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 Fair for Students who are Blind or Low Vision
November 14th
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.
Career Pathways Program
January 13 and August 19, 2025
- The program is year-round and designed to assist youth who are blind and with disabilities succeed at their career by completing a paid work experience and a certified training program with the possibility for competitive employment with reputable companies.
- During this experience youth participants receive individualized support, vocational training and job readiness skills, counseling and assignment at one of our job-site partners.
- We are aiming to serve 10 participants over the next 2 years through 2 cohorts.
- Initially, participants will be enrolled in a certification training program for approximately 6 months. During this time, we will have monthly meetings to provide job readiness training, including resume building, mock interviews, and talks from business leaders.
- Upon completion of their certification and their passing of a licensing test, participants will have the opportunity to engage in 6 weeks of subsidized on-the-job training, which will help them secure a job placement. Our hope is that, following this training period, participants will either be hired at the placement or receive support from our job counselors in finding a different full-time position.
First Jobs Program
June 17 – August 9, 2024
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
The First Jobs Program is now full for 2024. Please check back next year.
Photography for All (Chicago Residents only)
June 17 – August 2, 2024
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
The Photography For All Program is now full for 2024. Please check back next year.
Summer in the City (SitCity)
Summer in the City is BACK!
July 28-August 2, 2024
The Summer in the City Program is now full for 2024. Please check back next year.
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
