We are a group of Northern California agencies dedicated to improving resources and opportunities for blind and visually impaired youth, age 16-22. If you are a representative of an agency who would like to join our group, please contact Richard Rueda, Youth Employment Transition Coordinator for the California Department of Rehabilitation Blind Field Services at (510) 622-3083 or email Richard at RARUEDA@dor.ca.gov.
www.nfbcal.org/cabs/
Contact: BJ Sexton at BJSexton@comcast.net
California Association of Blind Students' goal is to answer any questions or concerns that blind students may have in regards to school and the services they receive. CABS members are about changing what it means to be blind, educating people about blindness, and advocating for alternative techniques for blind students.
www.dor.ca.gov
Contact Richard Rueda
1515 Clay Street #117, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-3083 or (510) 794-3800 x330
rarueda@dor.ca.gov
The California Department of Rehabilitation Blind Field Services works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities. Transition services for blind and visually impaired high school aged youth.
www.ccbnet.org
Contact: Jeff Thom
1510 J Street Suite 125, Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 221-6359 or (916) 441-2100
jsthom@comcast.net
The California Council of the Council is the largest consumer organization of Californians who are blind or visually impaired. Since 1934, the council has been advocating for improved opportunities for those who are blind or have low vision in areas from transportation to education, social services to income support, employment to senior services. Scholarships for college students, emergency assistance, a quarterly magazine, a no-interest loan fund for employment purposes, and information and referral are just a few of the services offered by the council.
www.csb-cde.ca.gov
Contact: LaVernya Carr
500 Walnut Ave, Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 794-3800
lcarr@csb-cde.ca.gov
The California School for the Blind provides intensive, disability specific educational services for enrolled students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and visually impaired/multi-disabled, whose primary learning needs are related to their visual impairment. In partnership with students, families, other consumers, local educational agencies, professional and community resources, California School for the Blind prepares students to participate at their highest level of independence in their schools, workplaces, and communities. The California School for the Blind, as a State Special School of the California Department of Education, is a statewide resource offering expertise in the low prevalence disabilities of visual impairment and deaf-blindness through innovative model programs, assessment, consultation and technical assistance, professional development, research and publications, advocacy, and outreach.
www.lighthouse-sf.org
Contact: Vi Huynh
214 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 431-1481 x357
vhuynh@lighthouse-sf.org
Development of the mind, body, and social well-being are fundamental building blocks to independence and self-esteem. In support of promoting greater independence for youths aged 6 to 21, the LightHouse Youth Program offers a diverse array of services - including recreational activities, educational support, internship and volunteer opportunities.
www.livingskillscenter.org
Contact: Patty Williams
2430 Road 20 #B112, San Pablo, CA 94806
(510) 234.4984
patty@livingskillscenter.org
The Living Skills Center for the Visually Impaired (LSC) teaches people to live independently by actually living independently in their own apartments in the community. This unique transition program offers students the opportunity to learn financial management by paying their own rent and all their own living expenses out of their own income. Students plan their menus, shop and cook their own food, learn to use the latest adaptive technology for practical purposes and travel to meet real-life needs. Every part of the LSC curriculum is integrated and designed to address individualized goals. Lessons are conducted in the student's apartment or in the community, depending on what is happening in the student's life at the time. Students who are interested in attending college part-time while at the LSC are instructed in strategies for transitioning into college as a person with a visual impairment. The Living Skills Center is effective because it does not simulate independent living; it is independent living. Applicants must be 18 or older, clients of the Department of Rehabilitation, and visually impaired. Students may stay up to one year.
www.rehab.cahwnet.ca.gov/ssd/drocb.htm
Contact: Michael Cole
400 Adams Street, Albany, CA 94706
(510) 559.1208
Mcole@dor.ca.gov
OCB is a residential rehabilitation center dedicated to independent living for people with severe vision disabilities. The adult students attend classes from 8:00 - 3:00, Monday through Friday and reside in a seven-day dorm during the time of their training. The OCB curriculum addresses the acquisition of new skills such as adjustment to new vision disabilities, adaptive skills, and immersion in an atmosphere that is respectful of and knowledgeable about the abilities of blind and visually impaired people. The decision to apply to the Center occurs between a DOR consumer and their counselor.
www.societyfortheblind.org
Contact: Michelle Bruns
2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 452-8271
mbruns@societyfortheblind.org
The Youth Enrichment Program at Sacramento Society for the Blind provides youth the opportunity to develop blindness skills and confidence to successfully compete in the classroom and, eventually, the job market. The program includes monthly activities designed to bring blind youth together in a social setting to build skills, to gain confidence, and to discuss their various experiences. Also we host a 10-day intensive summer youth retreat free of charge to youth ages 11 -18. this spring we will hold a series of Saturday daylong technology classes for youth, all of which focus on instilling confidence and positive attitudes towards vision loss and helping youth reach their goals. Lastly, Society for the Blind is also the lead sponsor of the Blind and Low Vision Olympics which takes place each fall for youth and families to network and have fun in friendly athletic competitions.
www.visionbeyondsight.org
Contact: Kenneth Frasse
101 North Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 295-4016
kfrasse@visionbeyondsight.org
SCVBC’s mission is to increase the confidence, independence, and quality of life of the blind and visually impaired through educational, recreational, and rehabilitative programs. Services: Orientation and Mobility (One-on-one white cane training), Access Technology Training (low and high tech), Adjustment to Vision Loss Support Groups, Adaptive Techniques for Independent Living (daily living skills), Braille classes, In-Home Support Service, Reading Room and Resource Library, Equipment Loan Program, Community Outreach and Education, Adaptive Aids Store.
www.pcbvi.org www.vistacenter.org
Contact: Paul Raskin
2470 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 858-0202
praskin@pcbvi.org praskin@vistacenter.org nmitchner@vistacenter.org
The Vista Center for the Blind offers a variety of recreational and educational programs and services for blind and visually impaired youth, teens and young adults. Vista Center empowers individuals who are blind and visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest. Premier resources include programs to promote independence and improve quality of life for individuals with vision loss in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.
* A “*” before any above listed program, service and/or agency indicates that this information has been gathered with the most recent information provided to the author(s) of this document.