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.
Career Pathways Program
January 13 and August 19, 2025
In January 2025, The Chicago Lighthouse, in partnership with Moraine Valley Community College, will launch the Career Pathways Program, which will help students with disabilities train to become classroom paraprofessionals. Through an online course, participants will prepare for the ETS ParaPro Assessment, a certification required to become a teacher’s aide. The program is open to youth with disabilities ages 18-24 who have completed high school and are looking for an opportunity to move into the workforce.
This free program will involve:
- Approximately six months of self-directed online classwork with a curriculum that will teach how paraprofessionals assist with classroom instruction as well as strategies to support students of different learning abilities in reading, writing and math.
- Regular meetings with a Moraine Valley Community College success coach to help participants organize their courseload and identify areas requiring assistance.
- Regular sessions with Chicago Lighthouse Employment Counselors to provide job readiness training, resume building, mock interviews and information on being employed with a disability (such as accommodation requests and ADA requirements).
- Upon completion of training and passing the licensing test, participants will be placed in a 6-week, on-the-job paid practicum to put their newfound skills to work.
The Chicago Lighthouse will offer two Career Pathways Program cohorts (January 2025 and August 2025), each consisting of five participants. Participants will complete self-directed online coursework (designed to be completed in six months) to prepare for the certification.
The January 2025 cohort application deadline is December 6, 2024.
Media for All Program
June 23rd to August 1st 2025
6 week paid in-person learning experience
- Participants will learn journalism and media skills through hands-on projects with help from industry professionals and an experienced teacher.
- Youth will create a professional online portfolio featuring a news article, podcast, blog post, and social media content.
- Guest speakers will share career insights and highlight accessibility in the media industry.
- Media for All is part of Chicagobility and One Summer Chicago, giving youth the chance to earn money and build lifelong skills.
The deadline to apply is May 30, 2025.
First Jobs Program
June 23rd to August 1st
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 23rd to July 31st
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)
August 3rd to 8th
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 later this year for our next Career Fair
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 this 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