Calendar

The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school, and daily living environments.

The virtual course is divided into 6 classes over 4 weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory class with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour classes which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.  There is also a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, one in-person half-day group lesson, and one individualized lesson.

It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the 6 virtual classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Class 7 is a half-day, in-person Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration at the San Francisco LightHouse Headquarters. Thereafter, participants will be eligible for an individualized Low Vision Therapy class.

The first 6 classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Daylight Time):

Week of April 17: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment

Week 1 (Classes #1 and #2): Monday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 26– 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 1 and 2

Week 2 (Classes #3 and #4): Monday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 3 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3 (Classes #5 and #6): Wednesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 10 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 3 and 4

Week 4 (Class #7): Wednesday, May 17 at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco – 10am to 3:00 pm (including 1 hour break for lunch, further peer interaction)

Before June 14, 2023 (Class #8): individualized follow-up class tailored to the unique needs of each participant (scheduling preferred within 1-2 weeks from the group Class #7)

If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). Please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 for an intake and referral