[acb-hsp] [Jobs] 8 month course on supporting the independent living needs ofolder adults with vision loss in Seattle

[peter altschul]

Supporting the Independent Living of Older Adults
with Vision Loss

Overview
The Center for Technology and Disability Studies is pleased to 
offer an Q.  This course prepares individuals to provide training 
to older individuals with vision loss so they can continue to 
live independently in their homes and communities.  It is 
targeted toward individuals who seek to work in the field as 
Independent Living (IL) consultants.  The Independent Living 
program provides assessment to determine client needs, training 
in adaptive skills for communication, daily living and home 
management, information and referral, and adaptive devices.
Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to 
contract with the Department of Services for the Blind to provide 
IL services in the State of Washington.  The course is funded by 
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is free of charge 
if the student becomes a service provider.  This work is 
part-time.  Contracts may be $30,000 to $50,000 annually.  It is 
ideal for individuals who are retired or are otherwise looking 
for part time work.  A background clearance, proof of insurance, 
and applicable business licenses are required before an 
individual can provide services.  Participants must have the 
ability and willingness to travel within assigned territory.

Enrollment
We are seeking students with a background in providing services 
to people with vision loss, who have worked with seniors, who 
have experience in occupational therapy, or who have related 
skills training adults.  Preference will be given to individuals 
who have a significant visual disability; are over age 55; or 
from a minority background.  Interested students should complete 
the attached form and return it to Kim Canaan.  Students who are 
considered for acceptance into the course will be invited to 
participate in an interview.

Course Content
In this course, you will learn about:
1.      Older adults and vision loss
2.      Physical issues related to vision loss in older adults
3.      Social issues affecting older persons with vision loss
4.      Providing services to older persons with visual loss


Course Structure & Format
This course takes advantage of the American Foundation for the 
Blind's eLearning Center on Aging and Visual Impairment.  This 
web course provides the structure and some of the content for an 
8 month learning experience.  In addition to the AFB course, 
additional online resources and courses will be used.  Students 
will also participate in monthly face to face or teleconference 
meetings with instructors, will engage in online discussions, and 
will complete assignments.  Finally, students will engage in 
structured field experiences including job shadowing.

Timelines
If you are interested in participating, please complete the 
attached application materials and send by email to Kim Canaan 
(kimcan at u.washington.edu<mailto:kimcan at u.washington.edu>).  
Applications are due by May 1.  Interviews will be conducted in 
mid-May.  Acceptance letters will be sent in early June.
The course will begin in early July.  Individuals who are 
accepted will need to ensure that they are available to 
participate in all course sessions for an 8 month period.
For more information contact:
Kim Canaan
ILOB Program Coordinator
Ph: 206-616-6789
Fax: 206-543-4779
Email: kimcan at u.washington.edu



Name:
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Work Experience:

Educational Experience (degrees & certificates)

Interest Statement (Why are you interested? Why are you 
qualified?) [500 words or less]:

Additional Requirements
*       Please include a writing sample.
*       Please include business references

 I understand that if accepted I must be available to participate 
in a teleconference once per month for 8 months beginning in 
June, must be able to complete online coursework throughout that 
time period, and must be able to participate in field experiences 
as assigned.
 I understand that I must have or obtain the applicable business 
licenses, and insurance required to work as an IL provider.
 I understand that if selected, I will be required to undergo a 
background check.

Signature:                                              Date: