LightHouse students, mentors and staff at Enchanted Hills Camp at the very first CVCL in 2013

Changing Vision Changing Life, Celebrating 25 Years of Connection and Program Evolution, Goes Virtual This December

By Kathy Abrahamson, Director of Rehabilitation Services

Twenty-five years ago, a program then called “Living With Vision Loss” was launched by the LightHouse Rehabilitation teaching staff.  At that time, adults of all ages would come to our previous headquarters, two or three days a week, for four weeks of learning. Students learned foundational blindness skills in the areas of independent living, access technology, orientation & mobility, self-advocacy and community resources.  The course was launched during the AIDS epidemic.  During this time, students and teachers supported each other through connection and compassion, through adjusting to blindness or having low vision and the desire to learn skills of independence.

After ten years, the course and the name needed refreshing, thus “Living With Vision Loss” became “Changing Vision Changing Life” (CVCL).  In June 2013, the course became even more immersive: morphing into a one-week intensive course at Enchanted Hills Camp. This meant people from all over the Bay Area and beyond could attend.

Over 400 students have participated in this evolving program, with over half of them having the opportunity to connect at Enchanted Hills Camp.

Now we morph again. While we miss our time at Enchanted Hills Camp, Changing Vision Changing Life is going virtual. Yes, it is a different experience and way of learning, but our same dynamic teaching staff will bring together a two-week training course on Zoom.

What: Changing Vision, Changing Life Goes Virtual

Who: Students 55 and over who are new to blindness or have low vision and desire a deep introduction to independent living through orientation & mobility, access technology, and independent living skills.

When: Weekdays, December 7 through December 18 with the following daily schedule:

  • Mondays: 9:30 am to 11:30 am & 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
  • Tuesdays: 9:30 am to 11:30 am, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Wednesdays: 9:30 am to 11:30 am, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Thursdays: 9:30 am to 11:30 am 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Fridays: 9:30 am to 11:30 am & 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost: There is no instructional fee for this two-week course for those living in the counties of: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity.  There is a material cost of $40 per person as each student will receive a box of equipment to learn with throughout the two weeks which they will then keep.

The evening sessions will be a time for discussion and deeper connection with peers.

This course is for you if you wish to make a commitment to learn more about developing skills and choices to move forward as you leap into 2021. Please note, that all students must be able to make a commitment to all sessions throughout the two weeks.  You do not have to have a computer to participate via Zoom, but you will need to have a reliable speaker phone (smart phone or landline) to participate and call in.

Registration is required by Monday, November 16 and limited to 12 students.

To register: