Youth Transition Program
About
At The Chicago Lighthouse, we create a nurturing environment that supports people who are blind and vision impaired in all areas of life. Our Youth Transition Program provide teens and young adults (ages 15 – 24) with the tools they need for independence. We host a variety of experiences designed for youth who intend to live independently, seek competitive employment, and/or attend a vocational training program or college upon graduation from high school. We’ll work with each participant to address his or her individual needs and challenges.
College Exploration
March 23rd to 26th
This immersive program offers participants the opportunity to visit colleges, universities or trade schools around the Chicagoland area, providing them with firsthand insight into various educational environments.
Throughout the week, students will explore different campuses and meet with faculty and staff, gaining valuable information to help guide their future academic and career choices. This year participants will visit Loyola, Northern Illinois University, Universal Technical institute, Paul Mitchell, and 3 more universities.
First Jobs Program
June 15th to July 24th
8 week paid internship
- Combines virtual learning, on-site orientation and paid work experience
- Participants will learn about topics including resume writing, interview skills, career planning, disability disclosure, nonverbal communication skills, self-advocacy and conflict resolutions
- Following training, students will complete a 6-week paid internship (25 hours/week) with the possibility for competitive employment with reputable companies
Photography for All (Chicago Residents only)
June 15th to July 24th
7 week in-person and remote paid instruction
An opportunity for youth with vision impairments to explore their creative passions while gaining vocational skills
- Participants will travel throughout Chicago to take photographs with iPads (provided)
- Apple engineers will provide in-depth training on using iPad accessibility features
- Virtual training session covers topics including resume writing, career planning, disability disclosure, nonverbal communication skills, self-advocacy, conflict resolution, and interview skills
- Youth will also participate in One Summer Chicago, providing the opportunity to build relationships, leadership, and life skills
Summer in the City (SitCity)
July 26th to 31st
Summer in the City is a five-day residential program designed to assist youth who are blind or visually impaired as they learn and practice basic life skills. By combining life-skill lessons with adventures and socialization, students overcome their hesitations and fears. Summer in the City youth spend the week living in a dorm environment in Chicago, where they improve their skills in technology, mobility, communications, fitness and daily living skills. During the day, participants travel throughout the city on foot, as well as by bus and train, to explore Chicago’s many attractions, such as Wrigley Field, Shedd Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo. They also enjoy theater, boating, indoor skydiving, and rock climbing, while sampling a variety of cuisines in Chicago’s many restaurants. At the end of the program participants throw an award show honoring each person’s strengths and showing off their talents. Students make lasting friendships as they connect and bond with peers who experience the same challenges.
Career Fair for Students who are Blind or Low Vision
Check back soon for 2026 Date!
Calling All Students who are Blind or Low Vision!
A unique opportunity to interact with business leaders, successful adults who are blind or low vision and recent college grads who are blind or low vision to assist in your exploration of career possibilities and networking.
ABSF Ski Trip
Check back next winter for our next outing!
Let the American Blind Skiing Foundation take you on an experience like no other, as qualified instructors coach participants to downhill ski! Open to all experience levels of skiiers who are blind/vision impaired, the ABSF aims to provide skiiers with “both physical and psychological therapeutic value.”
Lift tickets, skis, boots, and helmet rentals will be provided FREE of charge.
For more information, please contact:
Fay Zeigler
(312) 666-1331 ext. 3203
fay.zeigler@chicagolighthouse.org
