MCB/DDS Train the Trainer Project
for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity
Next Hybrid Session: 2025 dates coming soon
- Please see below for additional locations, dates and application forms.
About
Train the Trainer Project for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity (HGVLS)
Join us and become a Trainer on Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity to then train your co-workers at the agency where you are employed. Successful completion of this training will enable you to provide training for new staff and/or refresher training for existing supervisors and staff. This Train the Trainer Project for HGVLS is virtual and free, just an application is required!
Train the Trainer for HGVLS is a collaborative hybrid (on-line and in-person) program presented by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), MAB Community Services, The Carroll Center for the Blind, and Shriver Clinical Services.
Train the Trainer Project for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity (HGVLS)
Join us and become a Trainer on Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity to then train your co-workers at the agency where you are employed. Successful completion of this training will enable you to provide training for new staff and/or refresher training for existing supervisors and staff. This Train the Trainer Project for HGVLS is virtual and free, just an application is required!
Train the Trainer for HGVLS is a collaborative hybrid (on-line and in-person) program presented by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), MAB Community Services, The Carroll Center for the Blind, and Shriver Clinical Services.
Benefits for All
Individuals with Vision Loss:
Individuals with Vision Loss:
- Enhance personal safety and quality of life by working with staff and caregivers sensitive to unique needs of living with a vision loss.
- Increase the skill set of employees regarding working with individuals who have vision loss.
- Increase personal knowledge regarding Human Guide Technique and Vision Loss Sensitivity
- Become part of a statewide collaborative team
- Gain opportunity to support co-workers in a unique way
How it Works
1. Selected trainers will participate in a hybrid program including:
1. Selected trainers will participate in a hybrid program including:
- Online learning via Google Classroom.
- Attendance at a mandatory 3-hour, in person training with our team of Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS).
- Trainer materials, including a training agenda, "Let's Walk Together" DVD, handouts, occluders, attendance forms, etc. that are needed to conduct small group trainings on Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will be given to each attendee at the in-person session.
- Activities during the in-person session will include discussion as well as sitting, walking and being guided while wearing a vision loss simulator and a blindfold.
- Please always sign into the Google Classroom with the same email used to register.
- A weekly assignment schedule will be provided for each trainer to follow.
- Online learning should take no more than 1.5 hours a week for 4 weeks, or up to 6 hours in total.
Requirements
Candidates for the Train the Trainer Project must agree to the following:
Candidates for the Train the Trainer Project must agree to the following:
- Create and/or use their Google Email; sign into the Google Classroom for Train the Trainer via the Classroom Code we provide.
- Review/read/watch all Training Materials, Resource Handouts, and videos as posted in the Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity Google Classroom over the period of one month and answer all short quizzes and a Master Quiz as indicated in the HGVLS Google Classroom.
- Attend the 3-hour in-person session (inclusive breaks), including a required blindfold experience. (Please wear appropriate closed-toe supportive shoes, comfortable clothing, and dress for the weather as there is an outdoor portion of the in-person session).
- Conduct ongoing 45-to-60 minute HGVLS trainings at their agency according to agency training needs. At a minimum training for new agency staff is recommended as well as annual “refresher” HGVLS training for all agency colleagues.
- Prepare necessary materials including the “Let’s Walk Together” DVD, and paperwork: Sign in Sheets, Resource Handouts, and Evaluation Forms prior to each training.
- Scan and email/fax copies of all Sign-in Sheets and Evaluation Forms to [email protected] after each HGVLS training conducted.
- Notify [email protected] if the Trainer leaves the agency.
Collaboration & Follow–Up
Trainers for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will receive ongoing support, including an invitation to attend an annual virtual meeting with fellow Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity (HGVLS) trainers from across each DDS Region.
Trainers for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will receive ongoing support, including an invitation to attend an annual virtual meeting with fellow Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity (HGVLS) trainers from across each DDS Region.
2024 Training Dates
Hybrid Train the Trainer for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will be offered throughout the year across the state.
Hybrid Train the Trainer for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will be offered throughout the year across the state.
- February/March 2024 (In-Person Session March 27, 2024 in Westborough, MA)
- Hybrid/Online class begins February 26, 2024 - Class is full.
- April 2024 (In-Person Session April 30, 2024 in Newton, MA
- Hybrid/Online class begins April 1, 2024 - Class is full.
- April/May 2024 (In-Person Session May 29, 2024 in Lowell, MA)
- Hybrid/Online Class begins April 29, 2024 - Class is full.
- May/June 2024 (In-Person Session June 26, 2024 in Bridgewater, MA)–
- Hybrid/Online class begins May 27, 2024.
- August/September 2024 (In-Person Session September 18, 2024 in Holyoke, MA)
- Hybrid/Online Class begins August 20, 2024 - Class is full.
Questions
Please feel free to contact:
Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
[email protected]
Please feel free to contact:
Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
[email protected]
