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DHSS Press Release

Molly Magarik, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: Jill.Fredel@delaware.gov

DPH Media Contact:
Mary Fenimore
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: July 7, 2021
DHSS-7-2021

Participants and staff at "Blind and Socially Savvy," a weeklong, overnight transition event at Delaware State University.

DIVISION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED HOSTS 'BLIND & SOCIALLY SAVVY' TRANSITION PROGRAM EVENT AT DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

NEW CASTLE (July 7, 2021) - The Division for the Visually Impaired's Vocational Rehabilitation Services hosted "Blind and Socially Savvy," a weeklong, overnight transition event from June 28 through July 2, 2021, at Delaware State University.

Eleven transition students from the Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) participated in the event centered around building workplace readiness skills. Those skills included networking, using social media to make connections with employers, holding professional conversations, how to navigate formal meetings and conferences, and cane positions for community/social functions.

Workshops included:

Dining Diagnostics - Blind & Socially Savvy Essentials, Connecting & Communicating Respect
Basic Networking with Stranger - Blind & Socially Savvy Networker
Informal Networking Over a Meal
Out in the Community - Blind & Socially Savvy Community Leader
Individual Wardrobe Consultations and Sizing - Blind & Socially Savvy Professional Image
Informational Interview over Lunch - Blind & Socially Savvy Job Seeker
Graduation, Formal Business Dining, and Presentation of Certificates

"The event was a tremendous success," said Jamie Towns, Deputy Director for DVI, one of 11 divisions in the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). "The students who participated learned valuable skills that will prepare them for the workplace." Participants Matthew Love and Rhyne Taylor both highlighted the dining lessons they learned and the value they found in the experience.

"I learned about formal dining and how we can use it anywhere in the community," Love said.

The "Blind and Socially Savvy" program is delivered through the International School of Protocol in Towson, Md. The school is a leader in providing etiquette training and consultation to enhance interpersonal skills and personal effectiveness in business and social relationships.

The Division for the Visually Impaired provides educational, vocational, and technical support to empower and foster independence for Delawareans with visual impairments. To learn more, visit DVI's website: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dvi/

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DIVISION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED HOSTS 'BLIND & SOCIALLY SAVVY' TRANSITION PROGRAM EVENT AT DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

Delaware's Government