Lighthouse Policies
Referral Process:
Most people choose to tour the rehabilitation center to obtain an overview of the classes and services provided by the Lighthouse. Students, with advice from their State Services for the Blind (SSB) counselors, will determine which classes to take and what goals are to be accomplished in each area. The SSB counselor then sends a referral letter to the Lighthouse containing a prescription of services statement and a list of classes with relevant goals.Program:
Each rehabilitation program is designed to meet your individual needs. The first month is usually considered an evaluation period. This provides you with an opportunity to become familiar with the classes. It also gives the instructors time to assess your needs more accurately.Schedule:
Center based training offers three types of schedules: full-time, part-time, and component. There are eight class periods per day, totaling 40 class hours per week. A full-time schedule consists of 21-40 hours per week. A part-time schedule is 8-20 hours per week. The component program consists of 1-7 hours of instruction per week.Hours:
Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Each class period is 50 minutes long. There are two 15-minute breaks each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. One half-hour is allotted for lunch.
Staffings:
Once a month, or more often if requested, a meeting is held between the student, SSB counselor, and the Social Service Coordinator or the Director of Rehabilitation Services. Your goals and needs are discussed and progress reports are reviewed. Changes in your curriculum may be made at this time. These meetings, called "staffings", provide you with the opportunity to participate in the continued development of your rehabilitation program.
Attendance:
Consistent attendance is expected. Students who attend full-time should schedule personal appointments early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize conflicts with classes. Part-time students should schedule personal appointments for times when they are not attending the Lighthouse. It is your responsibility to inform the Director of Rehabilitation Services or the Social Services Coordinator if you are unable to attend classes because of an appointment or illness.
Transportation:
Transportation to and from the Lighthouse may be provided for students living within the city limits of Duluth, if needed. Authorization from the SSB counselor is necessary before transportation is provided. Prior to starting, you will be informed of your transportation schedule. Please arrive in plenty of time for your classes. At some point, students may be expected to use the city bus or STRIDE to travel to and from the Lighthouse as part of their rehabilitation program.
Volunteer drivers, family members, friends, or others transport students living outside the city limits of Duluth. The responsibility for making these arrangements rests with the student and his/her SSB counselor.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is an important issue. All written or verbal information that is received by the Lighthouse regarding students is kept strictly confidential. Before any information can be released, it is necessary for you to sign and date a release of information form. You need to be aware that personal information that is shared among students should be kept confidential, but the Lighthouse cannot assure confidentiality of information you share with other students.
Family Involvement:
The Lighthouse encourages family members to attend and observe classes to obtain a better understanding of issues relating to vision loss and the rehabilitation programs. Family visits may be scheduled with the Social Services Counselor or the Director of Rehabilitation Services.
