YATP is a uniquely dynamic 4 PLUS program open to any student who has completed the academic requirements to graduate from High School but still has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Our program is held in Des Moines at the Iowa Department for the Blind and follows the typical Iowa school districts’ September to May school year.
Purpose
YATP addresses the gap in non-visual skills and self-advocacy training among blind students in Iowa. As the state continues to grow, so does the demand for skill training. Our program will help students pave the path to self-advocacy and independence by strengthening their existing skills and introducing new ones.
Major Focus Areas
Braille provides the literacy skills necessary to be successful in future education and employment goals. By learning braille, students strengthen existing reading strategies and boost comprehension.
During lessons, students learn new skills, strengthen existing skills, and develop the skills necessary to travel independently. Cane Travel goes beyond navigation - it also fosters confidence, independence, and strong problem-solving abilities. Having the confidence to navigate independently is essential for achieving the students’ future goals.
Access Technology Lessons provide the foundational skills for students’ future education and employment goals. Technology lessons include:
Cell Phones and Other Smart Devices
Laptops
Braille Devices
Software programs like Office, Excel, and Email
Navigating Webpages
Creating and Storing Documents
In addition to learning how to make technology work for themselves, students also learn the importance of cybersecurity:
How to protect personal information
What should and should not be shared online
How to identify a scam text or email message
Our Life Skills lessons give students the opportunity to try new things in an educational environment. Working on these skills is critical for the student’s development of self-awareness, rational decision-making, self-advocacy, self-confidence, and the pursuit of their educational and career goals. Life Skills/Home Management lessons include:
Cooking - including reading and writing recipes, creating shopping lists, grocery shopping, and labeling food
Cleaning - including personal and common living spaces
Organization of personal items
Laundry - including sorting, organizing, and labeling clothes
Money Management - including organizing and identifying cards and currency
