Seniors Program at The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

With the largest emerging population of individuals who are blind or visually impaired being older Americans, The Chicago Lighthouse Seniors Program helps individuals, aged 55 years or over, find new ways to accomplish daily responsibilities and learn new skills to continue to live an independent and productive life.

Through computer training classes, activities, and seminars, this innovative program offers participants to meet other people, share information and learn about available resources for seniors in Chicago.

The program is uniquely able to offer training to blind or visually-impaired older adults by using special assistive technology software that enable participants to accomplish instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) independently including: finding and utilizing resources (looking up phone numbers), arranging travel, and managing finances (basic budgeting, paying bills and writing checks).

Classes are held in two-hour sessions, twice a week, for four weeks. Available hours are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is not required of participants to own a computer.

The Senior Center provides social opportunities for older adults with visual impairments by hosting a monthly luncheon and descriptive video program. Monthly luncheons provide opportunities for participants to meet and make new friends. These luncheons are also an avenue of networking and exchanging resources.

The Center provides social activities adapted to vision-impaired older adults to keep them socially involved while providing a service for others, which may help maintain their self-esteem.

For more information, contact:
Alixandra Burns, LCSW
Phone: (312) 666-1331 ext. 3670
E-mail: alixandra.burns@chicagolighthouse
---

City of Chicago Information

Just Hang Up Campaign: The Office of the Illinois Attorney General has launched a campaign to help older adults avoid telephone scams. The best way to avoid these scams is also the easiest. Just Hang Up! The following are common warning signs of telephone scams.
• They contact you: When someone calls you, there is no way to know who the person is, where they’re calling from, or what they want.
• They want your personal information: Never give personal or financial information to someone you do not know.
To avoid telemarketers, you can place your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Ilinois Cares Rx: This program assists older adults and persons with disabilities with prescription medication. There have been some changes with this program. If you are enrolled and have any questions or concerns about it, please contact Alix at 312.997.3670 or call them directly at 1.800.252.8966

South Shore Jazz Fest: Seniors Program member Geraldine de Haas has been directing the South Shore Annual Jazz Fest for 30 years! Enjoy world renowned Jazz artists at this free event held the South Shore Cultural Center on August 6th and 7th from 10 am to 8 pm on both days. Call Alix for more information.

# For the Seniors Program monthly calendar of events and more, visit: http://chicagolighthouse.org/programs-and-services/independent-living-services/seniors-program