SWEAT

Video of SWEAT/WALIC Quicktime version (get Quicktime player) Application Form Program Descriptions

Working at a tropical fish store

Filing at a State Agency

Working at a library

PreSWEAT: April 13 - 15
Ages 17–22

Sample Class Report

This will be the 26th annual offering of the highly specialized SWEAT program, provided jointly by TSBVI and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) / Division for Blind Services (DBS).** SWEAT is an intense, but exciting and energetic five week program designed to prepare academic students for success in the world of work and adult living -- through increased independence, competence, and self-confidence. Students, staff and employers all rave about this program (see video). Please click on the Sample Class Report, which all students receive at the end of the program, to get a flavor of the SWEAT activities.

Applicants should be functioning within approximately two years of grade level, and possess prerequisite skills for successful independent community employment and adult living. In particular, students must posses the social and cognitive skills to work alone at a job site. SWEAT is the most advanced work and independent living class offered in the TSBVI summer programs, and the expectations for students are high. Students receive (a) vocational training at paid jobs in the community, (b) classes that focus on job-related skills and independent living skills, and (c) Orientation and Mobility training. In order to be accepted to SWEAT, a student must agree to the following:

• Students are highly encouraged to attend pre-SWEAT weekend on April 13 -15. (described below)
• Students are expected to participate for the full five weeks of the summer program. If you are not able to make this full commitment, please discuss this now with the principal in order to determine whether special arrangements can be made. In addition, please discuss this in the “Additional Information” section of this application.
• During the first week of the program, and occasionally during later weeks, students will have after-school homework assignments related to vocational and independent living skills. In addition to evening recreational activities, students will be expected to complete their homework assignments.
• Students will be expected to use a cane for mobility at all appropriate times, regardless of degree of vision loss.
• Students are expected to spend weekends on campus as part of the SWEAT program. Students will be given permission for one off-campus weekend during the program. If a critical situation arises that requires the student to go home at any other time, this should be discussed in advance with the principal.
• Students will earn a training fee approximately equivalent to the minimum wage after deductions. From this fee, students will be expected to pay a minimal amount for living expenses. The purpose of this activity is to help students learn to budget and pay bills. Beyond these expenses, students may use their earnings as they wish.

During the first week of SWEAT, students will receive intensive training in independent living skills (including mobility), as well as exposure to job-related skills such as interviewing and appropriate interpersonal skills. During the remaining four weeks, students will be employed at individual, paid jobs somewhere in the Austin community. After participating in the SWEAT program, it is expected that students will be better prepared to take part in summer jobs offered in their local community.

The number of applicants for SWEAT typically exceeds the number of students who can be served. Students who are not selected for SWEAT may participate in other summer programs at TSBVI, so please consider selecting other Academic Secondary Enrichment programs as an alternate choice. A student can remain on the SWEAT waiting list while enrolled in another program, and move to SWEAT should an opening arise.

Pre-SWEAT Weekend (April 13 - 15, 2012):

All selected students are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-SWEAT weekend at TSBVI, beginning the evening of Friday April 13 and ending at 10:00 Sunday morning April 15. If you live far away and need to leave home before the end of your Friday school day, the TSBVI principal will write a letter to your school’s principal requesting that Friday be an excused absence. Pre-SWEAT is a nice way for students to participate in enjoyable work-related activities with peers, and to see if they think they will like the program. Pre-SWEAT also helps our staff get to know each student, so that we can develop better summer job placements, provide more individualized O&M training, and view students’ skills of independent living. It is difficult to select an appropriate job for a student who we do not know. Admission to pre-SWEAT does not guarantee admission to the summer SWEAT program.

** SWEAT applicants MUST be on the VR services caseload of DARS/DBS in order to be eligible for SWEAT. It is not sufficient to be on their children’s caseload. If you are uncertain about your status, contact your DARS/DBS Transition Counselor as soon as possible. Ask that person to help you get on the caseload. DARS/DBS offers many additional services to students that extend beyond the need to enroll in this class. If you are unable to become a DARS/DBS client, you will not be permitted to attend the SWEAT program.

For information about program content, contact
John Rose
(512) 206-9131
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For information about the application process, contact
Cathy Olsen
(512) 206-9182
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