FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it possible for me to communicate with people familiar with
your program?
Who can attend the Skills Center?
California Residents:
Each applicant must be 18 years of age, visually impaired,
and a client of the California Department of Rehabilitation. Each
applicant also must have a source of monthly income. Due to the
independent nature of the Living Skills Center, applicants need to be able to
make emergency decisions, such as what to do in case of fire or a medical
crisis. In addition, applicants must be able to administer their own
medications.
Applicants form other states:
The requirements are the same as for California residents, except that the
sponsor may be a state Department of Rehabilitation, a State Commission for the
Blind, or a private source.
How much does it cost to attend the Skills Center?
California Residents:
The Skills Center has a case service contract with the
California State Department of Rehabilitation that pays for all operating costs
associated with students who are California state residents.
However, students pay all of their own expenses out of their own income,
including: rent, food, utilities, transportation, telephone, and
incidentals. Most students receive SSI.
Students from other States:
Students from other states pay all of their own expenses out of their own
income, including: rent, food, utilities, transportation, telephone, and
incidentals. However, the sponsor, whether it is a state Department of
Rehabilitation, a state Commission for the Blind, or a private source, will pay
the Living Skills Center a monthly fee for operating costs during a student's
stay in the program.
Since students' bills are in their own names, they
are building a very real credit reputation. For this reason, each student
is assigned a teacher to be a "Financial Adviser," and the financial management
curriculum is extremely high on our priority list. We believe that
learning to manage one's own finances is an important key to independence.
For more information, do not hesitate to call (510) 234-4984 or email us at
Patty@livingskillscenter.org.
What about if I have other disabilities in addition to blindness?
Not a problem. The Skills Center has had students
with cerebral palsy, diabetes, orthopedic disabilities, mild developmental
disabilities, as well as deaf-blind students.
Can I work or attend school while I am at the Skills Center?
Once students demonstrate that they have achieved a basic
level of independence in living skills, they are supported and encouraged to
move to the next level. For many students, this includes enrolling in
college classes part time, or finding part-time volunteer or paid employment.
FULL-TIME school or work are not allowed.
Can I live alone?
All students share a
two-bedroom apartment with a
roommate.
What is located near the Skills Center?
The Skills Center is located in the San Francisco Bay
Area. The local bus system, paratransit system, and Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART) make it easy to get to activities and locations throughout the Bay Area.
Students travel to the Oakland Coliseum, the city of San Francisco, concert
venues, shopping malls, and restaurants throughout the Bay Area.
Do you have a wait list?
The wait list changes often. Email or call at any
time for an update.
What is the average age of students who
attend the Skills Center?
The average age is between 18 and 26; however, there is no
upper age limit. Attending students sometimes are in their 40's, 50's, or
even older. Can I have overnight
visitors while I am attending the Skills Center?
You are welcome to have overnight visitors, including
family and friends. However, it is best if friends visit on the weekends
so as not to disrupt classes during the week. Also, the Skills Center has
a three-day rule: visitors cannot stay more than three days at a time.
What other rules do I have to follow?
Applicants must agree to participate fully in the program.
Skills Center students, like all tenants at the apartment complex, are expected
to follow the apartment complex rules regarding use of the pool and the laundry
room, being respectful of neighbors and so on. New students are presented
copies of these rules when they arrive at the program.
Is it possible for me to communicate with
people familiar with your program? Certainly.
The contacts listed below have graciously agreed to respond to any questions you
may have. Please put 'LSC' in the subject line.
Louis Bryant (LSC graduate):
l_bryant2004@yahoo.com
Samir Shaibi (LSC graduate/current LSC Living Skills Instructor):
Samir@livingskillscenter.org
Diana Browning (parent of LSC graduate):
dianawright@earthlink.net
Judith Lesner (parent of LSC graduate and officer in the
National Association of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI)):
MAVEno1@aol.com
Mark Montano (former LSC student living in Las Vegas, NV):
markmontano@coz.net
Sylvia Montano (former LSC student living in Las Vegas, NV):
Call LSC for her phone number (510) 234-4984 What We Do
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