Blindness Orientation Training- For Employers and Educators

You are cordially invited to participate in the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) Blindness 101 training.

The Blindness 101 program is designed to bring more awareness of what blind and visually impaired individuals can do.

During this training, participants will not only learn about the various transition aged programs we offer but will also be given the opportunity to experience the 5 training classes that are taught to students who attend ICBVI’s Assessment and Training Center.

The 5 classes include Activities of Daily Living, Braille, Computers, Orientation & Mobility, and Industrial Arts. Each class will give you the opportunity to complete tasks non-visually. Some of the activities you will be able to do include learning to read Braille, traveling with a long white cane, using power tools, making a grilled cheese sandwich, and navigating a computer without sight just to name a few.

When: March 24th, 2026. Day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m.

Where: 341 W. Washington Street, Boise, Idaho 83702

Who: This training is designed for professionals who are interested in learning more about the abilities of blind individuals and how they learn alternative non-visual skills.

Why Should You Attend?

• Increase Workplace Accessibility: Gain the knowledge to create a more inclusive work environment for employees with visual impairments.
• Foster Independence and Productivity: Learn the tools and strategies that empower visually impaired individuals to thrive at work or in school.
• Access Untapped Labor Pools: Understand how to access relatively untapped labor pools and make your business more welcoming to all individuals.
• Understand how to Support Individuals with Vision Loss: Gain knowledge about how to further support employees or students who may be blind or visually impaired.

Limited Spots Available!

We are offering this exclusive training to the first 20 Employers and/or Educators that register. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your team’s ability to support employees with visual impairments!

Parking Instructions and dining options for the Blindness 101

After registering for the session, we will submit a parking pass for you to park at one of the State parking garages. This information will be emailed to you as it gets closer to the event.

Lunch Time:

Unfortunately, lunch is not provided for this training. However, there are lots of dining options in the downtown Boise area that are within walking and or driving distance of ICBVI. You may also opt to bring your own lunch and can use our ADL dining room to enjoy your meal. Here is a listing of just a few dining options near ICBVI:

· Food trucks: Basilios Taco Truck will often park on 5th or Washington Street

· Chicago Connection 310 N. 4th Street

· Guido’s Pizza 235 N. 5th Street

· The Bridge Café 126 N. 6th Street (in the basement of the LBJ building)

· Boise Fry Company 204 N. Capitol Boulevard

· Cup Bop 298 N. 8th Street

· The Matador 215 N. 8th Street

· Prost! 274 N. 8th Street

· Chic Fil A 300 South Broadway Avenue

· Carl’s Junior 226 S. Broadway Avenue

· Deli George 220 S. Broadway Avenue

· Tin Roof Tacos 115 S. South Broadway

· Café Zupa 129 South Broadway

· Subway 1106 W. State Street

· Fanci Freeze 1402 W. State Street

· The Warehouse Food Hall 370 S. 8th Street (lots of food options within one building)

There are many more dining options along 8th Street between Bannock and Broad Street

Info: • Vocational Rehabilitation – Rocio Gil & Jeff Weeks, Rehabilitation Counselors, ICBVI Boise Office
• Assessment and Training Center – Chris Johnston, Industrial Arts Instructor
• Blindness 101 Training Staff

Info: • Short video explaining blindness and visual impairments.

Info: • Engage with blind and visually impaired professionals in an open and respectful environment.

Info: 9:20 - 9:25 | Assessment and Training Center (ATC) Class Introductions
• Overview of ATC Training –Bailie Weir, ATC Instructor for the blind, Sr. Career Specialist
• Participants will divide into small groups to rotate through various training classes, learning techniques used by blind and visually impaired individuals in school and the workplace.

ATC Class Rotating Schedule:
• Group 1: ADL, Braille, Computers, O&M, Shop
• Group 2: Braille, Computers, O&M, Shop, ADL
• Group 3: Computers, O&M, Shop, ADL, Braille
• Group 4: O&M, Shop, ADL, Braille, Computers
• Group 5: Shop, ADL, Braille, Computers, O&M

Info: o Participants are encouraged to complete the SurveyMonkey feedback survey upon receipt via email.

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Host or Publisher Tate Sanders