Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Orientation and Training Center

At the Orientation and Training Center (OTC), located in Seattle, students spend six to nine months in daily classes learning non-visual skills and building a positive attitude towards blindness. Students live three blocks away in apartments where they apply the skills learned in daily classes in a “real-life” residential apartment setting.

Our comprehensive, intensive training curriculum includes:

Learning to use the white cane to travel independently anywhere a person wishes to go

Learning how to read and write Braille and to use it in the home and on the job

Practicing alternative and effective techniques in preparing food, cleaning the home, clothing maintenance, and other essential life skills

Gaining skill at using a computer equipped with assistive technology

Expanding a resume by getting a part-time job for three months to build skills and gain confidence

The OTC offers many opportunities for social, recreational and confidence building activities. The residential environment features a resource room complete with accessible computers, a complete kitchen and living room with a television. A staff member works into the evening to be available when needed and students plan evening and weekend activities with the Residential Instructor. Our program changes lives and gives people back their dreams.