[NFBC-Info] New Online Class for Low Vision Students This January

[LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired]

Happy New Year from LightHouse! We're pleased to announce we're offering another edition of our popular online program Low Vision Skills: Putting It Together. This class is for participants who are new to having low vision. Participants must be 55 or older or adult clients of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).

The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is geared towards learning about 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 six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.
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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The 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 Standard Time):

Week 1: Monday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 26 - 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 2: Monday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 2 - 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 3: Monday, February 7 and Wednesday, February 9 - 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Please RSVP by Monday, January 10 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, January 24. To register or ask questions, please contact LightHouse Rehabilitation Counselor Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at GDigrazia at lighthouse-sf.org<mailto:GDigrazia at lighthouse-sf.org>.



We are now scheduling appointments for in-person one-on-one training. If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and would like training in access technology, orientation & mobility, Braille or independent living skills, phone 415.694.7323 or email info at lighthouse-sf.org<mailto:info at lighthouse-sf.org>. Online group classes are also continuing so please visit our calendar<https://lighthouse-sf.org> to find times and sign up.