The Michigan Commission for the Blind believes that Mini Adjustment Training Programs are an extremely valuable tool to provide a significant level of training to a large number of clients in a relatively short period of time. The following is a procedure developed to assist in making the arrangements for a Mini Adjustment Training Program:

1. SCHEDULING - Program dates and locations will be determined after receiving input from the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board and the Michigan Commission for the Blind State Director, as well as clients, staff and various community partners.

2. SITE LOCATION - Regional and center staff, as assigned, will work together to determine the specific location for training. Arrangements will be made taking into consideration state rates for payment.

3. ANCILLARY PROGRAMS - Local staff, as assigned by their supervisor, will be responsible for any ancillary activities, such as an open house, that might be held in conjunction with a Mini-Adjustment Program.

4. COST - Per client costs will be determined by the local supervisor and reported to field staff for inclusion in a client’s case record expenditures. Travel costs will be authorized by the referring staff person and attributed to the client’s case.

5. REFERRALS - Staff should send a complete referral packet to the coordinators of the Mini-Adjustment Programs at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center. The packet should include a completed referral form with specific consideration of a client’s needs regarding their skills of blindness and other considerations such as the desire for a smoking room or the need for assistive devices in their room. It should also include appropriate medical information, including an eye report.

6. SCHEDULE - Generally the Mini-Programs will run from 3:00 p.m. on Sunday to 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Clients requiring housing should arrive at the designated facility on Sunday, between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Classes will be scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily except that they will end early on Friday. Other activities will occur throughout the day and evening on a voluntary basis.

7. MEALS - Dinner will be at 6:00 on Sunday Evening. There will be three meals per day provided Monday through Thursday. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m., Lunch at noon and Dinner at 5:00 p.m. Only Breakfast will be served on Friday. Snacks will be available throughout the day for those who need them.

8. ORIENTATION - Clients will receive an orientation to their surroundings soon after arrival. This will consist of an orientation to the amenities of their room and an orientation to the facility.

9. TRAINING – Clients will receive training in, at least, the following skills of blindness:

a. Orientation and Mobility

b. Communications

c. Managing and Administering Medications

d. Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

e. Braille

f. Assistive Devices for the Hearing Impaired

g. Writing Guides

h. Talking Watches and Clocks

i. Computers and Keyboarding

11. RELATED ACTIVITIES – Clients will have an opportunity to interact with other individuals who are blind throughout the week. In addition, there will be many opportunities for recreational activities throughout the week. Depending on the location and facility activities could consist of walking, shopping, swimming, games, crafts and visits to local points of interest. Clients should bring some spending money to participate in some of the evening activities.

12. DRESS – The dress is casual. Clients should pack a swimming suit if they wish. Otherwise clothing should be selected based on location and season. Comfortable shoes should be emphasized for use in mobility lessons. Clients should also bring any assistive devices, like white canes, they might have.

13. INFORMATION – Clients should be provided significant information, reflecting many of the above points, prior to their attendance at a Mini-Adjustment Program. During the week each client will be provided the opportunity to schedule further training at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center.