Visually impaired students learn computer skills to prepare them for school or work

Image of a young blind woman with headphone using a computer with a braille display assistive device while sitting with a senior female colleague. — A young blind woman with headphone uses a computer with a braille display assistive device while sitting with a senior female colleague.

Last year, the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) hosted a two-week computer skills training course for visually impaired or blind teenagers in the greater Washington, DC area to help better prepare them for success in work and school. Funding from the Maximus Foundation helped pay for both trainers and equipment.

During the course, students learned how to use the Microsoft Office suite of products, and then applied those skills to summer internships. CLB hopes to expand the program to more students next year, and buy additional computers and software licenses.

The teen program is only one of many CLB offers that focus on enabling individuals who are blind or visually impaired to remain independent, active, and productive. These programs include training and resources such as:

assistive technology
employment marketing skills
career placement services
comprehensive low vision care
counseling and rehabilitation services

We send our congratulations to Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, who are celebrating 120 years of service this month!

Learn more about the programs CLB offers.