Special Education & Independence Training Services

At HEKEFREE Visionary Services and Resources, we understand that vision impairment presents unique challenges. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized services for children and adults, empowering them to live full and independent lives.

We offer a range of specialized services, beginning with a thorough understanding of each individual’s needs. We meticulously analyze eye-medical reports, translating complex medical information into clear, actionable insights. Our detailed evaluations and reports provide a comprehensive picture of strengths and areas for growth, forming the foundation for our tailored programs.

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Our direct teaching and tutoring programs are designed to build essential skills, from daily living and assistive technology to academic success. We provide personalized instruction, adapting to each client’s learning style and pace.

We are experts in developing Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Written Rehabilitation Programs (IWRPs). Working closely with families and educational teams, we advocate for appropriate accommodations and services, ensuring our clients receive the support they need to thrive.

Beyond direct services, we offer consulting and support services to families, learners, professionals, schools and organizations, providing expert guidance on accessibility, accommodations, and best practices.

Our commitment is to empower individuals with visual impairments to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. We believe in fostering independence, building confidence, and creating a brighter future for every client we serve. Contact us today to learn how we can support you or your loved one.

Access Technology Services

HVSR’s Access Technology services include all assistive and adaptive tools, as well as instruction in using these tools to enable access to the environment, curriculum, and learning.

The curriculum will cover a variety of access technology tools, including screen reading software, screen magnification software/hardware, scanning and reading, braille access, voice recognition, and switches. Students will learn about different technology choices to match the needs of individuals and how to use mainstream applications and specialized devices.

Additionally, students will learn and apply basic and access technology skills to access instructional materials and produce work. These skills include switch access, keyboarding, operating system navigation, file management, Internet browsing, word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, and programs and devices specifically designed for students with visual impairments and those who struggle with reading.

Career Education and Transition Service

Visually impaired learners often lack the opportunity to observe and learn about work and jobs like sighted individuals do. HVSR’s career education program allows these learners to learn about work and work-related skills, discover their personal strengths and preferences, and plan for their
transition to adult life and employment.

This curriculum guides individuals with vision impairment through career development.

First: Self-Awareness: Learners explore vision loss impact, identify strengths, and understand personality styles. They develop self-advocacy by practicing communication and learning legal rights.

Second: Career Exploration: Students research careers using accessible tools, conduct interviews, and engage in job shadowing. They learn to use assistive technology for research.

Third: Job Readiness: This phase focuses on workplace skills, resume/cover letter creation, and interview practice. Students master assistive technology for work and build independent living skills like transportation and financial literacy.

Fourth: Transition & Support: Learners create individualized transition plans, utilize vocational rehabilitation, and build professional networks. They explore post-secondary options and learn job placement/retention strategies. Long-term support is emphasized.

Core Principles: The curriculum prioritizes accessibility, individualization, collaboration, hands-on experience, and positive reinforcement, empowering individuals for successful careers.

Orientation and Mobility

Our comprehensive Orientation and Mobility (O&M) curriculum is designed to empower individuals with visual impairments to navigate their world with confidence and independence. We believe everyone deserves the freedom to explore their environment, and we provide the tools to make that possible.

Our program focuses on building essential skills for safe and efficient travel in diverse environments, from quiet rural roads to bustling city streets. We achieve this through:

Cultivating Body Image and Spatial Awareness: Developing a strong internal representation of the body and its relationship to the environment.
Mastering Advanced Cane Techniques: Providing personalized instruction for effective obstacle detection and safe travel.
Integrating Cutting-Edge Travel Technology: Teaching the use of GPS, accessible apps, and electronic aids for independent navigation.
Developing Specialized Orientation Skills: Fostering strong directional concepts and the use of environmental cues, including sun and wind direction.
Tailored Training for familiar and unfamiliar Environments: Addressing the unique challenges of each setting, including public transportation mastery.

Contact us today to learn how our comprehensive O&M curriculum can help you or your loved one achieve greater independence and mobility.

Independent Living skills

Empowering Independence Through Specialized Independent Living Skills Training

At HVSR, we are dedicated to empowering children and adults with vision impairment to live fulfilling and independent lives. Our comprehensive Independent Living Skills (ILS) curriculum provides personalized training tailored to your unique needs, fostering confidence and self-sufficiency.

We understand the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments, and our expert instructors offer patient and supportive guidance in a variety of essential skill areas. From mastering personal hygiene with adaptive techniques to confidently preparing nutritious meals through specialized food preparation instruction, we equip you with the tools for success. Learn to navigate the world of money management with accessible strategies for budgeting and handling currency, and gain control of your time with effective time monitoring techniques using adaptive tools. We also focus on creating organized and accessible living spaces through targeted organization training

Recreation & Leisure, Self-Determination, and Social Interaction

This integrated curriculum empowers individuals with visual impairments through a holistic approach, encompassing Recreation & Leisure, Self-Determination, and Social Interaction.

Recreation & Leisure fosters sensory exploration, starting with tactile exploration of diverse textures and object identification. Auditory exploration cultivates sound recognition and navigation skills, while olfactory and gustatory exploration expands sensory awareness through scents and flavors. Kinesthetic and vestibular activities promote movement, balance, and coordination.

The curriculum then transitions to adapted recreation and leisure skills, featuring adapted sports, creative arts, and leisure technology. Individuals learn to utilize assistive technology and screen readers for entertainment, and develop independent leisure skills like planning and accessing community resources.

Self-Determination focuses on empowerment and advocacy. Self-awareness and selfadvocacy are built through identifying strengths, expressing preferences, and learning to request accommodations. Goal setting and decision-making are emphasized, enabling individuals to set personal goals, solve problems, and make informed choices. Choice and control are reinforced by practicing decision-making in daily life and understanding personal rights. Resource navigation teaches individuals to access available services and build support networks. Finally, building confidence and resilience equips them to overcome challenges and develop self-esteem.

Social Interaction emphasizes communication and connection. Communication skills are developed through verbal, nonverbal, and tactile communication practices. Social skills and etiquette are taught, covering greetings, conversations, and understanding social cues. Building relationships focuses on developing friendships, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Community participation encourages engagement in events and volunteering, fostering connections with community members. More over, technology and social connection teach the use of accessible platforms for online communication and community building.

This curriculum prioritizes an individualized approach, accessibility, positive reinforcement, collaboration, real-world application, and safety, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive learning experience.

Gain independence with expert training in technology, braille, life skills, and career education today!