Youth Services
VISIONS offers a variety of specialized programs and services for children and youth with visual impairments (up to age 21). These programs were designed to introduce participants to important life skills, including independent living, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, social, and vocational readiness. Most youth programming happens during the Summer months or when school is out of session.
General Programs
Vision Rehabilitation
All services are provided by Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Licensed Social Workers and Occupational Therapists based on need.
Family Weeks at VCB
Group of one-week-long, Short-term Residential programs with rehabilitations services provided by professionals. Family Weeks take place during the summer months.
Summer Pre-College Programs
Summer Transition Program
The Summer Transition Program (located at VISIONS VCB in Spring Valley, NY) is designed to build independence skills, as well as explore college and employment options in a residential program setting. Students will refine their skills for independence and work readiness, including the use of technology, orientation & mobility, social interaction, fitness and recreation. Self-advocacy and accessing the community will be promoted throughout the program. Participants will go on field trips and practice budgeting their weekly allowance. Participants who successfully complete the program can keep the iPad that they use during the program. Round trip transportation is provided between VISIONS at Selis Manor and VISIONS VCB.
Pre-College Program at Manhattanville College
The goal of the Pre-College Program is to provide high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to refine their academic, social and independent living skills before commencing full time college studies. They are enrolled in a non-credit “Introduction to College Life” course provided by Manhattanville College and a Developmental Writing/Technology Seminar where students focus on developing technology and writing skills for college. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT) provide remote instruction on independence skills like clothing maintenance, cleaning and organizing a workspace or bedroom. A Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) will discuss cane skills and a variety of apps to increase independent travel. To foster camaraderie in a virtual world, there will be game tournaments, movie nights, karaoke and talent shows throughout the program. Participants who successfully complete the program can keep the iPad that they use during the program.
Work Experience Training Programs
VISIONS provides a wealth of opportunities to help teens flourish in high school and make the transition to higher education or employment. All programs are sponsored by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). Most programs are for participants age 14 and older.
Pre-Voc Enrichment Program
The VISIONS Prevoc Enrichment Program (PEP) is a three-part program which prepares students and youth to function more independently in their communities and to eventually enter the workforce. From an early age, children are encouraged to think about what they want to be when they grow up. The same isn’t always true for youth with vision loss. It’s never too early to start thinking and planning. This extended virtual prevocational training will use technology to introduce and reinforce skills needed for future employment and independence. Sessions will include career exploration, resume prep, job seeking, and workplace behavior. A huge part of finding a job starts with honing independence skills such as work appropriate dressing and grooming and learning how to manage money and access community resources.
Snack Bar After School Program – October through June
A work experience training (WET) program for high school students located at VISIONS at Selis Manor. Participants learn how to run a snack bar using a talking cash register, sell a variety of labeled snacks, use a microwave and serve hot beverages. In addition to the work based learning skills, there are rehabilitation lessons too. A Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) provides weekly group sessions on skills such as cleaning, using small appliances, clothing maintenance, personal care and money management. Participants must be able to travel independently or use Access-a-ride paratransit.
Prevocational Day Program at VISIONS at Selis Manor – President’s Week
The focus of prevocational training is career exploration, independence skills (making lunch and personal hygiene), interviewing, volunteering, and creating résumés. There are also sessions with a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) including lessons on budgeting and business attire. This session is specifically for participants unable to attend a residential session (i.e. cognitive delay, medical concerns, etc.).
Tween Prevocational training at August family session at VISIONS Center On Blindness (VCB)
The family sessions at VCB are for children with legal blindness and their family including parents, siblings and other significant caregivers in the child’s life. The Pre-Vocational program offers career exploration and the social skills needed to help tweens develop their goals in life.
Prevocational Training at VISIONS VCB – New York City Department of Education Spring Recess
This residential prevocational program takes place at VISIONS VCB for high school students. The curriculum contains information on interview skills, team building, budgeting, communication, mock interviews and career exploration. There are also sessions with a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) including lessons on meal management, clothing maintenance, and personal care. A Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor (O&M) will provide orientation to the dorms and facility. In addition to work skills, the participants take advantage of the 37 acres of VCB with activities such as tandem biking, mini golf and nature walks.
Work Experience Training Program – Year Round
Internships for high school, college and out of school youth are provided at VISIONS at Selis Manor, VISIONS VCB (over age 18), and in a variety of community settings including senior centers, day care, and offices. Participants receive a financial reimbursement to cover the cost of transportation, lunch and other expenses. For summer experiences, participants should attend prevocational training before going to their worksite.
Ready to Get Started?
VISIONS Youth Services are offered at no cost to participants sponsored by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). For more information about our programs or how to register with the NYSCB, contact:
Melissa Phipps
Senior Director of Youth Services
(646) 486-4444 ext. 212
mphipps@visionsvcb.org