DRAFT 2: Iowa Blindness Empowerment and Independence Center
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Overview
The Iowa Blindness Empowerment and Independence Center (IBEIC) is an intensive Vocational Rehabilitation training program for adults who are blind or have low vision. Located in Des Moines, the Center provides in-depth, comprehensive blindness training for students to live and work independently. Contact Karly Prinds with any questions!
Purpose
The Center provides unique non-visual skill training for blind adults. Our philosophy is based on the idea that with the proper training and perception of blindness, all blind individuals can live an independent and fulfilling life.
Classes
Center classes provide the core set of skills and tools a person needs to achieve their educational and employment goals.
In the center, students focus on:
Non-visual techniques for accomplishing tasks independently
Building confidence in their abilities to solve problems effectively
Overcoming the misconceptions they and the public have about their blindness
List items for Center Classes 2
Braille is an essential part of daily life, as it provides the literacy skills necessary to be successful in future employment goals. The course is taught using a core curriculum made up of 27 lessons. Students learn to write and read braille, using various tools and media types.
Students learn the technology skills necessary for future employment using screen-reading software, braille displays, and smart devices.
Core curriculum includes:
Creating, editing, formatting, and spellchecking Word documents
Navigating web pages to find and submit information
Scanning documents to access print material
Utilizing software such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
Students learn non-visual techniques for:
Cooking - including reading and writing recipes, creating shopping lists, grocery shopping, and labeling food.
Cleaning - including general cleaning, deep cleaning, and learning to identify when all surfaces are clean
Basic sewing skills
Laundry - including sorting, organizing, and labeling clothes
Money Management - including organizing and identifying cards and currency
Labeling & Organizing household items with braille
Having the skills to navigate independently is essential in everyday life. Cane Travel goes beyond navigation - it also fosters confidence, independence, and strong problem-solving abilities. Students will learn to:
Walk confidently and independently
Cross streets
Locate businesses
Use public transportation
In shop class, students learn to operate power tools by making a picture frame. Once the frame is completed, students work with the instructor to select and create a project of their choice. The design and creation process builds self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and takes away the fear of trying new things.
Examples of student projects include:
Cutting boards
Desks
Clocks
Entertainment centers
End tables
Toy chests
Game tables
From career exploration to addressing workplace accommodations, this class guides students in their job search to meaningful and gainful employment through:
Creating the perfect resume and cover letter
Polishing interview skills
Job shadowing and networking opportunities
Proper workplace etiquette
In this discussion-based class, students learn how to deal with the problems they encounter because of their vision loss. Topics range from:
Developing nonvisual methods for handling everyday tasks
Discussing perspectives about blindness from family members, employers, and the general public
Changes in public transportation
Guest speakers from the community
Frequently Asked Questions
List items for Center FAQs
Yes – any student attending the Center with any residual vision, including light perception is required to wear sleep shades (AKA) learning shades in all classes from 8:00AM-4:30PM with the exception of lunch time.
No - by the time you have chosen to attend Center training, you will have had the informed choice to decide what program best fits your needs. While attending the Center, you are required to attend all classes. Think of it like a college degree. Once you pick your major, you are required to take all classes to complete your degree.
Yes – we meet students where they are, still striving for students to do their best, and having high expectations while in the program.
During training, we have student apartments about a mile south of the Center. You also may have a roommate during some or all of that time.
Yes - students receive what we call maintenance during their training as well as a bus pass. Maintenance covers things like hygiene products, food, and Center activities.
