S.O.A.R.! Executing a Summer Residential Program

AER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

San Antonio ~ 2014

Kevin Hollinger – Director Paul Ehresman – Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Living Resource

History Application Process Pre-S.O.A.R. Assessments Staff Recruitment Staffing Instructional Domains Instructional & Residential Facilities Materials Utilized Special Features Schedule Matrix Comprehensive Report Post-S.O.A.R. Assessments and Surveys The Cost

History of S.O.A.R. – St. Louis

2007 – 2014

St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired &

Lighthouse for the Blind – St. Louis

2007 3 week Day Program,

No Residential

2008 3 week Day Program,

1 weekend Residential

2009-2014 3 week Day Program,

1 week Residential

2014 Name Change from

STEP to SOAR

The Mission S.O.A.R. – St. Louis is a highly intensive, structured training

program that provides specialized instruction to youth ages 15-21 who are legally blind.

S.O.A.R. – St. Louis is specifically designed for individuals who intend to live independently, seek competitive employment and/or attend a vocational training program or college upon graduation from secondary school. S.O.A.R. – St. Louis provides three weeks of accelerated training in adapted living techniques that include cooking, kitchen management, self-care, clothing management, money management, and home maintenance. The emphasis on independence also fosters expectations related to independent travel skills, interpersonal relationships, post-secondary transition, organizational skills and career exploration.

Our Vision S.O.A.R. - St. Louis is committed to the adherence of its

mission. S.O.A.R. - St. Louis graduates will continue to build an

awareness of skill sets needed to live independently while pursuing educational, career and family interests.

S.O.A.R. - St. Louis will recruit, train, and hire highly qualified professionals.

S.O.A.R. - St. Louis will increase each participant's self-advocacy through instruction and community-based activities.

S.O.A.R. - St. Louis will provide comprehensive reports for each participant's family, school district and or agency to further facilitate transition planning for post-secondary goals.

S.O.A.R. - St. Louis will improve and expand programming to meet the diverse and changing needs of its participants on a yearly basis.

S.O.A.R. - St. Louis will provide on-going opportunities for participant/family training and follow-up consultations.

Participant Eligibility Between the ages of 15 and 21 Currently meets eligibility / definition of legally

blind or blind Current resident in the State of Missouri or the

surrounding Western Illinois Counties Plans to live independently. Participant plans to seek competitive employment

and/or attend a vocational training program or college upon graduation from secondary school.

Participants will be required to participate in all three weeks of the day and residential programs without absence.

Pre-S.O.A.R. Assessment / Admissions

Application deadline March 1st Participant Information Emergency Contact Information Personalization Domain Ranking / Interest Self-Assessment (ADL & O&M) Parent / Teacher Assessment (ADL & O&M) Authorization for Treatment Consent – Release, Publicity, Transportation

Admission Committee Completed Application Self- and Parent/Teacher Assessments Year of transition Current Placement Prior admittance or other ADL program attendance

Exceptional Staffing Certified O&M Specialists (2) O&M Instructors [Interns] (3) Residential Coordinator Residential Staff (3) In-Residence Residential

Staff (2) Awake Overnight Supervisor

ADL Cooking (2) ADL Eating Etiquette ADL Kitchen

Management ADL Home Maintenance ADL Money Management ADL Self-Care / Hygiene ADL Clothing

Management ADL Careers

Staffing Commitment ADL Instructors and Certified O&M Specialists and O&M

Interns: 8:15am – 3:45pm Monday – Friday

** Interns also work in the late afternoons, weekday and weekends (activities)

Residential Coordinator: 2:30 – 10:30 pm (ish) ~ Monday – Friday 7:30 – 9:30 am ~ Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm (ish) ~ Saturday / Sunday

Residential Staff: 2:30 – 10:30 pm (ish) ~ Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm (ish) ~ Saturday / Sunday

Overnight Residential Staff: 7:00 – 9:00 am Monday – Friday 2:30 – 10:30 pm (ish) Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm (ish) Saturday / Sunday

Awake Overnight Supervisor: 9:30pm – 9:00am Monday – Sunday

VRT Trainer

ACVREP Certified VRT Provide competency training for ADL

instructors and staffOne on one training – Pre-S.T.E.P.

Oversee evaluation circuit and report writing Monitor instructional strategies for ADL

competencies Monitor instructional matrix grid for

compliance Provide supervision of ADL intern

ADL – Cooking Skills (2)

Kitchen orientation Appliance use and accessibility Measurement Dicing / Cutting Meal preparation Meal storage Recipe implementation

Cooking Skills

Pictures

ADL - Eating / Etiquette

Etiquette Scooping, Cutting, Stabbing, Pushing Serving Containers / Storage Ordering / Special Requests Menu Use

Etiquette

Pictures

ADL – Food / Kitchen Management

Small Appliances Toaster, Blender, Magic Bullet, Ice Cream

Maker, etc.) Utensil exposure and use Pots, pans, and everything else Storage / Containers Groceries Entertainment – Food safety and

arrangement

Kitchen Management

Pictures

ADL – Housekeeping / Home Maintenance

Washing Dishes Organization / Closets Vacuuming / Dusting / Blinds / Mop /

etc. Trash collection / disposal Maintaining light bulbs, batteries,

plants, etc. Cleaning Basic Tool use (screwdriver, hammer,

etc.)

Home Maintenanc

ePictures

ADL – Money Management

Folding / Labeling Estimation / Making Change Budgeting Tipping Warranty Registration ATM / Credit cards Maintaining wallet / billfold Signature writing

Money Managem

entPictures

ADL – Self-Care / Hygiene

Grooming Personal Hygiene Dressing / Fasteners / Ties / Lacing Fasteners, Buttons, Clasps, Ties, Lacing Organization

Self-Care Pictures

ADL – Clothing Management

Labeling Sorting Folding Hanging Laundry Ironing Packing

Clothing Managemen

tPictures

ADL – Career Exploration

Self – Advocacy Career Interest Surveys Personal information / Applications Resume writing ADA rights Non-driver education Phone / Email etiquette Interviewing Letter writing and Envelopes

CareersPictures

Certified O&M Specialists (2)

ACVREP Certified Provide supervision of three O&M Interns Assist in the development of evacuation

procedures, campus navigation, map-making session, and non-driver education session

Assist in night evaluations / instruction Assist in familiarizing O&M interns to St.

Louis and the St. Louis Metro systems

Orientation & Mobility

Pictures

O&M Interns Seeking ACVREP Certification

Average hours completed = 218 Train all staff in Sighted-Guide Procedures and

monitoring basic cane travel, escalators, elevators, etc. Provide orientation for campus living Provide individual/group lessons based on assessment

Cane and low vision travel Provide instruction for use of public transportation Provide night evaluations / instruction Lead the Map-Making Instructional Session Lead the Non-Driver Education Instructional Session Participate in all community outings

More Orientation & Mobility

Pictures

Residential Coordinator Implement schedule (outings, speakers,

lessons, etc.) Adhere and balance residential budget Coordinate non-scheduled off-campus

activities Coordinate transportation for

programming / activities Assist students with ADLs as they relate to

dorm living Distribute morning and evening

medications Monitor staff use of training (sighted

guide, ADL, etc.) Oversee Residential and Overnight Staff

Community Outing

Pictures

Residential Staff

Assist Weekday/Weekend Coordinator to implement programming

Actively participate in all scheduled and non-scheduled activities

Assist students with ADLs as they relate to dorm living, eating, use of public transportation, eating

Transport students/staff during evening/weekend residential schedule

Community Outings and

Sports Camp

Pictures

Awake Overnight Supervisor

Remains awake throughout shift Administers medications Assist students with ADLs as they

relate to dorm living Establish and maintain contact with on-

duty Webster University residential supervisor

Supervise students Complete incident reports if necessary

ASSESSMENT DRIVES INSTRUCTION

ADL and O&M Instructional Sequence

Assess

Instruct

Report

Instructional Environments

Instructional Apartments

CAMPUS MAP

Materials / Supplies Participant Packing

List Braille / Large Print Labeling Items Clothing Labels Cleaning Supplies Small Appliances Kitchen Supplies Career Survey /

Interest Inventory Meter Stick

Wheatley / Chang Kits Tactile Town Low Vision Devices Long Canes / GPS Cash, Checks, ATM Bug Spray / Sunscreen Color Identifiers Water Bottles Accessible Computers Personal Hygiene

Items

Features Comprehensive Summative Reports* College-aged Mentors Sex-Education & Dating Seminar * Sports Camp Weekend* Banking Partnership

Bank Account, ATM, Bank Visit, etc. Volunteerism / Community Service

Project* Grocery Store – Behind the Scenes Mock Interviews Parent Training Day* Group Lessons

AFB Career Connect Series Eating Out Etiquette Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Locker Room Etiquette Map-Making Non-Driver Instruction

Guest Speakers Motivational Speaker – Marcus Engel Banking / Personal Financial

Management Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Beyond High School (College Mentors) Dog-Guide School* Consumer / Advocacy Groups ADA Rights and Education AFB Career Connect Series

Activities / Outings Family Dining – Maggianos Little

Italy Dave & Busters Cardinal Game / Six Flags Swing Around Fun Town Descriptive Movie Dining Out / Order In MUNY – outdoor theater Boathouse / Forrest Park* Laumeier Sculpture Park*

Day Program Schedule

Tuesday June 10 Wednesday June 11 Thursday June 127:30 - 8:30 AM8:30 - 9:00 AM9:00-9:15 AM9:15-9:30 AM9:30-9:45 AM9:45-10:00 AM

10:00-10:15 AM10:15-10:30 AM10:30-10:45 AM10:45-11:00 AM11:00-11:15 AM11:15-11:30 AM11:30-11:45 AM11:45-12:00 PM Walk to Cafeteria Walk to Cafeteria12:00-12:15 PM12:15-12:30 PM12:30-12:45 PM12:45-1:00 PM1:00-1:15 PM1:15-1:30 PM1:30-1:45 PM1:45-2:00 PM2:00-2:15 PM2:15-2:30 PM2:30-2:45 PM2:45-3:00 PM

Careers Survey Group Session

Money Management Group Session

ADL / O&M Instruction

O&M Map Making Labeling Session Etiquette Session

Lunch in Cafeteria Lunch in Cafeteria Lunch in Lounge

Breakfast in Cafeteria Breakfast in Cafeteria Continental in Dorm

ADL / O&MEvaluations

ADL / O&M Instruction

ADL / O&M Instruction

Residential Program Schedule

Monday June 9 Tuesday June 10 Wednesday June 113:00 - 3:30 PM Free Choice 3:30 - 4:00 PM

4:00 - 4:30 PM Drive to D&B 4:30 - 5:00 PM

5:00 - 5:30 PM

5:30 - 6:00 PM

6:00 - 6:30 PM

6:30 - 7:00 PM

7:00 - 7:30 PM

7:30 - 8:00 PM

8:00 - 8:30 PM

8:30 - 9:00 PM Return from D&B9:00 - 9:30 PM

9:30 - 10:00 PM

10:00 PM Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out

Free Choice

Speaker - Marcus Engel

Dinner in Cafeteria 5:30-7:00

Tactile LabelsSession

& Free Time

Free Choice

AT Sessions

Wal-Mart Run

[Dinner: Order-In Corporate

Seasonings]

O&M Night LESSONS

Dave & Busters

Matrix – Master Session Log Participants

2 2.5 Hrs. Total 2 2.5 Hrs. Total 2 2.5 Hrs Total

Marcus 3 7.5 3Ashley 2 2 9 4

Erin 1 3 9.5 4Bradley 3 1 8.5 4Andrew 3 7.5 3 2 4 14 6

Sam 3 7.5 3 2 3 11.5 5Sean 3 7.5 3 2 3 11.5 5Elise 1 3 9.5 4 0 5 12.5 5

Brandon 3 7.5 3Annie 2 2 9 4Cole 3 7.5 3

Nautica 3 1 8.5 4Sessions 6 15 49.5 21 6 15 49.5 21 6 15 49.5 21

Participants

Andrew Brandon Marcus

Sean Annie Ashley

Sam Cole Erin Elise

NauticaBradley

Sessions

Cooking - Lisa

Cooking - Lori

O&M Nolan

49.5

4

44544

4

4

Kitchen Management

Karen

44444545

Home Maintenance

Kathy

83.5

Self-Care Nancy

544

88

8798899

87

8 978

98

8888999

Money Management

Naomi

8889899

Etiquette Lauren

3.54

49.5 99 99 99

97

44

98

Matrix – Thursday June 12th

Cooking - Lori

Cooking - Lisa

O&M Nolan

O&M Jessica

O&MJody

Kitchen Mgmt - Karen

Self-Care - Nancy

Etiquette - Lauren

Money Mgmt - Naomi

Home Maint - Kathy

Clothing Mgmt - Kate

Careers -Spencer

9:00-9:15 AM9:15-9:30 AM9:30-9:45 AM

9:45-10:00 AM10:00-10:15 AM10:15-10:30 AM10:30-10:45 AM10:45-11:00 AM11:00-11:15 AM11:15-11:30 AM11:30-11:45 AM11:45-12:00 PM12:00-12:15 PM12:15-12:30 PM12:30-12:45 PM12:45-1:00 PM1:00-1:15 PM1:15-1:30 PM1:30-1:45 PM1:45-2:00 PM2:00-2:15 PM2:15-2:30 PM2:30-2:45 PM2:45-3:00 PM

Brandon

Andrew Elise Brandon Nautica Marcus Sean Bradley

Elise Marcus Nautica Andrew

Elise

Sean Nautica Marcus Elise Andrew Bradley Brandon

Nautica Sean Andrew Marcus

Cole Sam Nautica

Eating Etiquette Group Session

Lunch in Lounge

Ashley Annie Sam Erin Cole

Brandon

Andrew Marcus Brandon Cole Sam Nautica Bradley

Bradley Brandon

Cole Sam Nautica Bradley Brandon Andrew

Andrew Sam Nautica Bradley Erin Elise Sean Ashley Annie

Marcus

Comprehensive Reports

Includes Letter from the Director and Reports from all ADL Domains, O&M, and the Residential Setting

• Beginning of Program Skills Summary • Instructional Interventions & Progress • Recommendations for future use and

generalization of skill sets

Copies of the report are sent to the student, the family, the school, and Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

Program Reflection / Evaluation

Participant Goal~Setting Review Participant Survey

Comparative Analysis to Pre-S.O.A.R. survey

Parent Survey Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

Survey Staff Survey Wrap-Up Meeting Future Considerations / Planning

Testimonials "We still marvel at the skills and knowledge Sylvia gained from the

STEP Program. Both she and her sister have attended several ADL programs, all of which were woefully disappointing in comparison to STEP. Not only did she make huge strides with her O&M skills, she came home with a new found confidence with signing her name and ironing! She mentioned several times that all of the adults who worked at STEP were kind, fun, and professional!

- Lisa, Parent of S.O.A.R. – St. Louis Participant

. . . . The confidence and independence became evident on the ride home. At a stop at a convenience store I found Tomas inside before I got in - looking for a drink in the cooler....he told me that if he couldn't find what he wanted he would ask someone for help. He proceeded to choose a drink, find the counter (all with him skillfully using his cane) and pay for his drink with money from his wallet!. . . .I can see the effects of every area of the program - labeling and organizing his bathroom items - and using them :) , talking about career ideas, setting his alarm, tying his shoes, planning what he is going to cook next, searching the catalogs for which items to get to increase his independence, advocating for himself….

- Do, Parent of S.O.A.R. – St. Louis Participant

The Budget FOOD: $12,000 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner all settings)

GROCERIES: $2,000 FACILITIES: $10,000 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: $500 SUPPLIES: $400 INTERN STIPENDS: $1,350 (plus housing ) ACTIVITIES / ENTERTAINMENT: $1800 STAFFING: $68,000

TOTAL: $120,000 Cost Per Participant: $9,000

Q & A

S.O.A.R. – St. Louis Contact Information

Website and Applications:http://

lhbindustries.com/Our-Outreach/Programs/SOAR.aspx

Kevin Hollinger - Director S.O.A.R. – St. Louis

soar.stlouis@gmail.com 636-578-0124

Angie Yorke – Blind Community Enrichment Programs Manager

ayorke@lhbindustries.com314-423-4333 ext. 132