Signal Centers is hosting a Grand Opening for the new Lions Vision Training Suite, located at Signal Centers Assistive Technology Services, 2300 Bailey Ave. in Chattanooga, this Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The renovated and accessible training space includes an independent living suite, complete with a kitchen and laundry area. The suite is intended to help those with vision loss remain engaged in the community and live independently in their own home. The trainings assist participants in learning a variety of skills which empower them to overcome daily struggles faced due to vision loss.
Over 100 professionals, community members, current/former clients and students are expected to attend. This is an opportunity to learn more about services available to those with low vision or vision loss as well as tour the facility and meet the staff.
"We’re thrilled to be able to expand Signal Centers' Vision Services. Almost half of the referrals we receive from the community involve vision loss,” said Lana Little, director of Assistive Technology Services. “Our new facilities make it possible for participants to experience hands on training in all areas of daily living in a supportive environment. Our staff can demonstrate new equipment and adaptive low vision aids so individuals with vision loss can choose which works best for them.”
Major funding for the Training Suite is provided by the Lions Clubs International Foundation; and other funding provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. The program/services are also supported, in part, by United Way of Greater Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Ophthalmological Foundation.
See below Fall classes offered at the new training suite, beginning Nov. 6:
- Adjustment to Blindness: Group support where all participants have vision loss and share struggles and successes each Tuesday from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Group led by Lana Little and Terri Rice, masters level counselors, certified rehabilitation counselors as well as certified deaf and blind specialist (Lana Little) and vision specialist (Terri Rice).
- Adaptive Computer Training: Whether using magnification, voice over or a combination of adaptive computer software, Signal Centers offers individual and group training. Currently our JAWS training (Job Access With Speech) is from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, for beginner JAWS, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. for advanced JAWS.
- Advocacy and Interviewing Skills: Class specific for those with low vision looking for employment, Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Apps Class: Introduction to Apple apps available for those with vision loss, Wednesday, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
- Tactile Art: Every Thursday morning from 9 - 11 a.m., Art at Hart for clients with vision loss at Hart Gallery located at 110 E. Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408. Call Brooke for reservations at 421-521-4707. Once a month we also have tactile art at our main campus located at 109 N. Germantown Road. For more information, contact Lana Little at 423-298-2489.
- Confident Living Classes: These classes are designed to help those with vision loss remain engaged in the community and live independently in their own home. We offer a variety of skills which empower participants to overcome daily struggles they faced due to vision loss. Classes include:
- Cooking without Looking, Friday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
- Dining Skills/Locating Techniques, Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Independent Living Skills. Group training on organizational skills, cleaning and labeling techniques. Friday, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. For more information on individual training, contact Lana Little at 423-698-8528.
- Mobility - Orientation & Mobility Training taught by COMS certified O&M Specialist Katherine Salmon.