Lighthouse of Collier

The Lighthouse of Collier provides training and rehabilitation services for babies, children, youth, adults (working and nonworking) and seniors (over 55) who are blind and visually impaired, at no charge, to help those in the community who are blind and visually impaired community. The services provided have increased and the programs provided continue to expand based upon needs in the community. Lighthouse of Collier holds a guidestar platinum status and is nationally accredited by nac, the national accreditation council for blind and low vision services. An individual must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for services: must be diagnosed with a corrected bilateral visual impairment, which constitutes a substantial impediment in their ability to live independently, or must have the presence of a progressive bilateral eye impairment that will result in a substantial impediment to the individual's ability to live independently. All programs are tailored to the client's individual needs and are year- round in a group and/or on an individual basis depending on the needs of the client. All programs are year-round in a group and/or on an individual basis depending on the needs of the client. Our adult programs include: - independent daily living skills - low vision training - assistive technology - orientation and mobility - support groups - vocational rehabilitation - recreation and leisure independent daily living skills the Lighthouse provides an ongoing, weekly independent living skills class. This course introduces a variety of tools, tips and techniques. Examples of topics include: strategies to increase visual access in the home; tools and tips for safely accessing the kitchen; tips for identifying and labeling medications; low to high tech tools and technology to access money and paperwork. Low vision training the majority of our clients have some remaining vision. We therefore teach clients techniques to optimize use of their residual vision; such as: controlling glare, increasing contrast or adjusting lighting. Additionally, we provide training in the use of low vision aids, including prescribed optical devices and video magnifiers. Assistive technology the Lighthouse of Collier takes an individualized, client driven approach with all members who engage in services. The client's wishes and goals drive the services offered. It is understood that people have different learning styles and may learn at a different pace. The Lighthouse of Collier offers individualized and group instruction and makes every effort to accommodate scheduling needs. Meeting with an assistive technology (at) specialist and engaging in training allows the individual who is blind or visually impaired the opportunity to successfully utilize computer technology within their home, school or work setting. Instruction is available for windows and apple users to successfully navigate their machines, write emails, utilize calendars, browse the internet, and so much more. Meeting with an at specialist and engaging in training also allows the individual the opportunity to successfully utilize mobile devices (iphone, ipad, android platform) and benefit from the applications available which were designed for those who are blind or who live with visual impairments. Individuals who successfully complete at training are able to incorporate technology into their day to day tasks- paying bills, managing accounts, shopping on-line, and communicating with friends and family. Individuals who successfully complete at training can confidently and independent manage their own technology needs and have a competitive edge in today's job market. Orientation and mobility we also provide orientation and mobility training (o&m). O&m is a profession that focuses on teaching individuals with vision loss how to safely and efficiently navigate their homes and communities. Some examples of o&m training include: trailing walls and furniture to safely navigate homes, using the long white cane to navigate curbs and sidewalks, walking with a sighted guide and/or using auditory skills to safely cross intersections. Support groups adjustment to vision loss can be a journey. At the Lighthouse, we offer counseling for individuals and their caregivers and weekly support groups. All "adjustment to vision loss" support groups are facilitated by an experienced staff member with vision loss. In these groups, members explore solutions to dealing with vision loss and make connections with others who can relate. Vocational rehabilitation vocation rehabilitation services are designed for adult clients who want to either maintain employment or obtain employment. Clients who are employed may need specialized equipment, training or accommodations to enable them to continue their work. Clients who wish to obtain employment may receive comprehensive training in all areas of the curriculum, including extensive assistive technology training. Recreation and leisure exploring nature, cultural and art events, yoga, healthy and active living workshops; these are just a few of the social and recreational opportunities the Lighthouse of Collier provides to clients throughout the year. Our recreation and leisure services programming allows people of all ages the chance to connect with other blind or visually impaired individuals who are also eager to explore new activities and hobbies. Whether they are attending an audio descriptive movie, hiking with crew or creating clay projects in collaboration with naples art center, Lighthouse of Collier clients are constant proof that the inability to see in no way correlates with an inability to live life to the fullest. Our recreation and leisure offerings also include: "arts and craft programs "yoga, meditation, and other exercise opportunities our blind babies program provides early intervention services to families and their children living with visual impairments from birth through age 5. The goal of the program is to prepare the children to be at the same level as their peers upon entering the school system. Additionally, we provide support and information to the parents/caregivers about their child's vision. We focus on: - fine and gross motor skills; - social, emotional, and cognitive skills; - and communication skills, including braille and pre-braille. The specialists strive for progress in the following areas: - visual attention and ability to track in all directions - participation in activities to encourage use of both hands - activities to encourage motor development our children's program serves children ages 6 through 13. We emphasize the expanded core curriculum which promotes independence. Each child has a specialized service plan that is developed to meet each child's respective goals and needs. Specialist work with each child individually and/or in a group setting, depending on their needs. Children are taught: - assistive technology - compensatory skills (including communication modes) - career education and job readiness - recreation and leisure/social skills - orientation and mobility - sensory efficiency skills - self determination and self-advocacy - independent living skills a summer camp is hosted each year where all areas are addressed, while also giving the children a chance to practice all the skills they learned throughout the year. Our transition program serves children ages 14 through 24. This program is highly focused on job readiness and independent living skills, with the goal of preparing the students for life after high school. These services are crucial to successful post-secondary transition and gaining meaningful competitive employment. Students are taught: - independent living skills - assistive technology - communication skills (including braille) - low vision training - orientation and mobility - job exploration counseling/career education - community integration - counseling on enrollment opportunities - self-advocacy training - workplace readiness training - work-based learning experience we also offer an annual transition summer camp, as well as annual work- based learning experiences where students are provided with real on-the- job- training.