REACH Center for the Blind

The REACH Center, formerly REACH Center, is located in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Ask any newly blind or visually impaired person what the most difficult thing to deal with is and the response is almost always "the loss of indepdendence". No one wants to lose the ability to get around freely — to travel to work, to school, the grocery store or anywhere else. No one wants to have to rely on others for the things they want to do for themselves.

The REACH Center offers skills blind or visually impaired people need to achieve real independence. Within the center, students learn how to manage everyday tasks, how to be successful in travel situations, and how to function with confidence in their personal and work lives.

Over a period of six to nine months, students learn:

• Cane travel
• Home economics
• Industrial arts
• Braille
• Computer/technology
• Living skills

Other classes include:

• Work and career evaluation
• Career exploration
• Job-seeking skills such as resume preparation and practice interviews
• GED preparation
• Leisure activities and community involvement
• Health education

Classes, Teachers and Students

Classes last two hours, and allow students time to problem solve and develop solutions that meet their individual needs. The Structural Discovery Method helps build self-confidence and teaches important life skills.

Teachers and successful blind individuals lead students through weekly seminars, class discussions and learning exercises. During the six to nine months usually required to complete the program, students learn to rely on their other senses and believe in themselves in order to meet daily living challenges and regain their independence.

The REACH teaching environment is very supportive, and program graduates return to their lives and the work place with renewed confidence and the ability to be self-sufficient.

For further information or to arrange a tour contact:

REACH Center for the Blind
P.O. Box 1543, Tupelo, MS 38802
1-662-842-3120
TTY 1-662-842-2144