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Junior Blind of America

Student Transition & Enrichment Program

Two STEP students enjoying a break in between classesThe only program of its kind in Southern California, Junior Blind’s Student Transition & Enrichment Program (STEP) is designed to help teens and young adults identify areas of career interest and successfully transition to college or the workforce. In addition to learning skills for independent living, students develop work-readiness skills through individualized instruction, group seminars and internships opportunities that are matched to their interests, abilities and goals.

Who We Serve

The Student Transition & Enrichment Program serves young adults, ages 16-22, who are blind or visually impaired and seeking advancement in their careers or education.

Our StaffSTEP student answering the phone at an internship

Highly-experienced STEP educators work with community employers, professionals and academics to provide students with hands-on training, preparation and support.

Program Features

  • Career and college exploration and research
  • On-site college campus tours and meetings with access counselors
  • Resume writing, interviewing and interpersonal skills development
  • Real-world work experience through internship opportunities that reflect the student’s strengths, interests and career goals
  • Braille-Low Vision Literacy instruction
  • Orientation and Mobility instruction to learn how to travel safely, including independent travel to and from internships sites
  • Independent living skills instruction to support students’ self-care needs
  • Assistive technology training to help students become proficient at navigating the Internet, using email and completing school and work assignments
  • Support counseling to develop self-advocacy skills

Service AreasSTEP group support meeting

The majority of STEP students are from the greater Los Angeles area. However, any student who qualifies for the program is welcome to apply.

Referral Procedure

A STEP student may be referred by the Department of Rehabilitation, a family member, a healthcare or blindness professional or a school district.

STEP Mobile Learning Program

STEP Mobile Learning Program brings transition services to students who are blind or visually impaired throughout Central and Southern California including Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.

To find out when we will be in your area, please contact Veronica Arroyo, Transition Services Manager at (323) 295-4555 ext. 462 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

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Program Contacts

Stormey Ramdhan
Transition Services Coordinator
Phone: (323) 295-4555 ext. 468
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Veronica Arroyo
Transition Services Manager
Phone: (323) 295-4555 ext. 462
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Michael Martinez
Rehabilitation & Employment
Services Director
Phone: (323) 290-6282
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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STEP Weekend Workshops

Healthy Living: Maintaining your health and opportunities in the health field.
Saturday, October 15 - Sunday, October 16, 2011


College Weekend: Exposure to campus life, expectations, financial aid, ADA and other topics related to college VI students need to be aware of.
Friday, November 18 - Sunday November 20, 2011


Volunteering and Internships Pay!: Get real world work experience by helping others in the community
Saturday, December 17 - Sunday, December 18, 2011


Assistive Technology: Making Job and College more Accessible
Saturday, February 11 - Sunday, February 12, 2012


College Weekend (part 2):
Further exploration of college life, campus visits, DSS offices and what to expect from them, time management and safe travel
Friday, March 16 - Sunday, March 18, 2012


Understanding Finances and Money Management

Saturday, April 14, 2012 - Sunday, April 15, 2012


Independent Living Skills (STEP TWO assessment weekend)

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - Sunday, May 20, 2012


Soft Skills training: Getting and keeping the job. Building your career.
Saturday, June 9, 2012 - Sunday, June 10, 2012