Report From New Student

The following letters were written by current student Jes Smith over the course of his stay in our program so far, starting with the most recent.

October 2011

“A few of us students were hanging out at my place this afternoon, and we started talking about how Hatlen compares to other centers and how it uses a different approach to training students to be independent. One of us came up with the analogy that says it all. Hatlen’s approach is similar to training someone how to ride a bike completely on their own. The person at first is using training wheels so they can gain confidence in mastering the task. As they become more sure of themselves, the training wheels are removed. Many centers that teach “independent living skills” take the tandem bike approach. The instructor sits in front controlling the bike, while the student sits in the back. All the student is doing is controlling the pedals. They aren’t really learning how to ride the bike on their own, even though the instructor believes they are. Thus, when they leave the center, they haven’t really learned anything. Because of the nature of Hatlen’s training, where students are really living on their own but getting help and advice from staff, this makes them much more able to have a real experience of living independently.” Jes Smith

September 2011

“Just want to say things are absolutely fantastic out here for me at Hatlen. Not only do I have a fabulous night supervisor, but I also have a roommate whom I share many interests and responsibilities with. We have an unspoken agreement that I take out the garbage and he takes out the recycling. Without my knowing it, he washed some of my dishes last night which I appreciated. As a return favor, I was cleaning the counter by the sink and noticed one of his containers laying inside it, so washed that for him. I had my mobility evaluation on Friday and things went well. It is great being able to travel on residential streets again, something I haven’t done on my own in ten years! In short, Hatlen is not only teaching me new skills, but it is giving me back my freedom to travel safely and with confidence. I am going next week to get paratransit tickets. Thanks a million times over for allowing me to come here. It’s awesome!” Jes

This letter was written to his Rehabilitation Counselor after his first month in our program.

“Hello Kathie and Sheryl,

“This is Jes Smith. I requested funding for an out of state program in San Pablo California. It has been four weeks and I have learned a great deal already. I have made meatloaf and spaghetti. The classes are taught on a one-on-one basis, which means I have to oversee every step of the meal, from filling a pot with water to cooking ground meat in the microwave, placing in a mixing bowl and pouring in the sauce, I have to do everything myself. I am learning how to make a grocery list, which I can print off and take to the store. I am now connected with paratransit so I will start using them to make trips to the store
on my own. I have experienced creating and printing checks and envelopes. I know basic routes around my complex, such as taking out the garbage. I have learned how to pay rent using a check. I’ve experienced a lot in just the short time I’ve been here, and look forward to even more adventures in learning how to become more independent. I never knew how much control I could have over my own life until I came to this program.

“One quick experience I wish to share with you. The day before I was supposed to be making meatloaf, I realized I didn’t have any ground meat. Two totally blind friends walked with me to the store and back. It was fantastic! I thought this progress note would be informative to you. You will be receiving reports from The Hatlen Center for The Blind, but I wanted to add a personal touch to them.

“All I can say is thank you for permitting me to come here!”

Sincerely,

Jes