MCB/DDS Train the Trainer Project
for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity
Next Hybrid Session Begins March 2024
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! Next training will be in March 2024
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! Next training will be in March 2024
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:
4. Each Trainer candidate must meet specific requirements, including the passing of a multiple-choice Master Quiz, to receive the Human Guide Trainer Certificate of Completion.
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.
4. Each Trainer candidate must meet specific requirements, including the passing of a multiple-choice Master Quiz, to receive the Human Guide Trainer Certificate of Completion.
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 Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov after each HGVLS training conducted.
- Notify Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov 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.
Future Training Dates
Hybrid Train the Trainer for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will be offered throughout the year across the state. Registrations for each will be open the month prior to the session month. Please check back for updates!
Hybrid Train the Trainer for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity will be offered throughout the year across the state. Registrations for each will be open the month prior to the session month. Please check back for updates!
- March 2024 – Hybrid with in-person session: Westborough
- April 2024 – Hybrid with in-person session: Newton
- May 2024 – Hybrid with in-person session: Lowell
- June 2024 – Hybrid with in-person session: Bridgewater
- Sept. 2024 – Hybrid with in-person session: Holyoke
Questions
Please feel free to contact:
Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
Please feel free to contact:
Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
