Overview
Every individual who loses their vision is unique in the services they need. But every individual has one thing in common: the right to access services that enable them to live as independently as possibles. At the LightHouse, we offer a full complement of training, educational and recreational programs, which help make independent living a reality for our clients.
Please note: Information subject to change.
Types of Service
The LightHouse provides programs in five broad areas:
1. Vision Rehabilitation Training is the process by which an individual adjusts to losing his or her vision. The LightHouse offers a variety of classes that assist in this adjustment process and help people remain safe, active and independent.
Through instruction in Daily Living Skills (Living with Vision Loss, Cooking Skills, Braille Instruction), Orientation and Mobility (White Cane skills, access to public transportation, and orientation outside the home) , and Self Advocacy (how to ask for what you need) individuals learn the skills, techniques and tools needed to perform life's daily tasks. To learn more about specific offerings, visit Vision Rehabilitation Schedule of Classes and
Living with Vision Loss Skills
2. Information and Resources connects individuals to local and state resources, enabling them to meet their needs:
- Vision Loss Resource Center (call-in Information and Referral at 1-888-400-8933)
- Resource Counseling (what is available to you in the community)
- Assistive Aids from Adaptations, the LightHouse Store ( in San Francisco, mail and online ordering)
- Audio-Cassette and Descriptive Video Library
- The Lantern - a monthly consumer newsletter
- Personal Service Providers (Volunteers assist with everyday activities such as reading mail, organization, running errands, getting exercise, or simple companionship.
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3. Employment and Technology trains individuals in such areas as computer skills and use of high and low technology, which enable equal access to job opportunities for blind or visually impaired individuals:
- Adaptive Technology (learn the use of technology such as screen readers and magnifiers, Braille embossers, and basic computer skills)
- Utilization of the Technology Lab, and computer and CCTV Kiosks
- Youth Employment Services and Internships
- Deaf-Blind Employment Services (call TTY 415-431-4572)
- LightHouse Industries (Industrial Employment Programs where employment opportunities are often available. For more information, call 415-431-1481)
4. Access to Information Services connects individuals to the visual world they live in by providing access to the printed word.
- The LightHouse Website, www.lighthouse-sf.org
- Radio Reading Service, AIS Radio Live Stream
- Braille Transcription and Recording Services,
Braille Solutions
5. Education, Recreation and Life-Long Learning is designed to increase educational and recreational opportunities for individuals with vision loss of all ages and backgrounds. The development of these skills is a fundamental building block to independence and self-determination. Individuals can experience opportunities through:
- Adult Education and Recreation (social activities, such as gardening, meditation and arts classes, for blind and visually impaired working-age adults and seniors, as well as an Evening and Weekend Events group for adults over 18).
- Youth Education and Recreation (provides career development, education and recreation for youth ages 6 to 21)
- Enchanted Hills Camp (a 311-acre camp in Napa, especially adapted to provide blind, visually impaired, Deaf-Blind and multi-disabled children, adults and seniors with a traditional summer camp experience)
Continuum of Services
If you are interested in receiving any of the direct training and services of the LightHouse you must contact the LightHouse office near you to begin your registration process. To assist you in understanding what services you may be interested in or eligible for, please read below the continuum of services the LightHouse has to offer. Please note, not all locations are able to offer identical services, however LightHouse staff will direct you to services that most meet your interests and needs.
What services can you expect from the LightHouse?
I. If you are significantly visually impaired or blind and are experiencing problems in some or all of the following issues related to living independently:
- Being able to read print such as the mail
- Writing with pen and paper, or with a computer
- Getting around your home, or around town by yourself safely
- Doing household chores and daily tasks that you have used your vision to assist you with in the past
- Getting meals ready and grocery shopping
- You can receive hands-on training to teach you to be as independent as you want at home and at work.
2. If you have low vision and you have some useable vision (for example, you can read headlines on newspapers, bill boards, or view people close-up, but they are blurred), contact the LightHouse about receiving a "Low Vision Evaluation." This evaluation is in addition to your regular eye exam, usually preformed by an Optometrist who specializes in Low Vision. A Low Vision Exam will provide you with information and training regarding the best magnification, lighting, contrast and strategies for you to maximize your usable vision.
3. If you want to work OR you feel that you are unable to maintain the duties of your current job due to your vision loss, you may be eligible for training, job placement, technology instruction and other ancillary services through the California State Department of Rehabilitation. The LightHouse can direct you to the nearest office.
4. If you are a person under the age of 21 and you have a vision loss, you are eligible to participate in the LightHouse's summer camping program at Enchanted Hills Camp and our youth recreation, education and vocational programs. The LightHouse can also connect you with other community educational, recreational and family programs.
5. If you want to receive supportive counseling or peer support regarding your vision loss and how it affects your life, you can get involved in peer support service or individual support services sponsored by the LightHouse or you can be referred to resources in your community.
6. If you want to get involved with community and statewide issues that affect persons with vision loss and persons with disabilities, we can connect you with an advocacy organization.
7. If you are an individual who has both vision and hearing loss, the LightHouse can provide communication skills training, independent living skills and referrals to additional community resources.
8. If you need print information made accessible to you, the LightHouse can provide the access services to have your print information made available in Braille or on cassette tape.
9. If you need a tool or adaptive aid to assist you in completing your day to day activities, Adaptations, the LightHouse Store offers such aids online or in person in two locations, San Francisco and San Rafael.
10. If you simply have a question regarding phone numbers or names of services that may be available, you can contact the LightHouse Vision Loss Resource Center at 1-888-400-8933.
