Pre-Vocational Independent Living Skills Training
Students attending WSB’s Little Rock campus complete pre-vocational training before entering a career training program. These courses help students build the skills they need to succeed in training, work, and daily life.
Students develop practical skills for living and working independently in a variety of environments. They also have opportunities to explore different career programs, learn what each program requires, and determine which career path best fits their goals and interests.
More Details
The following classes are part of WSB’s Pre-Vocational Independent Skills Training program. Students must successfully complete these courses before entering a career training program.
Assistive Technology
WSB’s Assistive Technology course helps students build the computer and technology skills they need for school, work, and daily life. No previous technology experience is required. Training is tailored to each student’s goals, skills, and level of experience.
Each student begins with an assessment to identify existing skills and areas for improvement. An instructor then creates an individualized training plan and provides one-on-one instruction.
Students may learn to use:
Windows and macOS computers
Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other common software
Internet browsers and Adobe Reader
Screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and Fusion
Screen magnification software such as ZoomText
iOS VoiceOver and other mobile accessibility tools
Braille displays and notetakers
Audio and book-reading devices
Other assistive technology based on individual needs
Students also learn how to adjust accessibility settings and customize their technology to work best for them. The goal is to give each student the technology skills needed to become more confident, capable, and independent in today’s digital world.
Practical Braille Skills
WSB’s Practical Braille Skills course helps students develop the reading and writing skills needed to use Braille in everyday life, education, and the workplace. Students can learn both Grade 1 (uncontracted) and Grade 2 (contracted) Braille using refreshable Braille displays, Braille writers, and paper Braille.
The course is available to all students. Successful completion is required for students entering WSB’s Assistive Technology Instructor program. Each student begins with an assessment so instruction can be matched to their current skills and goals. Students with previous Braille experience are placed at the appropriate level.
The course has three levels:
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Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Prerequisites: NoneStudents develop the tactile skills needed to read Braille and use raised markers. Training includes:
Improving finger sensitivity and tactile discrimination
Learning proper tracking techniques
Identifying different textures, shapes, and sizes
Creating and using raised labels
Marking appliances, electronics, remotes, cards, and other personal items
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Estimated time: 2–3 months
Prerequisites: Ability to correctly use and identify raised-marker labelsStudents learn uncontracted Braille, including the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, and common symbols. Training includes:
Reading and writing letters, numbers, and punctuation
Proper finger, hand, and posture techniques
Reading words and short passages
Using a slate and stylus and Perkins Braille writer
Creating labels, notes, address cards, and lists
Reading recipes and using Braille measuring tools
Organizing contact information and personal documents
Using Braille in games and other everyday activities
Students develop the skills needed to use Braille independently for organization, communication, cooking, labeling, and other daily tasks.
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Estimated time: 6 months
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Alphabetic Braille or demonstrated proficiencyStudents learn contracted Braille, including contractions, word signs, group signs, short forms, and additional symbols. Training includes:
Learning and using 180 Braille contractions
Increasing reading and writing speed and accuracy
Reading books, magazines, and other materials
Using refreshable Braille displays and notetakers
Connecting Braille displays to computers and mobile devices
Adjusting Braille settings and navigating devices
Creating and editing documents
Using email and internet browsers
Downloading and reading books
By completing this level, students can use Braille and Braille technology for daily activities, education, career training, and the workplace. These skills can also help students manage information, communicate, and work more efficiently.
Keyboarding
WSB’s Keyboarding course teaches students touch-typing skills needed for career training and many employment opportunities. Using Typability software with JAWS, students learn proper hand and finger placement, keyboard layout, and accurate typing techniques.
Training progresses from basic letters to words and sentences, numbers, symbols, and function keys. Instruction is adapted to each student’s needs. Tactile stickers can be added to keys for students with limited fingertip sensitivity, while high-contrast, large-print keyboards are available for students with low vision.
Students work toward the typing speed and accuracy required for their chosen career training program, which may have different keyboarding standards.
Financial Literacy
This course teaches the basics of financial literacy using a curriculum designed for people with visual impairments. Students learn about:
Banking and budgeting
Credit and managing debt
Social Security programs that support the transition to work
Basic tax concepts
WSB also partners with a local bank to provide additional, practical financial training to help students prepare for greater financial independence.
Orientation and Mobility
WSB’s Orientation & Mobility (O&M) program helps students learn to travel safely, confidently, and independently in a variety of environments. Training is individualized, self-paced, and based on each student’s goals, experience, and abilities. Students receive instruction in the use of white canes and other adaptive equipment.
Training may include:
Pre-cane and basic cane skills
Indoor and residential travel
Street crossings and intersections
Downtown and business-area travel
Stairs, escalators, elevators, and revolving doors
Route planning and problem-solving
Tactile maps, landmarks, and directional cues
GPS and other travel technology
Public transportation and bus routes
Paratransit services
Rural and unfamiliar environments
Students also have opportunities to practice their skills in real-world settings throughout the Little Rock area. Through WSB’s partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, students can learn to travel independently to the Fitness Center using walking routes or public transportation.
Additional training may be provided based on individual needs and goals, including airport and long-distance travel, taxis and rideshare services, rail systems, and guide-dog preparation.
Training time varies based on each student’s experience and needs. Students with little or no previous O&M training may need several months to develop independent travel skills, while students with previous training may complete the program in a few weeks.
Techniques of Daily Living
WSB’s Techniques of Daily Living (TDL) course helps students develop the practical skills needed to manage their homes and daily lives more independently. Training is individualized based on each student’s skills, needs, goals, and experience.
Students may learn:
Personal care and self-care skills
Cleaning and home maintenance
Laundry and home organization
Labeling systems for household items
Medication management
Basic sewing and clothing care
Safe food preparation and cooking
Using gas and electric stoves
Using countertop kitchen appliances
Planning and preparing healthy meals
Using technology and other resources to manage daily tasks
Students also have opportunities to practice their skills in real-world settings and learn how to access community resources, manage daily responsibilities, solve problems, and advocate for themselves.
Training begins with an assessment of each student’s strengths, skills, and goals. Instructors then create a training plan that meets the student where they are and helps build confidence and independence.
Demonstrating Skills
As students complete their training, they have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned by planning and preparing a balanced meal for four people. Students must safely prepare and serve the meal, interact with their guests, and clean up afterward. This gives students an opportunity to demonstrate the practical skills they can use in their own homes and communities.
Adult Education Assessments
Students complete assessments in writing, reading comprehension, and math to determine whether they have 12th-grade-level skills in each area.
Students must score at least 80% on each assessment to successfully complete Adult Education. If a student scores below 80% in any area, additional instruction is provided to help strengthen their skills before completing the program.