An Overview of Chicago Lighthouse Adult Living Skills Program

The Chicago Lighthouse has provided vision care and social services to boost patient welfare for over a century. In line with its mission to serve visually impaired, physically challenged, and senior communities, the Chicago Lighthouse has multiple independent living programs, including the Adult Living Skills (ALS) Program.

ALS focuses on equipping blind or visually impaired adults with critical life skills to help them become self-sufficient, boost their independence, and become active members of society. Staff offer training in multiple areas, such as orientation and mobility. Participants learn to detect auditory cues, spatial awareness, and independent travel. Self-help training occurs in studio apartments, and participants perform duties such as sweeping, cleaning, dishwashing, dusting, and cooking. ALS training also includes Functional Academics, where participants learn how to read and write in braille, perform basic math, manage money, communicate, and use a telephone.

In addition, community awareness training helps participants gain social skills such as visiting recreation spots, eating out, and visiting gym facilities for exercise.