MCB/DDS Train the Trainer Project
for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity
About
Train the Trainer Project for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity (HGVLS) is a collaborative program presented by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), MAB Community Services and The Carroll Center for the Blind. 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 Project for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity (HGVLS) is a collaborative program presented by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), MAB Community Services and The Carroll Center for the Blind. 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!
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
- Selected trainers (at least two from each agency) will be mailed materials, including a training agenda, “Let’s Walk Together” DVD, handouts, occluders, attendance forms, etc. needed to conduct small group in-services on Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity.
- Trainers must have/create a Google email and will be emailed a Class Code for “Train the Trainer Google Classroom – Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity”.
- Trainers must thoroughly review/read/watch all Training Materials, Resource Handouts and videos posted via the “Train the Trainer Google Classroom” and answer questions over a month-long period.Altogether 1- 3 should take no more than 1.5 hours a week for 4 weeks, or up to 6 hours in total.
- At the end of the month, and after all Training Materials and Resource Handouts have been reviewedand all quizzes taken, a virtual a 2-hour session (inclusive of breaks) will be scheduled with our team of Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS). Activities during the virtual session will include discussion as well as sitting, walking and being guided while wearing a blindfold. This session requires the two Trainers (from each agency) to be present in person together with a third colleague to follow with a cell phone/camera, providing live video with a COMS.
- 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 a 2-hour virtual session (inclusive breaks) via Zoom with a COMS that includes discussion, and 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 virtual 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.
Virtual Training Dates
- Registration is now closed for the August 2022 Virtual Train the Trainer for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity:
- 10 Applicants have been accepted (2 from each of 5 agencies) to start as we test the virtual classroom.
- All HGVLS materials must be reviewed/read/watched prior to August 24th (this allows time for the instructors to review quiz answers and comments).
- A virtual 2-hour in-person session via Zoom will be held on either August 30th or 31st between 9:00am and noon. Applicants will be notified at the beginning of August of the exact day/time of your and your partner’s session. Please remember that this date will require a third colleague to video via a cell phone/camera as needed for this Zoom session with a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS).
- NEXT Virtual Train the Trainer for Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity To Be Announced Soon – Thank you for your interest!
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
