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Working and Living in the Community (WALIC)

Working and Living in the Community (WALIC) provides students with real-life work and independent living experiences. Students spend a month at TSBVI developing their pre-employment and transition skills.

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

June 8 – July 4

Overview

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is excited to collaborate with Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to host Working and Living in the Community (WALIC). This month-long program provides students with vocational and independent living experiences. WALIC students gain pre-employment and transition skills through hands-on lessons and community job placements.

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 on the vocational rehabilitation services caseload of TWC. Students must have an open and active account with TWC to apply (not Blind Children’s Program/HHSC). If you are uncertain about your status, contact your TWC Transition Counselor as soon as possible.
  • 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 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 or safety of self or others. 
  • Students need to be able to participate for the entirety of the four-week program. 

Student working with a teacher

If you have questions or concerns about your student’s eligibility to participate in the WALIC program, please contact Eden Hagelman, Summer Program Principal, (512) 206-9176, [email protected]

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: