Empowering Futures, Bosma’s Vision Certificate Program, is a training opportunity that introduces vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors to the key principles of vision rehabilitation and the services provided by Bosma. This two-day training will cover essential concepts, best practices, and options for vision rehabilitation services. It is designed to enhance understanding of vision rehabilitation and its vital role in empowering individuals with vision loss to achieve their employment goals and attain greater independence.
Training Program Details:
Location: Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions, 7225 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278
Dates: Two-day training, held on the third Thursday and Friday of each month. Alternate dates may be arranged.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day
Lunch: Not provided. Local delivery options are available, and an on-site Grab-n-Go Marketplace offers a variety of items for purchase.
All participants will receive an Empowering Futures Certificate upon completion.
Day 1: Introduction to Vision Rehabilitation – Thursday
8:30 Welcome and Introductions
- Tour of the Rehabilitation Center
9:00 Overview of Vision Impairments
- Types and common causes of vision loss (simulators)
- Functional Vision Assessment
- Lighting Lab
10:00 Break
10:15 The Impact of Vision Loss
- Emotional and psychological effects
- Social and economic implications
11:15 Overview of Vision Rehabilitation
- Goals of vision rehabilitation
- Overview of Bosma’s services
- Community
- Center
- Employment (Adult & Youth)
- Single Service
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Introduction to Orientation and Mobility
- Overview of O&M principles and techniques (white canes & tips, guide dogs)
- Human Guide
- Importance of mobility training for independence
- O&M Lesson (under the occlude/sleep shade)
2:00 Communication Strategies
- Common courtesies and interactions
- Introduction to Braille
- Phone apps and accessibility settings
3:00 End of Day 1
Day 2: Technology and Vocational Readiness – Friday
8:30 Welcome and schedule review
9:00 Assistive Technologies
- AT curriculum
- Hands-on demonstration of adaptive software
- Keyboarding Lesson (under the occluder/sleep shade)
- Academy
10:00 Break
10:15 Employment Services
- Vocational readiness
- Discovery
- Job search, resumes, interviews
11:15 Bosma/VR Process
- Referrals, Intake and Authorizations
- Developing Individualized Plans & Goal setting
- Assessment, Progress and Transition reviews
- Adaptive aids and equipment recommendations
- Program completion
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Group Session
- Interactions and immersion with other BVI individuals
- Peer mentorship benefits
2:00 Reflections
- Certificate presentation
- Satisfaction Survey
3:00 End of Day 2
