OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Operation of early intervention, pre-vocational and habilitation, and work experience programs for students who are visually impaired. The early intervention program provides services to children from birth to age five and their families. The programs occur in the child's home, day care center or on location at the school for children who require additional services. The goals of the program are to empower families with the knowledge and resources needed to be advocates for their children, to help the children learn to explore their environments through play and functional activities and to help the children learn to be as independent as possible. The school-to-work program provides intensive instruction for 19-21 year olds. Students receive instruction in communication skills, social skills, daily living, vocational or work experience skills, leisure skills and assistive technology. The work experience program prepares students through classroom lessons and vocational experiences at the school and at area businesses for the adult work world they will enter after graduation. The emphasis is on t.e.c.h., training, employment, careers and habilitation. The mission of the program is "to create a comprehensive and dynamic vocational atmosphere which prepares each student to capably handle present and future work assignments plus develop the social behaviours required for the adult world vocational program and employment environments." the whitehall independent living program is also a component of services provided for high school and school-to-work aged students that entails dormitory/apartment living with menu planning, food preparation, self-care skills, and laundry skills as part of the curriculum.