Training your way, techniques that work, true independence. Located in Des Moines, the Orientation Center (OC) provides courses and training tracks that are designed to fit your life. 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.
Training Tracks
List items for Orientation Center Tracks
You choose the combination of classes you take + the length of time you stay.
Do you want to:
Remain independent in your home after vision loss?
Stay employed while adapting to vision changes?
Travel more confidently in your community?
Learn the technology you need in the workplace?
Cook healthy, delicious meals for yourself and your family?
Expand your knowledge of braille?
Our specific skills training can be customized to your lifestyle and goals. Whether it’s one week, one month, or longer, we’ll help you choose the classes that fit your needs.
An immersive, full-time training program to prepare you for every aspect of independent living and employment.
Students take our full curriculum of classes, including Cane Travel, Home and Personal Management, Braille, Industrial Arts, Technology, Career Preparation and Planning, and Seminar. Most students complete the program in six to nine months.
Courses
Center courses 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 Courses
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
Submit a Referral
Please use this form to submit a referral to the Iowa Department for the Blind. Enter the name of the individual being referred to the Iowa Department for the Blind. We will contact the person referred to discuss our services and answer any questions.
