Preparing for Independent Living

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Independent Living programs equip transition-age youth for future challenges. They cover social relationships, recreation and leisure, housing, and transportation. The goal is to increase autonomy post-high school.

Students at a table working on various peg and sorting activities.

Transitions for Students Who Are Deafblind

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)You have spent years working to make sure that your child who is deafblind has had every chance to learn and succeed at home and school. Likewise, there were lots (AND LOTS!) of times when you helped educators understand the complexity of deafblindness and the specific work your […]

Life After High School: Preparing Your Child With Blindness or Low Vision

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Young adults have many options when it comes to life after high school. Depending on their abilities and interests, some of the possibilities are: Similarly, they have various choices about where to live, such as at home, in a dormitory or fraternity/sorority house, in a nearby apartment or […]

Future Living Arrangements for Your Child Who is Blind or has Low Vision and Multiple Disabilities

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)A range of residential options are available for adults with blindness or low vision and multiple disabilities. Which will best meet your grown child’s desires and needs as well as the needs of your entire family? Listed below are living arrangements for adults with mild disabilities and for […]

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) written on a paper.

Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When a Child Who Is Legally Blind Turns 18

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based benefit program that offers financial assistance to individuals who have serious health conditions or disabilities such as blindness or low vision. If your child who is blind or low vision has applied for SSI, there are certain things you need to […]

young adult smiling confidently at the camera

Assertiveness Training

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)This lesson series instructs students to communicate assertively instead of passively or aggressively. Assertive communication is built on a foundation of self-respect and respect for others. The lesson discussions and exercises equip students to acknowledge their interests, desires, and concerns; advocate for what is important to them; manage […]

Money Management

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Introduction This unit of lesson plans is designed to introduce the client to spending and saving money intentionally and wisely. The lessons cover the tools to manage an income by creating a budget; setting long- and short-term financial goals; taking advantage of the banking system; reducing and eliminating […]

Individual with question marks swirling around their head

Problem Solving

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Introduction This set of lesson plans is designed to introduce a systematic approach to problem-solving through a motivating, practical application: fundraising for a celebration or field trip. The student will learn to recognize and identify a problem, gather useful information and utilize resources, anticipate outcomes of possible solutions, […]

Young person with their head in their hands

Stress Management

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)This series of lesson plans is designed to present endeavors and relationships that enrich emotional health and well-being, equipping your student, client, or consumer to manage work-related stress before it feels overwhelming. The process begins with a look at work-related stressors and the body’s natural responses to stress. […]

A group of 4 young people standing around a table talking.

Social Skills

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Introduction This lesson plan series is designed to give your client an overview of verbal and nonverbal techniques for conducting oneself considerately, appropriately, and positively. General topics such as self-presentation and introducing oneself, maintaining a conversation, analyses of social situations, and dating are addressed. Blindness-specific topics are also […]