Class Subject Descriptions
Adaptive Leisure Activities or ALA: This class can assist with the continuation of a favorite hobby or introduce new leisure interests. Some activities include working on crafts, learning adaptive games and going on community outings. Students at the Lighthouse are eligible to use the facilities at the Duluth Clinic Fitness and Therapy Center which is located approximately seven blocks from the Lighthouse’s Yorkleigh building apartments.
Braille: Braille is a system of reading and writing by touch used by people who are blind or visually impaired. The purpose of the Braille class is to teach this skill and demonstrate how it can be incorporated into daily life. Writing Braille using a slate and stylus and a Perkins Brailler is also included. Students will practice using Braille for labeling items, writing notes and playing cards.
Communications: Instruction in this area teaches adaptive skills and techniques for managing a variety of daily activities. Some of the areas covered include use of writing guides for checks, letters and envelopes; adaptive techniques for identifying coins and currency and maintaining a check register; development of reading and listening skills through the Talking Book services; adaptive time pieces and much more.
Computer: For someone who wants to learn how to type a letter, send email or gather information from the internet, computer training at the Lighthouse provides instruction in these skills and many more. Students learn to use software programs that magnify the screen or read the necessary information out loud. The screen can even be read in Braille using a Braille display. Other programs allow printed material, such as a magazine page or instruction manual, to be scanned and read out loud by the computer. So, whether computer skills are needed for school, a job or personal use, computer training at the Lighthouse can assist with these important goals.
Financial Management: For students who need assistance with budgeting skills, assistance in this area can be incorporated through a Financial Management class.
Orientation and Mobility: The main objective of this class is to help students travel safely and efficiently in their community using a long white cane. Some of the skills that are covered include: sighted guide, residential and downtown travel, street crossings, mall travel and bus travel. As much as possible, we try to incorporate skills and techniques that are relevant to the travel needs of the student in their home community.
Techniques of Daily Living: In this class, adaptations are learned that will enable the student to take care of his or her daily needs and maintain a meaningful lifestyle. Skills that will develop confidence working in the kitchen include: labeling and identifying food items; adaptive techniques for meal preparation, including measuring, peeling and chopping; safety techniques for using the range top and oven; and large print and other ways to access recipes. Methods for cleaning a home are also taught, as well as laundry skills, sewing, clothing care, and management of medications.
Employment Services: In this class, career exploration and development of placement skills are covered. Some of the topics covered are: career expectations, developing a resume and cover letter, filling out applications and interviewing skills. Also included are methods for dealing with workplace accommodations and issues related to the American with Disabilities Act.
Adjustment to Vision Loss / Support Groups: Students at the Lighthouse have the opportunity to participate in individual and small group adjustment to vision loss sessions. In these sessions, topics relating to vision loss are discussed, such as dealing with the public, stereotypes about people who are blind, asking for or refusing assistance and the impact of vision loss on family and friends.
