Week 4 at Gentry

My internship here at Gentry has been going very well. Gentry is a rehab vocational facility that clients living in Alabama can come, get evaluated and learn the vending machine business. This is a great way for clients who are Blind or visually impaired , Deaf or DeafBlind can become more productive in the community. Gentry teaches a variety of classes including independent living skills, assistive technology and braille. Once the clients are evaluated, the clients are given a class schedule based on their needs. They stay for an average of 6-8 weeks. They live in a dorm setting usually sharing a room with another student. Once they progress through the basic Independent living class the client will move into a semi- independent room which they are required to cook at least one meal a day for themselves. Then they will progress to a duplex apartment setting which is located at the far end of the campus. This stage usually lasts about 4 weeks. The clients are given a budget and must cook 2 meals a day for themselves. Once the instructors feel the student has mastered this stage, the clients will be released and assisted with finding housing if needed. They are then given a territory to work the vending machine business. While the clients are here at Gentry they are also given orientation and mobility instruction if needed. Most at least need campus orientation and orientation to the vending machines that will be worked at various locations around town. I am enjoying being here at Gentry and learning how the facility works to help clients in the community.