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Oregon Commission for the Blind
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Our Orientation and Career Center for the Blind (OCCB) is an in-depth, residential training program located in Portland. Students from outside of Portland participate in the program while living in a nearby apartment provided by the agency. The program is designed around independent living and pre-employment skills.
The majority of the Center’s participants are people who have become blind in adulthood, and must learn new methods of performing everyday activities. Students are referred to the center by our Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, and their families can also participate in training programs, support groups, blindness seminars and open houses.
Services Include:
Adjustment to Blindness
Vision loss can be a difficult adjustment, and we have found that our students benefit from peer support. The Center facilitates this process through Challenge Courses, support groups, recreational activities and family participation.
Braille Training
For those who are unable to effectively read print, we offer courses in reading braille as well as using braille equipment.
Low Vision Assessments
We perform low-vision assessments to help determine what technology will be most useful to clients with partial vision. We can then recommend and help obtain needed equipment, from a simple magnifier to more advanced tools.
Orientation & Mobility Training
We instruct clients on how to use a white cane for safety, how to properly work with a guide dog, and how to safely and efficiently take public transportation. We also address any specific transportation needs related to employment.
Personal Management
We help our clients organize their finances, deal with incoming mail, and participate in leisure activities.
Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP)
Our staff coordinates this statewide youth transition program, locates funding, develops job sites, and provides independent living skills training to students ages 16-21.
The Center also offers transition workshops for parents, teachers and transition students on the array of independent living skills that students can acquire through SWEP.
Techniques of Daily Living
This class instructs clients in the following: food preparation and planning, organization of kitchen items, grocery shopping and other skills necessary for independent living.
Woodshop
We encourage students to develop confidence in their abilities by completing a tangible, finished woodworking project. This process helps our students realize that they can accomplish their goals through adaptive techniques.
Email: ocb.mail@state.or.us
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