DeafBlind Industries is a job training/placement program that provides deaf-blind clients with a fully accessible living and learning environment culminating in placement of the client in gainful employment within 60 days after completion of training. Each client is engaged in intensive training in a trade along with basic work and office skills, on-the-job experience, and all additional skills necessary for the chosen trade. Each client will also be provided with off-campus housing in an environment designed to teach and reinforce independent living skills.

Most importantly, DBI strives to empower DeafBlind individuals to lead independent, successful lives. DeafBlind Industries is more than a job training and placement program. It is a life-changing experience. Instead of limiting the focus on skills, our approach is to work with each person as a whole. We believe that our clients will make the most of the skills they gain through our fully-accessible living and working environment only if they also gain a strong sense of self-worth and independence and practice a proactive, healthy lifestyle.

DBI's programs run 12 months a year and new clients can be admitted at any time. Most clients are sponsored by their state vocational rehabilitation agencies.

Currently available trades:

• Massage therapy
• Office administration

All clients are first introduced to basic job and office skills before focusing on a specific trade. After completion of the job training program, DBI proceeds with one of three things based on each client's employment goals:

• Job placement services, including job searching; interview coaching and preparations for interviews; and providing all the accommodations necessary during the interview process.
• Self-employment by training the client in all the skills necessary for running a private practice or working in a partnership while DBI also facilitates all the start-up steps, providing Web site development and other marketing services, and assisting in building a customer base.
• Joint venture with DBI's business ventures which markets and sells the services or products of the client's trade.

Introductory Course in Work and Office Skills
This introductory course is designed to train clients in the following areas, all of which are necessary for success during and after training: Basic Computer Skills: Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Workplace Habits: Attendance, punctuality, professional dress, and personal hygiene.
• Workplace Etiquette: Meetings, e-mail and telephone communication, and interpersonal relationships.
• Time Management Skills: Setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and proper use of "down-time."

After focusing on the above skills, clients continue to practice and improve these skills throughout their training.

Massage Therapy

Training in massage therapy culminates in clients' taking national certification test. In addition to a course in the foundations of massage therapy, clients study in all the areas covered by national certification testing along with any specialties clients may choose within this field. DBI provides them with all the volunteer massage opportunities required for certification. Clients are also trained in skills needed for communicating with a variety of customers and marketing their services as massage therapists.

Office Administration

Certification for Microsoft Office is part of training in Office Administration. Clients become trained in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and have the opportunity to utilize these skills and interests, such as writing, editing, data processing, bookkeeping, customer service, and public relations. Hands-on experience with Microsoft products and adaptive technology is provided with quality one-on-one instruction leading to in-depth training in areas related to each client's employment goals.

If you are interested in enrolling or would like more information, please contact us at info@deafblindindustries.com.

Why Choose DBI?

As John Lee Clark, who is himself DeafBlind, said, "DeafBlind people can do anything. The question is never whether or not they can do something, but HOW they can do it. The most important thing we do at DBI is provide our clients with the opportunity to develop skills and confidence that will serve them for life."

DBI's approach to empowering the whole person is reflected in the following:

• DBI is a training AND a job placement service together, not separately. The process of finding the ideal job for each client begins on day one of the client's enrollment in the program.


• The quality and sensitivity in instruction is ensured by our ratio of one instructor to every three clients.


• Clients receive one-on-one instruction, opportunities to work with peers, and chances on-the-job practice.


• Because we at DBI work exclusively with DeafBlind adults, we are uniquely qualified to work with clients who use a variety of communication methods, including various forms of sign language, speech, and Braille.


• The DBI experience is continuous. In the evenings and during the weekends, clients refine independent living and Orientation and Mobility skills, engage in enrichment activities, and access a wide array of resources in the historic and diverse city of Philadelphia.


• Clients live independently off-campus. Although we have staff to instruct them and assist them as needed, clients are encouraged and empowered to cultivate the lifestyle they will lead as successful people after completion of training.


• Our training facilities and tools are fully accessible, and none of our clients are expected to use any of their residual vision or hearing. This assures that clients will not overextend themselves.


• Socialization among clients is strongly encouraged because, by working together and sharing life experiences, clients gain information with which to make choices and decisions. We wish for clients to share their experiences with each other and have the chance to interact with DeafBlind role models so that they can develop the tools to become leaders and role models themselves.

About DBI

DeafBlind Industries aims to provide deaf-blind people the keys they need to gain employment and lead independent lives. Through our intensive job training and placement services, clients are empowered with a can-do attitude while they are steeped in practical skills and advanced training in a specific trade. Located in a vibrant neighborhood of Philadelphia, we offer off-campus housing so that clients can also become accustomed to the lifestyle of the successful employees they will become upon completion of training. In addition to job training, clients have access to instruction in independent living skills, Braille, orientation and mobility, and also to engage in peer counseling and work with mentors.

Established by Samuel Hawk, a successful Deaf businessman, with John Lee Clark, a DeafBlind former instructor at DeafBlind Services Minnesota and a business owner, DBI is in an unqiue position to open up opportunities for deaf-blind people. Their combined experience, along with the finest staff, makes DBI the place to be for deaf-blind people seeking to secure a high quality of life.

Contact DBI

If you are interested in enrolling or would like more information, please contact us at info@deafblindindustries.com or mail us at: