In addition to group discussions, students are given an opportunity to work on developing their self-confidence by learning the skills of blindness. The essentials are passed out. Each student is issued a long white cane. Those who have some useable vision get a pair of sleep shades. Both are necessary tools for confidence building, as self-demonstration is the method for increased awareness of how capable a blind person can be.
Students engage in a variety of classes designed to address attitude alteration and skill building.
Benefits Orientation on the Road comes to an end with a special group discussion designed to review the week's events, and the progress each student has made in terms of self-confidence and skill building. Students find it difficult to leave because they've been in a place where their blindness was accepted, and where they were able to share common frustrations as well as look at different tools related to being blind. The group has been mind melded, and their attitudes about blindness reconstructed. All seem to walk away with a more positive attitude about their lives. If you want more information about the Orientation on the Road, contact Becky Criswell.