“It really helped me grow in the number of things that I can do such as learning how to cook lasagna on the stove, chopping vegetables safely, wiping a counter properly, doing meal-planning with a group. I was also able to make new friends and have fun with the other youth.”
Lifeskills InStruction for Teens
Lifeskills Instruction For Teens (or LIFT) is an intensive independent life skills program for teens who are blind or partially sighted. This week long intensive program is filled with a rigorous schedule of cooking, cleaning, and social etiquette practice, along with opportunities to connect with peers.
Independent Living Skills are critical to learn so that young people can build a sense of independence and feel confident to prepare food, do laundry, and complete basic household chores – these are building blocks for young people to move forward towards living independently.
Life-skill Instruction for Teens LIFT Goals
To fill the gaps in what youth learn in school including topics such as cooking, cleaning and laundry
To equip youth with skills they need to live independently
To empower youth to have the confidence to do these tasks on their own
To learn how to dress and prepare their appearance to match the social situation, in order to boost self-acceptance and confidence
To learn how to effectively communicate with sighted peers in order to put them at ease with blindness and improve social and professional interactions
To develop friendships with peers who are blind or partially sighted, reducing loneliness and feelings of isolation
“It was interesting to see where different teens were at in their life skills. It made me feel that I was not alone and struggling with different things.”
This program requires ongoing funding and support in order to provide these crucial skills for teens who are blind or partially sighted.