(All day)
Feb 6 – Feb 10
The LightHouse's five-day immersion training programs at the Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa brings together up to 14 adult students of all ages (18 – and up!), from Northern California and the Central Valley, who are either new to low vision or blindness, or have had a significant change in vision and have requested additional training.
This week we’ll help you gain an understanding of the resources available to you, get hands-on with new skills and renew your confidence. Training is presented in four to five sessions per day that may include:
- Techniques for reading printed materials
- How to use lighting, contrast and magnification to your advantage
- Organizing and labeling in your home or office
- Best methods for note taking
- Beginning cooking skills
- Traveling and moving safely in your home and community
- Intro to computer accessibility and other low tech equipment to enhance your life
- Evening discussions that help students focus on staying accountable to your journey, as well as self-advocacy and understanding how friends, family and partners can understand and support your path
The experience of losing your sight is different for everyone, however the connection of coming together with other blind or low vision adults, whether students or teachers, to learn or relearn skills and to get back into the swing of life remains a pivotal part of this experience.
Students live in comfortable shared accommodations (minimum two to a room), are provided three meals/day and have transportation access to Napa from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael and Eureka. Blind or low vision students who are interested should have a genuine interest in learning the skills for moving forward, enjoy learning with a group of peers and be able to participate full day (from 9 to 9 everyday) of active learning and physical participation (rural mobility in Napa/urban mobility in San Francisco).
Fee for Training: $1,300 for five days and $100 for round trip transportation. There is no cost to attend if you are 55 or older and living in San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt or Del Norte counties and limited scholarships are available for persons under 55 and not eligible for Department of Rehabilitation Services.
The Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open to adults who are ready for a jump start or, a recharge as vision has changed. Interested? Contact LightHouse staff in San Francisco, San Rafael or Eureka:
In San Francisco: Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org.
In San Rafael: Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org.
In Eureka: Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org.
