Independence Training Program Electronic Application
Please fill out and email back to ccb@cocenter.org

The Independence Training Program (ITP) serves adults of all ages locally, nationally and world-wide. Whether you have recently lost your vision or always have been blind our program will fit your needs. ITP provides training in orientation and mobility, Braille, technology, home management, and other classes. This residential program has an average length of six to nine months.

Individuals who choose to attend the Colorado Center's the ITP will gain a new and positive self-image and greatly expanded horizons. Rehabilitation takes place in the real world as well as the classroom.

An integral part of the ITP training is role modeling; from day one new students discover that life, as a blind person, can be so much more than they ever imagined. They are surrounded by blind staff and instructors who demonstrate this reality in their daily lives.

A key part of ITP training is the use of sleepshades. All students with residual vision wear sleepshades to strengthen reliance on their other senses and use of alternative skills. This builds the students' confidence in their ability to approach all life situations.

Focused, intense training in cane travel will transform an apprehensive, timid student into a confident traveler capable of going anywhere. We welcome dog guide users and work with them to increase their skills in using the long white cane.

We provide students with full training in the latest adaptive technology so that graduates can compete in today's world. Included are the fundamentals of word processing, screen readers, spreadsheets, electronic note-takers, and Braille displays.

Braille training is an essential part of every student's education. Our flexible program allows us to tailor the training to specific needs, ranging from beginning to advanced Braille. Proficient Braille users will have the opportunity to learn Nemeth code, music, and computer code. Increasing these skills to the students' greatest potential facilitates their ability to compete with their sighted peers.

A fun, all encompassing course where students cook simple to gourmet, barbecue with charcoal and gas grills, plan dinner parties, learn self-defense, shop at malls, sew, garden, and plan outings to the Botanical Gardens or a Chinese buffet.

This course was added to insure that students would fully develop alternative techniques to manage their lives effectively. Topics covered in this course include time management, entertaining, networking, dressing for success, notetaking, scheduling, money management and accessing resources.

Each student will learn the basics of woodworking as part of this class. They will learn how to use a click rule in order to measure within 1/16 of an inch and will design, plan and build a final woodworking project. Students will also learn basic tasks such as how to rewire a lamp, fix a leaky faucet, and change motor oil and a flat tire.

Our academic skills instructor works with each student throughout their program. Each student writes compositions, letters, and other documents. Grammar and spelling are emphasized. Students write compositions, letters, and other documents emphasizing grammar and spelling. Individualized instruction is available for students wishing to obtain their GED or increase their ESL skills.

Students live in beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartments. They learn to maintain their homes, cook, shop, and participate in area recreational activities.

Our residential instructor works closely with students in their apartments to reinforce their home management skills.

The cornerstone of our program is the discussion of myths and misperceptions about blindness. Exploring real-life encounters helps students to deal with all aspects of blindness equipping them with the confidence and belief in themselves needed to be capable, contributing citizens.

Job class covers all aspects of vocational development including career exploration, resumes, interviewing, and work ethics. Students will also have the opportunities for situational assessments, job shadows, and internships.

We want our students to know that being blind does not need to limit them. Blind people can live full, well-rounded lives. Students go rock climbing, hike in the mountains, ski, plant a garden, raft down the beautiful Colorado or Arkansas River and do much more. Being blind can be challenging in itself and, in order to be successful, we as blind people need to challenge ourselves. 

All students who plan to attend college take this class. Each student develops methods for taking notes and handling visually orientated classes such as anatomy and statistics. Students learn how to be a part of it all socially as well.