Hearing & Vision Loss
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEAFBLIND INDUSTRIES - DBL - REL
DeafBlind Industries is a job training program that provides deaf-blind
clients with a fully accessible living and learning environment
culminating in placement of the client in gainful employment within 60
days after completion of training. Each client is engaged in intensive
training in a trade along with basic work and office skills, on-the-job
experience, and all additional skills necessary for the chosen trade.
Each client will also be provided with off-campus housing in an
environment designed to teach and reinforce independent living skills.
Currently available trades:
Massage therapy
Knitting and hand-made fine apparel
Office administration
All clients are first introduced to basic job and office skills before
focusing on a specific trade. After completion of the job training
program, DBI proceeds with one of three things based on each client's
employment goals:
Job placement services, including job searching; interview coaching
and preparations for interviews; and providing all the accommodations
necessary during the interview process.
Self-employment by training the client in all the skills necessary
for running a private practice or working in a partnership while DBI
also facilitates all the start-up steps, providing Web site development
and other marketing services, and assisting in building a customer base.
Joint venture with DBI's business ventures which markets and sells
the services or products of the client's trade.
Introductory Course in Work and Office Skills
This introductory course is designed to train clients in the following
areas, all of which are necessary for success during and after training:
Basic Computer Skills: Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Workplace Habits: Attendance, punctuality, professional dress, and
personal hygiene.
Workplace Etiquette: Meetings, e-mail and telephone communication,
and interpersonal relationships.
* Time Management Skills: Setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and
proper use of "downtime."
After focusing on the above skills, clients continue to practice and
improve these skills throughout their training.
Massage Therapy
Training in massage therapy culminates in clients' taking national
certification test. In addition to a course in the foundations of
massage therapy, clients study in all the areas covered by national
certification testing along with any specialties clients may choose
within this field. DBI provides them with all the volunteer massage
opportunities required for certification. Clients are also trained in
skills needed for communicating with a variety of customers and
marketing their services as massage therapists.
Knitting and Hand-Made Fine Apparel
Clients become members of the Knitting Guild Association and work toward
Master Knitter certification. The course covers yarn selection and
preparation, pattern reading and creation, all the various stitches in
this craft, blocking and care of knit items, backtracking and repairing,
joining and weaving, gauging and measuring, edging and fringing
techniques, and more. Clients learn to create a wide range of knit
apparel and accessories, including sweaters, afghans, caps, scarves,
shawls, and coverlets. In addition to knitting, clients practice sewing
and other skills for creating other hand-made apparel and accessories.
Office Administration
Certification for Microsoft Office is part of training in Office
Administration. Clients become trained in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and
Outlook and have the opportunity to utilize these skills and interests,
such as writing, editing, data processing, bookkeeping, customer
service, and public relations. Hands-on experience with Microsoft
products and adaptive technology is provided with quality one-on-one
instruction leading to in-depth training in areas related to each
client's employment goals.
If you are interested in enrolling or would like more information,
please contact us at
info@deafblindindustries.com.
Info: www.deafblindindustries.com
INFO:
Dana Hughes, Deaf-Blind Coordinator
Email: DCSLICK@aol.com
Janie Neal, Deaf-Blind Advocacy
Email: smokyladytn@yahoo.com
Lana Newton, DB Specialist
Email: lana.newton@state.tn.us
Audrey Hughes, VR Counselor
Email: audrey.hughes@state.tn.us
Paula Knisley, Blind & Low Vision Counselor
Email: paula.knisley@state.tn.us
Alicia Scruggs, VR Counselor
Email: alicia.scruggs@state.tn.us |
Deaf Blind
