MCB/DDS Train the Trainer Project 
for Human Guide & Vision Loss Sensitivity

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Registration Open for Next Hybrid Session! February/March 2026
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.
Benefits for All
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.
 Residential/Day/Employment Providers:
  • Increase the skill set of employees regarding working with individuals who have vision loss.
 Trainers:
  • 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
  • 3 ACVREP credit hours are available to all interested participants upon request
    • Please contact Ally Bull ([email protected]) if you are interested to receive credits.
    • Credits will be awarded for the 3-hour in-person training session only (not for time spent during the on-line classwork).
How it Works
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.  
2. 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."
  • 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.
3. 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 the month-long period.
  • Online learning should take no more than 1.5 hours a week for 4 weeks, or up to 6 hours in total.
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:
  1. Create and/or use their Google Email; sign into the Google Classroom for Train the Trainer via the Classroom Code we provide.
  2. 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.  
  3. 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).
 Trainers who meet all requirements above must agree to the following:
  1. 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.
  2. Prepare necessary materials including the “Let’s Walk Together” DVD, and paperwork: Sign in Sheets, Resource Handouts, and Evaluation Forms prior to each training.
  3. Scan and email/fax copies of all Sign-in Sheets and Evaluation Forms to [email protected] after each HGVLS training conducted.
  4. 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.
Training Dates and Applications

February/March 2026 Westborough, MA
April 2026 Newton, MA            
May/June 2026 Bridgewater, MA  
​August/September 2026 Holyoke, MA
  • Hybrid/Online Class begins August 18, 2026.
  • In-Person 3-Hour Session: Mid- September in Holyoke, MA  (date/time/location TBD)
  • Applications available soon
Questions
Please feel free to contact:
Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
[email protected] 

See Also: 

For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
131 Emerald Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
Email: [email protected]
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"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability