UK Project PATH Summer Project

Together, the University of Kentucky (UK) Visual Impairment Program and Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) will offer the fourth annual pre-employment summer program titled: Plans to Achieve Transition (PATH). UK will support the PATH Program by providing staff, transportation, and planning and oversight of recreational activities. This three week program is intended for high school students who have just completed their sophomore or junior year and are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. It focuses on employability and blindness skills, such as braille, orientation and mobility, technology, and home management in a residential setting at the Charles W. McDowell Center in Louisville. There is also a new option this year with the expansion of a work experience program. Summary of the Project: The Plans to Achieve Transition (PATH) Program is designed to better prepare high school students who have just completed their sophomore or junior year and are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind the skills necessary to be successful post-graduation. The PATH Program has two components. The first component is an employability skills training program where students will learn more about their vocational interests and the basics of getting and keeping a job. The second component involves blindness skills training. Students will be exposed to braille, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, and home management. New this year, is a work experience program with Kentucky Kingdom, a theme park located in Louisville.