the training is required for trainees whose primary vocational interest is Small Business Management, and optional for those enrolled in the course as an accompaniment to another vocational training program.
Assistive technology available for use includes a closed circuit television for enlarging print, audio paper money identifier, talking calculator, and personal computers with adaptive equipment.
Qualifications:
- Ability to maintain accurate business records and written correspondence
- Calculator skills with 90 percent accuracy
- Housekeeping skills to maintain a high standard of cleanliness in a business setting
- Home management skills adequate to prepare fast foods
Small Engine Repair
A five to seven month course with open enrollment dates.
The training is designed to provide an individual with skills to repair a variety of popular two and four-cycle gasoline-powered small engines. The graduate is prepared to work as an independent contractor or as an employee in a repair business.
The curriculum includes hands-on instruction with engines on lawnmowers, tillers, chain saws, and weed eaters. While emphasis is placed on practical instruction, textbooks and repair manuals are also used.
For the trainee in the independent contractor sequence, instruction in Small Business Management is included to acquaint trainees with business procedures for operating their own shop.
Each trainee will be assigned a work station in the LWSB Shop. The trainee or referring counselor will receive a list of tools needed for use in the course.
Qualifications:
- Ability to read and understand repair manuals
- Ability to keep records, order parts and fill out customer order forms
- Ability to calculate work tickets and process normal business information
- 8th grade spelling level
- Average (or above) manual and finger dexterity
- Average (or above) ability to use mechanical tools
Taxpayer Service Representative
A five to five-and-a-half month course with established enrollment dates.
The training is designed to prepare a person to assist taxpayers with filing information at the Taxpayer Service Division of the Internal Revenue Service.
The curriculum includes instruction in IRS tax law, procedures, and forms. The trainee is also taught telephone etiquette to assist citizens with tax questions over the telephone.
The assistive technology available in the classroom includes screen magnification and speech output systems, as well as refreshable Braille displays for accessing the tax laws and procedures.
The graduate must be willing to relocate to one of the IRS offices nationwide.
Qualifications:
- Must be U.S. citizen
- High School diploma or GED with four years of college or equivalent work experience
- Ability to read print at 100 wpm with 75 percent comprehension, or Braille at 80 wpm with 75 percent comprehension
- 90% accuracy on a math test (using a calculator)
- 12th grade spelling level.
- Filling out forms with a keyboarding speed of 30 wpm
Word Processing
A four to six-month course with open enrollment dates.
The training is designed to prepare an individual to process communication in an office work site using a personal computer with assistive technology.
The curriculum is arranged in three components. Component one consists of keyboard and assistive technology instruction.
In component two, the trainee is taught word processing, using a tutorial textbook, and extensive hands-on practice using a personal computer.
The third component is real work tasks from realistic business situations. The trainee is also taught secretarial office procedures and, upon request, telephone system operation.
The equipment and assistive technology used in the classroom includes the personal computer with either speech synthesizer programs or large print programs.
Qualifications:
- General vocational skill requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Print reading speed of 100 wpm with 75 percent comprehension, or Braille reading speed of 60 wpm with 75 percent comprehension.
- Typing speed of 60 net wpm with high rate of accuracy.
- Ability to hear and comprehend information from transcribing equipment.
- Good working knowledge of English.
Projects With Industry Grant
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (RSA)
The vocational training areas are affiliated with the Projects with Industry program of the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Lions World Services for the Blind receives a Projects With Industry grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the authority of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, for creating and expanding job opportunities for persons who are blind in the competitive labor market. The dollar amount of federal funds for the three-year period is $691,224, which is 80% of the total cost of the project that will be financed with federal funds. Non-governmental funds from other sources will finance $172,806 or 20% of the total project cost.
