"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 23 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.
Braille Brilliance
This program provides students and families with goal-focused braille tutoring and opportunities to connect with other braille readers while developing a positive image of braille through fun braille-related activities.
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.
Comprehensive Low Vision Project (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Northwest Kids in Action (NWKIA)
Northwest Kids in Action is a recreational and developmental group for youth ages 8 – 18 who are blind or visually impaired and reside in Northwest Missouri.
Professional Career Development
Comprised of three separate programs: the Tuition Reimbursement Program, Conference Training and ACVREP Certification Reimbursement.
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.
Southeast Kids in Action (SEKIA)
Southeast Kids in Action is a recreational and developmental group for youth ages 8-18 who are blind or visually impaired and reside in Southeast Missouri.
Southwest Kids in Action (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.
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.
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.
STARS
The main goal of STARS is to demonstrate, evaluate and train children who are visually impaired or blind in the use of Adaptive Technology.
Summer Jobs for Students
The Lighthouse for the Blind offers summer employment for legally blind young adults at least 16 years of age.
The Braille Box
The Braille Box is a quarterly subscription-style box designed to help students practice their braille reading skills. Each box features a different theme and includes fun activities and a braille book.
