Vocational and Independent Living Skills Training

The Joseph Kohn Training Center’s (JKTC) vocational program prepares students with the skills and tools necessary for successful employment and a full and productive life. The JKTC is located in New Brunswick and opened in the fall of 1988, replacing the former facility that operated in Newark for more than 30 years.

Eligibility and Admission

The program curriculum of the JKTC is primarily developed for consumers seeking a vocational goal. There is no fee for participating in the program for New Jersey residents.

Individuals who are blind, deaf-blind or visually impaired may be eligible for the JKTC program if they:

• Are determined to be eligible for CBVI services;
• Are at least 18 years old and have exited their secondary education program;
• Are currently receiving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services;
• Are referred to the JKTC by their VR Counselor; and
• Have a goal of competitive integrated employment.

The JKTC’s Pre-Admission Team determines final eligibility for each consumer.

Program

One of the most fundamental adjustments to vision loss is to learn how to use sensory cues from hearing, touch, taste, and smell more effectively for day to day functioning. The JKTC takes a holistic approach to preparing students for their first job, next career, or to return to their previous employment. Students are required to participate in all instruction areas, including alternative methods of home and personal management (Activities of Daily living), independent travel, accessing information, communication, and career services. Due to the fact that many eye conditions are progressive, students are encouraged to utilize sleep shades or simulated glasses during their training.

This in-person VR and blindness skills training program is offered at the JKTC Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Optional activities are routinely scheduled in the evenings. Virtual instruction is provided from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. The center is closed on weekends and holidays.

The JKTC setting offers the opportunity for intensive individualized training to develop blindness skills in a safe learning environment. The program can be completed in approximately 20 weeks. However, extensions can be considered on a case by case basis.

Residence and commuters

The JKTC features residential accommodations for 24 consumers in the Irving J. Kruger Residence. The residential area consists of 12 dormitory style rooms that can accommodate up to 2 people. The center is accessible for people who are deaf-blind and individuals who use mobility aids, such as crutches, walkers or a wheelchair. Most students reside on premises Monday through Thursday. Weekly activities and outings are planned to show students that an active social life is attainable despite their vision loss.

Commuters are expected to participate in-person from Monday to Thursday during class time and virtually on Fridays.  

Onsite meals are provided for all students in the center's Richard R. Friend Dining Room.

Consumers are required to be able to self-administer their own medications prior to entering the JKTC program. The center’s Nursing Staff will collaborate with the students, their personal physicians and a dietician to monitor healthcare needs. Students are provided with information about their dietary requirements, eye condition and overall health through initial and follow up assessments by the on-site Eye Health Nurse.

Program Curriculum

Rehabilitation Teaching in Activities of Daily Living

This program of study provides training in both basic and non-visual techniques for safe and independent functioning in the kitchen. Instruction includes the preparation and cooking of meals, clean-up, safety and organizing and labeling kitchen items and appliances for easy retrieval, storage and use. This program also introduces the use of a variety of appliances, such as a microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or conventional stove and oven. Students also receive lessons on basic nutrition, menu planning, and grocery shopping.

The program also provides training that enables students to develop the skills necessary to effectively perform household tasks, such as cleaning, laundering, sewing, and organizing one’s clothing and personal affects. Personal banking, budgeting, and money identification and management are included in this area of instruction. Students also are introduced to the use of various applications on their mobile devices that can assist with these tasks.  

Braille and Communication Skills

This program of study provides training for literacy and personal communication such as handwriting for signatures, the use of cell phones, and various electronic applications that will assist with daily tasks. These tasks may include, maintaining a calendar of appointments, storing and retrieving information, saving and accessing a contacts list, and the ability to read for information or leisure.

The instruction of the Braille alphabet is offered to all students, regardless of their degree of remaining vision. Students can learn how to incorporate Braille into their day-to-day lives to assist with basic identification, organizing and labeling. Students have the option to advance in this area if time permits. 

Orientation and Mobility Skills

This program of study provides sensory training for students to develop skills for orientation to their environment. Instruction includes the use of non-visual cues and safe mobility cane techniques for travel. The JKTC's environment allows for intensive practice enabling students to internalize skills and concepts as they progress towards becoming a safe and confident independent traveler.  Students are also introduced to electronic applications (aps) that can assist with navigation, identifying traffic signals, and understanding nearby points of interest. Students receive information and training in the various transportation options such as paratransit, rideshares, and public transportation.

Technology Skills

This program of study provides training in the use of assistive technology to access the computer in order to be job ready. Students with no knowledge of computers learn to use appropriate adaptive software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access as well as basic computer skills such as keyboarding, use of the Internet for information retrieval and learn to send and receive E-mail.

Career Assessment and Vocational Counseling 

Career assessment helps students gain a better awareness of their strengths as well as areas in which they may need to improve to fulfill their career goals.

Vocational counseling helps students evaluate their interests, priorities, concerns, abilities, and to utilize informed choice to decide upon their   employment goal. Students also gain useful information through career exploration, job shadowing, and work experiences.

New training programs that would serve as viable vocational options are constantly explored.

Adjustment to Vision Loss

At the Joseph Kohn Training Center, we recognize that adjustment to blindness or low vision is both a group and individual process. The philosophy and environment of the center is equally as important to the process as having a curriculum that fosters a positive attitude towards vision loss to assist the student in their individual adjustment process. A group class, facilitated by the JKTC consulting psychologist and other center staff is a valuable component of the program and includes discussions, lectures, guest speakers and the use of audio-video presentations.

Psychological Services

The nature of these services involves: Psychological assessment, primarily IQ and personality to help develop appropriate vocational goals and identify specific strengths and needs for job training or placement. In specific cases with mental health issues, clinically oriented instruments are administered; Counseling and Psychotherapy to assess mental health needs and to provide consultation to help staff incorporate psychological data in the student's rehabilitation plan; and when required the psychologist acts as a liaison with other mental health services being provided for the student.

Social Work Services

The JKTC social worker provides assessment of each student's social and community supports and utilizes available resources such as the County Senior and Disability Housing Programs, the Social Security Administration, NJ Resources Guide, The NJ Disabilities HUB, the Community Health Law Project and Community Counseling Practitioners and Agencies as needed. Individual and group counseling as well as peer support groups are available for students who want to explore the impact their life experiences and vision loss may have on success in reaching their goals.

Our Philosophy: “INDEPENDENCE: Believe & Achieve!”

At the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we believe that blindness or severe vision impairment doesn't mean the end of life. The mission of the Joseph Kohn Training Center is to provide training and services that can enable blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired people to become self-sufficient and to live full and productive lives. Students learn to do old tasks in new ways. Whether developing a vocational goal or working toward an existing one, each participant, young adult through senior; creates a personal plan of action to accommodate the unique circumstances associated with their vision impairment.

The center's formal setting encourages growth by stressing the joys and successes of meeting the challenges encountered in day-to-day living with limited vision. By working with staff, as well as helping one another, participants evaluate their abilities, harness their strengths, and explore options that are appropriate to their wants and needs.