The Chicago Lighthouse’s Work Adjustment Training Program provides training opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled.  Many blind and visually impaired individuals have never worked, while others have experienced long-term unemployment.  The Work Adjustment Training Program provides participants the opportunity to acquire marketable skills and to develop appropriate workplace attitudes and behaviors in preparation for competitive or supported employment.  Program participants perform actual job duties and receive an hourly training wage while working on salable products.

The Work Adjustment Training Program offers training opportunities in following two areas:

Industrial Training:  Program participants work in a factory setting and perform assembly and packaging tasks in the production of wall clocks.  Trainees learn to use tools and operate machinery.  Some qualified participants perform material handling duties such as supply and inspection as well as shipping and receiving.

Janitorial training:  Program participants learn all aspects of building maintenance by working with The Chicago Lighthouse’s janitorial staff.  Their duties include cleaning the cafeteria, offices, and hallways as well as discarding of trash.  Trainees also learn to operate power equipment for stripping, waxing, and buffing of floors.

In addition, program participants can receive mobility instruction, Braille lessons, job readiness training, eye care and social services as needed.  Depending on individual needs and goals, the length of training varies from eight weeks to a year.

Blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled candidates can enroll in The Chicago Lighthouse’s Work Adjustment Training Program by referral from their Illinois Department of Human Services counselor.