For more information about Office for Blindness & Vision Services services at WTC (OBVS @WTC), contact Beneda Cannady at 410-554-9028 or
Beneda.Cannady@maryland.gov.
OBVS Independent Skills Assessments and Training
OBVS @WTC provides evaluation and training in skills necessary for individuals with vision loss to live and work as independently as possible.
OBVS @WTC also provides access to vocational assessments, rehabilitation technology, academic tutoring and other support services to encourage individuals to achieve their highest level of functioning vocationally, socially and independently.
SBVI Assessment
Authorization Requirements
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Category: SBVI Assessment
Subcategory: SBVI Assessment
Provide specific information desired (examples):
- Blindness/Low Vision skill assessment
- Assessment for Career Assessment preparation (include academics and AT assessments on the service authorization)
- Time-telling skill assessment
- Labeling clothing skill assessment
- Provide specific issue to be addressed
- Center Orientation and Mobility
- Recommend adaptive equipment and/or ordering information needed for activities of daily
ABLE (Adjustment to Blindness for Life and Employment)
The ABLE Program is designed to provide individuals with blindness/low vision the opportunity to develop basic adjustment to blindness skills. This program will allow participants to develop and maintain independent living skills and work readiness skills in preparation for employment. Participants will have the opportunity to interact and share concerns and solutions with other program participants with vision loss. This is an eight-week program operating four days per week, Monday through Thursday. Instructional hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. ABLE will be conducted two times per year, in the fall and in the spring.
Authorization Requirements
SBVI Assessment/ABLE: to be used only if an assessment for ABLE has been completed already and the program has been recommended for consumer:
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Category: SBVI Assessment
Subcategory: ABLE -
Category: Medical
Subcategory: Health Education -
Category: WTC Specialty Services
Subcategory: OBVS Career Life Plan -
Category: RTS Support
Subcategory: AT Seminar -
Category: RTS Support
Subcategory: AT Training and Tech Support
SBVI Training
Note: Only to be used if assessment has been completed.
Authorization Requirements
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Category: SBVI Training
Subcategory: SBVI Training
Provide specific information desired (examples):
- Braille
- Cooking
- Household arts
OBVS Work Preparedness Services
Career Life Plan (CLP)
Career Life Plan is a one-week (three-day) program designed to assist consumers with answering the following questions:
- Do you want to work?
- Are you ready to work?
- What type of work would you like to do?
- What steps do you need to take in order to achieve your goal?
Career Life Plan is designed for consumers who are just beginning their career development process. It is also ideal for consumers who need exposure to career exploration and goal setting.
Authorization Requirements
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Category: WTC Specialty Services
Subcategory: Career Life Plan
IPE Requirements
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Category: WTC Specialty Services
Subcategory: Career Life Plan
Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST)
The Basic Employability Skills Training (BEST) program uses The Workplace Excellence Series curriculum to assist in creating employees that are sought after and successful in the workforce. The curriculum is broken up into 10 lessons designed to be effective with all different learning styles. The lessons focus on workplace foundations, workplace entry, and workplace success.
The BEST program is open to consumers who are ready to enter or re-enter the workforce. Consumers referred to this program should already have a career goal. They may or may not have completed skills training. This training does not replace any skills training they may require to reach their career goal. This training does not include job search or resume writing. Additional training may be required upon completion of the BEST program
Authorization Requirements
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Category: WTC Specialty Services
Subcategory: OBVS BEST
IPE Requirements
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Category: WTC Specialty Services
Subcategory: OBVS BEST
Resume Writing/Interview Prep/Resume Consultation Services
Authorization Requirements
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Category: SBVI Assessment (but include a detailed description of what is needed for the consumer)
Subcategory: SBVI Assessment
OBVS Job Squad
Program Description
Job Squad is designed to build and strengthen independent job seeking skills including resume writing, cover letter writing, completing applications, and interviewing skills. Consumers will also have the opportunity to learn how to navigate disclosure and requesting accommodations in the workplace. Part of the program will involve independent job search activities, keeping job logs and learning goal setting techniques.
Program Requirements
Consumers who have completed a career assessment, have a feasible career goal, and are currently in job ready status. Consumers must be independent computer users as they will be required to use technology for independent job search.
Authorization Requirements
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Category: WTC Specialty Services-IPE
Subcategory: OBVS Job Squad
IPE Requirements
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Category: WTC Specialty Services
Subcategory: OBVS Job Squad
