PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Employment Services & Career Development

Community Based Assessment/Campus Work Assessment

The program is known by two names. It provides the opportunity for staff to observe job skills and behaviors of consumers working on site at Cleveland Sight Center. The experience also helps consumers determine a possible vocational goal. Community Based Assessment/Campus Work Assessment includes the following type of jobs: Custodial, food service, computer technician, preschool and retail support. The program is one to two weeks. For more information on Community Based Assessment/Campus Work Assessment, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Work Adjustment/Community Based Work Experience

The program allows consumers with limited work experiences the benefit of a job within a community setting for a four to eight week period. The consumer gains confidence, enhances skills, adds a current work experience and the work adjustment period of time helps to determine possible vocational goals. During the experience, the staff is evaluating the job performance of the consumer. Productivity, stamina, work quality, on-task behavior, accepting authority, following directions and work socialability are areas of evaluation. The consumer is guided to corrective behavior and encouraged to continue with work behavior that is acceptable and favorable. For more information on Work Adjustment/Community Based Work Experience, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Vocational Evaluation/Career Exploration

The primary focus for the consumer is to decide on a realistic career goal. Having an understanding and knowing what vocations are of interest to consumers and evaluating transferable skills that exist are important to determining a goal. An assessment of interest and skills may be needed. Additionally, informational interviews, job shadowing, job preparation and learning how to research for careers are topics that are covered with the consumer. The program is based on an agreed upon number of hours with the objective of being able to decide on a vocational goal. For more information on Vocational/Career Exploration, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Job Coaching

Employment Services Department job-coaching support is based on the type of job consumer is performing and the number of hours. The staff provides service on a limited basis, and will make recommendations to outsource when necessary. For more information on Job Coaching, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Job Readiness Training

The program provides instruction on filling out applications, practices job interviewing, resume development, understanding employer expectations, cover letters, learning how to network and access Internet for potential job opportunities. For more information on Job Readiness Training, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Job Placement

The Job Placement program provides assistance to job seekers throughout the job search process. The job seekers work closely with the Employment Service staff member. Education to prospective employers and the development of job leads is on-going. The job seeker and staff member contract (not legally) together to identify shared job search responsibilities. An individual employment plan is written specifically to address employment goals, barriers to employment, (real and/or perceived) and expectation of participation for both parties. The job seeker is encouraged and supported to develop contacts and seek opportunities independently, but with the guidance and assistance of a staff member. For more information on Job Placement, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Job Placement Follow-up

Support services are provided after placement for 90 days. The transitional period allows the consumer to adjust to the new job, address any employment issues, such as adaptive technology, lighting and any other unforeseen concerns. A successful transition assures long term employment. For more information on Job Placement Follow-up, email Deborah Fox by clicking here.

Work Insight/School to Work (Ages 16-23)

Work InSight is a comprehensive program designed to support transition from school to employment. The program is multi-faceted by design. It is tailored to the individual including those with multiple disabilities. Job readiness skills including the ability to function independently using the skills of daily living, getting to and from a job site using public or other means of transportation, and developing an understanding of work place or college environment are all components to this program. Job opportunities and volunteer experience is individualized and developed depending on school schedules and other commitments. For more information on Work Insight Youth Transition Program, email Lori Marsalis by clicking here.

Personal Adjustment

Personal Adjustment Training

The goal of Personal Adjustment Training/Assessment is to provide assessment and training in a positive, nurturing environment to individuals experiencing vision loss. The skills addressed in this program are acquired to assist individuals in living more independent and productive lives including employment. The skill areas addressed include: orientation and mobility, activities of daily living and communication. The assessment phase consists of a one or two week evaluation assessing the current skill levels. A complete training program is developed based on each individual’s level of need via an individual service plan. For more information on Personal Adjustment Training, email Kathy McKinsey by clicking here.

Fundamentals for Success (Summer Transition)

This is a six-week program offered in the summer from June through July. The first week consists of a comprehensive academic and vocational evaluation resulting in the development of an individualized service plan to be carried out during the following five weeks. The program prepares participants for college or vocational training by helping them determine a career path according to their skills, interests and opportunities. Services include independent living, survival skills, orientation and mobility, technology, financial aid/scholarship counseling, and developing recreational and social skills. For more information on Fundamentals for Success, email Kathy McKinsey by clicking here.

Personal Adjustment Training for College

Based on the consumer’s needs to succeed including his/her abilities to function independently, this program may include Orientation & Mobility and Activities of Daily Living; this includes communication skills necessary for success in post secondary studies. These skills include: use of readers, organization, listening, note taking and what to expect in college and more. For more information on Personal Adjustment Training for College, email Kathy McKinsey by clicking here.

Adaptive Technology Training as part of Personal Adjustment Training

The evaluation and training is conducted by Cleveland Sight Center’s Storer Center. It is an individualized evaluation that will determine what adaptive technology can best serve the consumer and how the consumer can make the best use of that technology. Objectives are defined in an Individual Evaluation Plan to address specific limitations and barriers. For more information on Adaptive Technology Training for P.A.T., email Kathy McKinsey by clicking here.

Community Orientation and Mobility Training

Teaches consumers how to get around safely in their home, work, school and community. For more information on Orientation and Mobility Training, email Anna Pekarski by clicking here.

Community Rehabilitation Teaching

Teaches consumers to be independent in their daily living and self skills.
For more information on Rehabilitation Teaching, email Anna Pekarski by clicking here.

Community Based Low Vision Assessments

These are low vision assessments performed in a consumer’s residence, school or place of employment.For more information on Community Based Low Vision Assessments, email Anna Pekarski by clicking here.

Low Vision Clinic

Low Vision Evaluation

Emphasis is placed upon assessment and improvement of functional vision for persons with low vision. Assists adults and children with low vision to use remaining vision as effectively as possible. Provides comprehensive clinical vision evaluation, and prescription for low vision aids and appliances, including special glasses, various types of magnifiers, special lighting and other optical tools. For more information on Low Vision Evaluations, email Mary Stephens by clicking here.

Low Vision Follow-up

A follow-up takes place in order to ensure that recommendations are appropriate. For more information on Low Vision Follow-ups, email Mary Stephens by clicking here.

Computers & Assistive Technology

Technology & Computer Access Evaluation & Training

The evaluation and training is conducted by Cleveland Sight Center’s Storer Center. It is an individualized evaluation that will determine what adaptive technology can best serve the consumer and how the consumer can make the best use of that technology. Objectives are defined in an Individual Evaluation Plan to address specific limitations or barriers. CCTV Evaluations are at no cost. For more information on Technology & Computer Access Training, email Ruthie Bernstein by clicking here.

Computer Equipment, Software, Consulting, Installation and Site Engineering

Consulting services are available on issues of accessibility and adaptive technology. Storer Center provides installation, modification and trouble shooting for hardware and software. On site engineering services provide technical support including modifying work sites, equipment, equipment installation and accessibility to meet consumer needs when performing specific tasks. For more information on Computer Hardware, Software and Site Engineering, email Cliff Martin by clicking here.

Business Enterprise

Business Enterprise Food Service Evaluations

Business Enterprise “pre-training” food service vocational evaluation is generally a two-week assessment to determine potential for future training. Evaluee is observed and evaluated by a current manager in a Business Enterprise facility. A written report identifies skills, physical stamina, mobility, strengths, areas of concerns, etc. Readiness for continuance is discussed with the BSVI counselor and the Business Enterprise Training Specialist. For more information on B.E. Food Service Evaluations, email Judy Post by clicking here.

Business Enterprise Management Training

This program prepares consumers for independent earning potential as Cleveland Sight Center managers in cafeterias, snack bars and dry stand facilities. For more information on B.E. Management Training, email Judy Post by clicking here.

Food Service Employee Training

This is a specialized program based on specific food service placement category. For more information on Food Service Employee Training, email Judy Post by clicking here.

Work Adjustment at Business Enterprise Locations

Cleveland Sight Center work adjustment is called Community Based Work Experience. A consumer may have may have limited work experience and could benefit from a job within a community setting. A consumer is adjusting to the world of work. Examples of evaluating a consumer’s performance are: productivity, stamina, work quality, on-task behavior, accepting authority, following directions and work sociability. The consumer will be given direction to allow for improvement. For more information on Work Adjustment at B.E. locations, email Judy Post by clicking here.

Braille Services

$0.40/print, $0.20/large print, $2.50/Thermoform, $2.50/binding (per page in Braille) A team of more than 40 certified Braillists and typists would transcribe material into Braille or large print, including school books and textbooks for students in elementary school through graduate or professional school. Learn more about Braille Services. To contact Kerry Massey via telephone, call (216) 791-8118, x301.

Recording Services

Taping Services will provide blind and physically and perceptually handicapped persons with printed materials in a format they can use. New Cassette Tape (60 - 90 min.): $2.00, CD (180 min): $4.00. Learn more about Recording Services. To contact Lynn Brewer via telephone, call (216) 791-8118, x302

Transportation (per day)

CSC Campus & Cuyahoga County: $60 round trip
Lake & Geauga Counties: $120 round trip
Medina County: $150 round trip
Other counties on a case by case basis: fees to be determined
To contact Marty Scott via telephone, call (216) 791-8118, x296.

Residence Center

Residence Center: $175 per week, $35 per night
Recommended Food/Necessities Allowance for Residence Center: $80 per week. For more information on our Residence Center, email Kathy McKinsey by clicking here. To contact Kathy McKinsey via telephone, call (216) 791-8118, x226/x224