Living with Vision Loss Skills

The LightHouse: providing solutions for living with vision loss since 1902.

A woman reads a newspaper that enlarged by a video magnifier

Here are some of the programs through which we achieve this:

Living with Vision Loss Class and Workshops
The LightHouse Living with Vision Loss class is an introduction to various adaptive techniques and tools that are available when there is a loss of vision. Clients are introduced to the wide range of options that are available to them to continue to lead independent lives. This class specifically discusses concepts such as accessing printed documents around the house, systems for labeling household items, and practical methods for increasing lighting in the home. For class times and availability, please check out our Program Guide, or contact us at our toll free number: 888-800-4933

Daily Living Skills
Initially, when people begin to lose vision, many daily activities become challenging. Training in daily living skills allows individuals with low vision to learn different techniques for common day-to-day activities. These new techniques will allow these individuals to become more independent, easing the transition to living with vision loss.

Cooking
One common activity that becomes challenging for individuals experiencing vision loss is cooking. The LightHouse provides training in safe techniques for preparing meals. This training can take place in both group and individual settings.

Home Safety
Often, as individuals experience vision loss later in life, home safety becomes a concern. The LightHouse can provide consultation for seniors and their families. Our trained staff can work with you to make your home a safe and inviting place for you to be. We can provide guidance in various methods and techniques to ensure that your house remains your home.

Orientation and Mobility
The LightHouse provides extensive travel training to interested clients. In orientation and mobility, individuals are taught safe and affective methods to maximize their independence in daily travel.

Independence means different things to different people, and LightHouse orientation and mobility instructors gear all training around the goals of each individual. Some common components of training include: learning routes in one’s home area, street crossing skills, masstransit, using a white cane, and human guide techniques.

Adaptive Technology Training
The LightHouse provides training for individuals in adaptive technology. Clients can learn the use of technology such as screen readers and magnifiers, Braille embossers, and basic computer skills. In addition to an open technology lab offered weekends and certain evenings, the LightHouse maintains computer kiosks that are fully accessible to all clients. The kiosks are available for drop-in use during regular business hours: 8:30 am-5 pm Monday through Friday. The lab will be closed on Tuesday, August 20. Please use the kiosk computers instead.

Braille Instruction
Braille is a wonderful alternative to print for individuals living with vision loss, and the LightHouse provides Braille instruction for those interested in learning an additional way to access information. Someone need not have extensive knowledge of Braille to use it effectively for important tasks like labeling file folders, medications, and spices; accessing calendar information and phone numbers; or locating Braille numbers on elevators. Braille is a great way to read small amounts of information at work, in the home and in the community. Through our instruction, we make Braille relevant to the people we serve!

Case Management Services
As a component of our programs and activities, the LightHouse offers comprehensive case management. This process allows LightHouse social workers to not only determine how the LightHouse may assist a client, but to go further to see what is available in the community that may also be of benefit. This may take many forms, such as; assistance in finding low-income housing or filling out paper work for benefits applications. LightHouse Social Workers will be happy to discuss this option with you during your initial meeting.

Services - Quick Links

Program Guide

The Program Guide is where you will find a list of LightHouse services and calendar of classes at our six locations.

An introductory overview of services is found in Solutions, Our Agency Brochure.

Programs and Activities

Living with Vision Loss class
Daily Living Skills
Cooking
Home Safety
Orientation and Mobility
Adaptive Technology Training
Braille Instruction
Case Management

Orientation and Mobility

According to the American Foundation of the Blind: “When vision begins to decline, two main skills are affected: orientation and mobility. Orientation is the ability to make a ‘mental map’ of where you are and where you want to go. Mobility is the act of actually getting there. For most of our lives, we apply these skills unconsciously whenever we have somewhere to go. But people with vision loss must both develop and learn to apply new orientation and mobility skills.”

Questions? 888-400-8933

If you are concerned with these programs' ability to be applicable in your own life, call our Vision Loss Resource Center. The VLRC would be happy to guide you through deciding whether a Vision Rehabilitation Plan is right for you.

Cooking Classes

Photo: Doug and Dave with pasta for everyone! The LightHouse provides training in safe techniques for preparing meals.

Adaptive Technology Training

Photo - Marlene seated at a computer in tech lab Learn the use of technology such as screen readers and magnifiers, Braille embossers, and basic computer skills