Karen Dean, Ashby Village Member Services Coordinator, says this pilot program is a perfect fit for the AV community. “Our members understand what it means to stay in their own homes, and changing vision doesn’t mean they have to change their living arrangements. There are solutions out there to help folks stay safely independent and remain engaged in the activities they enjoy.”
Eleanor Lew, facilitator of AV’s Low Vision Support Group says, “This is a great opportunity to share some really valuable and meaningful information. I hope caregivers attend and encourage the low vision people they support to participate."
At the first session on April 28 (repeating on August 25), Sheri will tell her personal story and the struggles she faced as her vision deteriorated. “I want people not to be afraid and to know what exciting solutions are available,” she says. She’ll describe how the LightHouse can help take vision challenges out of the equation and provide alternative techniques.
On May 26 and September 22, the Rehabilitation session will talk about Independent Living Skills—things people need from the minute they wake up in the morning until bedtime. Everyday situations will be discussed, like how to organize mail, cooking in the kitchen, and performing tasks in a non-visual manner. The discussion will also include Orientation & Mobility with a hint of how GPS and tactile maps can be useful. Finally, come see how Braille can make a difference in your life.
On June 23rd and October 27th, there will be an introduction to the LightHouse Adaptations Store that has more than 1,000 low- and high-tech vision gadgets, everything from white canes to talking clocks and thermometers to Braille playing cards.
The Access Technology Program on July 28 (and another date to be determined) will cover devices that make phones, computers, tablets, Alexa and other devices accessible and easier to use. There are software programs, magnification devices, and apps that can read documents and describe what’s in a room and much more.
To receive a Zoom link for the first virtual LightHouse Connection session on April 28, email Sheri Albers (salbers@lighthouse-sf.org) to register. To arrange for assistance accessing Zoom, email Sheri or call her at 415-694-7331.