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/ Programs / Summer Programs / Summer Programs Calendar 2024 / Working and Living in the Community (WALIC)

Working and Living in the Community (WALIC)

Working and Living in the Community (WALIC) provides students with vocational and independent living experiences. In WALIC, emphasis is placed on developing independent living and community access skills, as well as promoting personal responsibility and initiative, during work and throughout all other activities.

Working and Living in the Community (WALIC) Ages 16-22

June 9 – July 5

Overview

The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is excited to provide students with vocational and independent living experiences this summer through WALIC. In WALIC, emphasis is placed on developing independent living and community access skills, as well as promoting personal responsibility and initiative, during work and throughout all other activities.

Student playing guitar

Objectives

WALIC will provide opportunities for students to:

  • Learn a variety of work routines with the support of a job coach.
  • Practice social skills necessary to interact with a supervisor and co-workers.
  • Manage a $50 weekly stipend received for their work by budgeting, shopping, and choosing recreational activities.
  • Learn about typical household bills, writing and cashing checks, and the cost of apartments.
  • Live in dorms with 24-hour supervision and practice independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, and personal hygiene.

Requirements to Apply

  • Students must be 16-22 years of age.
  • Students must be able to work for 5 hours in a given day with moderate support from a job coach. Students work a total of approximately 16 hours per week.
  • Students should be fairly independent in their dressing, eating, toileting, hygiene, and communication abilities.
  • Students should not have behaviors that interfere with the instruction of self or others. If you are unsure about your student’s behavior support needs regarding the WALIC program, please contact us to discuss appropriate placement.

Student working with a teacher

Student Expectations

Students need to participate for the full summer program. If you have questions or concerns about a student’s ability to do this, please contact Sara Merritt, Summer Program Principal, (512) 206-9176, merrits@tsbvi.edu

Contact Us to Learn More

For information about program content, contact the WALIC Coordinator:

For information about the application process, contact the Short-Term Programs administrative team: