All
courses at the Canadian Helen Keller Centre are free and
individualized to meet the needs of the learners who are
Deaf-Blind. Courses are taught one-on-one, using the
individual’s preferred mode of communication. Some courses are
in development with more being added as requirements are
identified.
CHKC
supports individuals that live in the GTA by providing day
programs or individualized classes. CHKC also supports individuals
who live across Canada by providing a residential component –
participants may come and stay at CHKC for as long as 6 months for
training and then are assisted with transitioning their skills to
their home environments.
Programs
with brief descriptions are divided up into the following
categories:
ADAPTED
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
American
Sign Language (ASL)
Elements: Developing
receptive and expressive communication skills in ASL. Learning
words, phrases and finger spelling.
Outcomes:
Adapt communication for changes in hearing, ability to
communicate with more people.
Tactile
American Sign Language
Elements:
Developing receptive skills in ASL through the sense of
touch.
Outcomes: Adapt
communication for changes in vision and lighting.
2-Hand
Manual*
Elements: Developing
receptive and expressive communication skills in 2-Hand Manual.
Outcomes:
Adapt communication for changes in hearing and vision,
ability to communicate with more people.
Braille
(2 Levels)
Elements:
Reading and writing uncontracted and contracted braille
(basic and advanced).
Outcomes: Access to
documentation, new method to record information.
SENIORS SUPPORT SERVICES
Training and education related to aging and vision/hearing
loss is provided by our Seniors Support Services (SSS) program. SSS
supports seniors with a dual vision & hearing loss and also the
people who care for them by increasing awareness about
vision/hearing loss; teaching coping skills; developing an
understanding of various eye and ear conditions; improving
communication skills and making environments and activities more
accessible.
WORKSHOP-STYLE INSTRUCTION
Workshop-style instruction is provided
up to 4 times a year to 20 consumers at a time. Workshops teach new
skills and knowledge, develop self advocacy skills and strengthen
the community. Each workshop is developed and delivered by
Deaf-Blind facilitators.
ORIENTATION
& MOBILITY
Orientation
Elements: Orientation
to the environment.
Outcomes: Identify
locations, obstacles and objects in one’s environment.
Mobility
Elements: Travel
training including long cane and sighted guide.
Outcomes: Freedom to
travel safely and independently.
SKILLS
OF DAILY LIVING
Cooking,
Safe Food Handling & Dietary Needs
Elements:
Meal planning, dietary requirements, preparation, safe
handling and storage. Instruction can include baking, grilling,
microwave and crock pot.
Outcomes: Introduction
to various adaptations that make cooking easier and safer.
Knowledge of nutrition and skills for a healthy lifestyle.
Cooking
Club
Elements: Meal
planning, preparation and consumption in a group setting.
Outcomes: Learn to
entertain, serve and enjoy food with friends.
Cleaning
Elements: Understanding
frequency and products for cleaning plus developing cleaning
techniques.
Outcomes: Keep the
home tidy and safe.
Shopping
Elements: Developing
lists, learning about products and community resources, sales,
coupons plus organizing purchases in the home.
Outcomes: Product
awareness, personal choices, connecting to the community.
Laundry
Elements: Colour and
care sorting plus understanding various tasks and developing
techniques.
Outcomes: Looking
good, maintaining your wardrobe.
Grooming
Elements: Personal
grooming and wardrobe care.
Outcomes: Personal
management. Feeling and looking good.
Household
Management
Elements: Learning
about safety, maintenance, financial management and banking.
Organizing your home using various identification and labeling
techniques.
Outcomes: Maintain an
organized, safe and secure home.
RECREATION
& LEISURE
Socializing
Recreation & Leisure
Elements: Entertaining,
access to recreational opportunities, exercise programs, hobbies.
Outcomes: Social and
recreational skills for a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Gardening
Elements: Planning,
planting, maintaining and harvesting fruits, vegetables, flowers
and plants.
Outcomes: Fresh air
and exercise, food for home and to give to others, interaction
with the community.
TECHNOLOGY
Computer
& Electronic Communication Devices
Elements: Telephone
devices, keyboarding, internet, surfing the web, chat rooms,
downloading books, maintaining personal files.
Outcomes: Access to
current news, information, development of networks, contact with
people, decreased isolation.
Technical
Devices
Elements: Signalling
systems, household gadgets, communication devices, alarms, etc.
Outcomes: Independence,
safety and security.
ADVOCACY
& COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Advocacy
Elements: Understanding
and engaging community and government resources. Raise awareness
of your needs and the needs of others.
Outcomes: Increased
autonomy, self-confidence, public awareness.
Business
Writing
Elements: Developing
skills to manage business-related activities. Learning about
business letters, presentations, reports, board meetings, taking
minutes, creating agendas, resumes, faxes, email, file management.
Outcomes: Skills and
knowledge that are beneficial in a variety of business
environments.
Peer
Support Group**
Elements: Building
support systems and accessing community services.
Outcomes: Development
of friendships and networks, decreased isolation.
Using
and Training Volunteers
Elements: Recruiting
and training volunteers to meet individual requirements.
Outcomes: Increased
services and access the community.
Using
Your Intervenor
Elements: Understanding
the role of intervenors to facilitate participation and
interaction.
Outcomes: Integration
into the community.
Train-the-Trainer
Elements: Learning
how to teach through practice teaching and teaching each other.
Developing an understanding of the conditions and needs of others.
Outcomes: Expand the
support system available to the Deaf-Blind community.
*2-Hand
Manual is a finger spelling system of communication. You can learn
how to form each letter online at CHKC. Click
here for more information.
**
During group meetings, such as the Peer Support Group, each
participant is provided with an Intervenor to interpret the topics
under discussion and facilitate participation. This ensures
individual needs are met.
For
more information on our programs, please contact CHKC.
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