"See the Future" Programs
Enriching the lives of children and young adults who are visually impaired
About Our Programs
In January of 2005, we launched the first of our “See the Future” Programs. These community outreach programs have grown to include over 16 programs offering assistance to students in the areas of technology adaptations, activities of daily living skill development, professional career development for professionals in the field of vision, scholarships to educational and recreational camps, older adult assistance with low vision aids and a mobile low vision clinic.
Our programs provide opportunities for children who are legally blind to experience the wonders of outer space at Space Camp, utilize the latest in adaptive technologies during our Low Vision Clinics and learn essential skills needed to attend college, live independently and build a career of their choice while attending the Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Living Resources Program (SOAR).
We invite you to learn more about our programs below.
The “See the Future” Programs are available for those that are blind, legally blind, and function at the definition of blindness (FDB). FDB is defined as indicating blindness due to brain injury or dysfunction. An Optometrist or Ophthalmologist must confirm all vision impairments.
Lighthouse “See the Future” Programs are open to blind and visually impaired residents of Missouri, as well as the bordering Illinois counties of Calhoun, St. Clair, Monroe, Madison and Jersey.
Programs designed for professionals are open to residents of Missouri as well as the bordering Illinois counties of Calhoun, St. Clair, Monroe, Madison and Jersey. Professionals must be employed full time in the state of Missouri or Illinois.
Some exceptions apply and are subject to change. Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. All programs have financial limits.
Please contact us with any questions regarding participation.
Learn more about all of Lighthouse for the Blind’s See the Future Programs below.
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Our Programs
“See the Future”
Arts & Entertainment Accessibility
The goal of this program is to assist local St. Louis cultural venues in improving their facilities (and websites), thus enhancing the experience of visitors with visual impairments.
CLVP
The Children’s Low Vision Project (CLVP) provides students with clinical low vision evaluations, prescribed optical devices, and training in the use of those devices.
GRADS
The Group Recreation and Developmental Support (GRADS) groups are sponsored by Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments and supported by the Lighthouse for the Blind.
Space Camp
Each year, the Lighthouse provides visually impaired and blind children ages 9 to 18 years, tuition scholarships to SCIVIS, Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students.
Stars for Parents
A parent’s approach to assistive technology. STARS for Parents Program will provide parents the opportunity to learn how to use the same adaptive software, hardware and equipment that their child uses on a daily basis.
Braille Brilliance
This program provides students and families with goal-focused braille tutoring and opportunities to connect with other braille readers and develop a positive image of braille through fun braille-related activities.
Continuing Education
This program provides financial awards to individuals to assist in continuing their education. Awards may be granted in the areas of adaptive equipment, college tuition, and training.
Low Vision Aid Program
The Low Vision Aid Program (LVAP) is a need based program for ADULTS wanting to obtain financial assistance to purchase a CCTV, magnifying lamp or handheld video magnifier.
SOAR
The Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adapted Living Resource Program (S.O.A.R.) is a highly intensive, structured, residential training program that provides specialized instruction to youth ages 16-21 who are legally blind.
Sports Camp
Sports Camp provides children who are visually impaired or blind opportunities to participate in a variety of sports and activities in a non-competitive environment.
Summer Jobs for Students
The Lighthouse for the Blind offers summer employment for legally blind young adults at least 16 years of age.
Camp Barnabas
Every year, the Lighthouse grants children who are visually impaired or blind with scholarships to Camp Barnabas, covering tuition to enjoy six days of fun at this extraordinary camp in Purdy, MO.
Goal Ball
Goalball is a game developed for athletes with visual impairments, played using a ball with bells inside that can be tracked by the sound it makes. Goalball is offered to youth who are visually impaired and blind, 8-18 years old.
Night Orientation & Mobility
This supplemental program is offered to students that are diagnosed as Low Vision or blind ages 12 through college graduation. Students are provided O&M night evaluations and lessons to attain night travel skills.
SWKIA
Southwest Kids in Action is a recreational and developmental group for youth ages 8-18 who are blind or visually impaired and reside in Southwest Missouri.
STARS
The main goal of STARS is to demonstrate, evaluate and train children who are legally blind in the use of Adaptive Technology and Activities of Daily Living.
SEKIA
Southeast Kids in Action is a recreational and developmental group for youth ages 8 – 18 who are blind or visually imapried and reside in Southeast Missouri.
