Creating Unique Learning Opportunities.

Children and youth who experience blindness and visual impairment can learn to navigate the world in their own unique way. Our programs build confidence and independence through specialized curriculum, fostering relationships with peers, and mentoring.

We provide free services to children, youth, families, and professionals:

• Summer, holiday, and after-school programming
• Assistive technology, braille and tactile graphics lending libary
• Family and professional support and training
• Services for familes who choose home school or private school options
• Teen and young adult programs

All services are based on the Expanded Core Curriculum - vital skills for blind and visually impaired children and youth.

Our services are FREE of charge!

We serve children with vision disabilities from birth to 22 years of age, their families, and professionals who serve them.

For more information, call 210-531-1518 or email [email protected]. 

Learning to do things differently.

Vision loss and blindness changes how you approach the world, but it does not mean that you can't keep doing the things you enjoy. With the right tools and training you can be more independent than you thought possible.

We provide 5 free services:

• Independent Living Skills Training with Adaptive Aids
• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Counseling Sessions
• Low Vision Clinic, Eye Evaluation and Occupational Therapy Services
• Diabetes Self-Management Education

Wherever you are on the low vision spectrum, we have the resources and expertise to help you.

Services are FREE of charge!

To qualify, you must be 23 years or older and have low vision.

For more information, call 210-531-1547.

The Emma Freeman College Scholarship Fund was established through the San Antonio Lighthouse in 1970 to afford students who are blind/legally blind the opportunity to obtain a college education.

Scholarships are awarded annually in the spring and applicable to one year or two semesters. Previous recipients must reapply each year in order to be considered for a scholarship.

Find and complete application here.

1. Submit application in full and by deadline;
2. Applicant must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher;
3. Provide documented proof of blindness (20/200) or visual impairment (20/70) from an optometrist or ophthalmologist;
4. Awards will be based on full-time status (12 hours undergraduate and 9 hours graduate) and pro-rated if hours are fewer;
5. Must be a Texas resident;
6. Must be attending or applying to an accredited university or certified vocational school;
7. Sign Release of Information Form.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training teaches safe and effective travel skills and techniques to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. O&M training aids in fall prevention and independent/safe travel.

A Certified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist teaches safe and effective travel skills and techniques to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. O&M training teaches independent travel skills and aids in safety/fall prevention.

Skills taught by an O&M Specialist include:

• Using the senses to help you determine where you are and where you want to go
• Using a white cane and other devices to walk safely, efficiently, and independently
• Using optical devices and tactile maps to navigate the environment
• Finding destinations using directions, landmarks, and compass directions
• Techniques for crossing streets (analyzing & identifying intersections & traffic patterns)
• Problem-solving skills to determine what to do when lost or disoriented
• Using public transportation and transit systems
• Learning routes of travel in and around your community
• Home modifications to provide a safer environment
• Teaching sighted guide techniques to family members, caregivers, and professionals

O&M Training Increases:

• Independence
• Mobility
• Safety (less falls)
• Confidence
• Awareness
• Self-Advocacy
• Socialization
• Self-Esteem

For services or more information, please contact the O&M Program at (210) 533-5195 ext. 2801 or email [email protected]. 

Assistive Technology Training

Through our Technology Evaluation and Training Program, people who are vision impaired are trained on the latest technology available, enabling them to participate in academic, employment, and independent living environments.

Contact us if you are interested in learning to use any of the following devices:

• eSight
• OrCam
• e2
• Patriot

With “state of the art” technology, Vibrant Works can provide demonstrations, evaluations, and training on the following:

• Touch Typing
• 10-Key
• Large Print
• Speech Recognition
• Note-Taking Devices
• One-Handed
• Keyboards
• Hardware & Terminology
• Operating Systems
• Screen Readers
• Braille Displays
• Scanning Software
• CCTVs (All types)

For information call 210-531-1547

People experiencing vision loss

• Assistive Technology
• Computer Skills Classes

Creating Unique Learning Opportunities.

Children and youth who experience blindness and visual impairment can learn to navigate the world in their own unique way. Our programs build confindence and independence through specialized curriculum, fostering relationships with peers, and mentoring.

The Transition to Work program provides individualized vocational and job skills training. Students enroll through local school districts partnerships and parent referrals.

Students engage in a learning environment which encourages them to achieve their individual maximum potential. Students receive hands on learning through simulation of various career situations and job tasks.

Criteria:

• Students must be 16-22 years of age.
• Experience a vision or other disability.
• Be self-sufficient for toileting and eating.
• Travel independently.
• Demonstrate appropriate behavior.

For more information, call 210-531-1518 or email [email protected]. 

At the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we provide vocational rehabilitation services that are tailored to meet the needs and interest of each individual. Are highly skilled staff specialize in working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as those who are uniquely abled. We provide a wide range of services from basic life skills to advanced technical training to help prepare our customers for independence and success in today's employment market.

Our Programs:

Technology Evaluation and Training: We provide evaluations and training on the latest assistive technology avialable, and specialize in training the vision impaired on mainstream software such as Microsoft and Apple, as well as assistive software. In addition, we work with community organizations and businesses to provide training for staff.

Employment Services and Job Placement: We are proud to offer employment services to assist individuals with preparing for, locating, and maintaining suitable employment. We offer assistance and training in job search, resume writing, job application completion, interviewing skills, and vocational adjustment training (VAT).

School of Business: Our School of Business offers 7 hours that are designed to assist students in refining their marketability into today's workforce. We currently offer seminars in over 15 different areas to include: Introduction to Windows 10, Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel, Microsoft Office Outlook, Microsoft Office PowerPoint, and Zoom.

For more information, contact Employment Services at 210-531-1432 or [email protected]. 

For volunteer opportunities, contact us at [email protected] or click here to sign up!

For Donations:

Below there are ways that you may designate your donation in any amount to a specific need or left undesignated for the Lighthouse to decide where the greatest need lies.

• Undesignated Gift, click here to donate
• Blind Children’s Education Program, click here to donate
• Teen Summer Work Skills Program for Blind and Disabled, click here to donate
• Senior's Programs to include In-home assistance for visually-impaired seniors, click here to donate

For more information or to make a donation, please contact [email protected].