Services

Rehabilitation Program - Adults 21 and 0ver

Individuals who have limited vision or are blind have continually demonstrated that given proper training and services, they can successfully work and live independently in their communities. The Lighthouse is dedicated to helping each person attain that goal.

Our classes include:

Orientation and Mobility

Teaches skills of safe and independent travel - at home, on the job and out in the community.

Activities of Daily Living

Teaches the many skills related to managing safely in your own home. Learn to use check and signature guides, "talking" watches and calculators, talking books and tape recorders, magnifiers, new ways of organizing, cooking safely, and much more.

Computer Education

Teaches the use of the latest computer technology, with adaptations including speech output, large print displays, scanners, braille printers and specialized laptop note-taking devices which help make workplaces and schools more fully accessible.

Besides the basic business applications, students are offered courses in the Internet and e-mail.

Lighthouse on the Move

For elders, group and individual instruction is provided at various locations throughout Broward County, such as senior centers and adult living communities. Classes are designed for a person with vision impairment who is unable to come to the Lighthouse of Broward's main facility but still needs to address personal needs and goals through specific training in "Orientation and Mobility" and "Activities of Daily Living." Group and peer counseling is also provided.

Lifetime Learners

For adults who have completed training in the rehabilitation program or "Lighthouse on the Move." Monthly meetings led by Lighthouse of Broward professionals and volunteers offer brief refresher courses in skills, introduce new assistive devices or technology, bring speakers on interesting topics and provide opportunities for social interaction and leisure activities.

For more information, contact Barbara Krantz, Information/Volunteer Coordinator at (954) 463-4217 or bkrantz@LHOB.org

Low Vision Clinic

The Lighthouse of Broward has partnered with Nova Southeastern School of Optometry to provide low vision evaluations and prescribe special magnifying devices to enable people with vision impairments to use remaining vision as efficiently and effectively as possible.

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 954-463-4217.

Transition Program - Youth ages 14 - 21

This program for planning post-high school life is now year-round on certain weekends and after school, plus the 5 week, intensive summer program . College preparation and/or job readiness skills are emphasized in group classes and field trips: safe outdoor travel skills, cooking and self-care techniques, braille or use of magnifiers and other low vision devices to read and write efficiently, use of computers and other high-tech assistive devices, polite social interaction and self-advocacy, resume-writing, networking and interviewing, guidance in understanding vocational interests and values, and actual on-the-job experiences. Adults who are blind or visually impaired are role models. Fun recreational activities are also included.

Bright Beginnings, Early Intervention Program - Ages Birth through 5 years

Young children with visual impairments face special challenges as they develop and grow. Special early intervention services can give a child the help he or she needs to lead a successful, self-sufficient life. This program also gives parents and caregivers the tools they need to help a child reach critical developmental stages that are normally achieved through visual interaction with the world. Early intervention services are offered at the Lighthouse, or in the child's own natural environment -- for instance the child's home, daycare, or at another therapy provider's location.

KIDS Beacons of Light -- Summer and After School Programs - Ages 6 - 14 years

These programs give special attention to the unmet needs of visually impaired children, as well as the opportunity to interact with successful visually impaired adults who serve as role models. The Lighthouse also serves an important function for parents, helping them to become more aware of the true potential of a visually impaired child, while offering the opportunity to meet other parents for support, advocacy and solutions to shared problems.

In Summer camp, play is an opportunity to learn. Through writing a play, horseback riding, swimming, field trips and other fun activities, as well as short classroom sessions, children learn safe travel skills, age appropriate cooking and self-care techniques, Braille, use of computers, and polite social interaction and self-advocacy.

During the school year, specially planned groups on Saturday or vacation days also support learning age-appropriate safe outdoor travel, Braille or use of magnifiers and other low vision devices to read and write efficiently, computers and other high-tech assistive devices, cooking and self-care techniques, and recreational activities that provide the opportunity to interact with other children and successful visually impaired adults who serve as role models. The after-school program, still in re-development, will be offered in the child's own natural environment - at home, neighborhood after-school program, scouts, or wherever the child spends out-of-school time.