Lighthouse’s holistic Adjustment to Vision Loss Program helps adults and seniors living with vision impairment in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties with accepting and adjusting to vision loss and improving self-esteem. The program is based on “Passages” which is one of the programs used by practitioners in the field of vision impairment to help clients adjust successfully to a life without vision or with a vision impairment.
Adjustment to Vision Loss (AVL) is comprised of adjustment to vision loss counseling, and leisure and relaxation activities. AVL classes are provided over 5-7 sessions in small groups. Activities are customized based on client strengths and weaknesses. Activities may include, but are not limited to, physical relaxation training, anger management, depression causes and treatments, personal growth and self-esteem exploration, and guided discussions provided specifically to increase self-awareness and to create a network of support. A recorded life story is provided to demonstrate actual life experience with the stages of adjustment, which are trauma, shock, mourning, and depression. Classes meet once or twice each week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. A graduation ceremony is held following the final session. Clients are provided with transportation if required to each class and to the graduation. The graduation may take place at one of two Lighthouse locations (New Port Richey and Brooksville) or in a local restaurant. Clients are evaluated using a pre and post adjustment survey.
Adjustment to Vision Loss is provided at no cost to our clients thanks to the generosity of our donors. In Pasco County, the program is funded in part by a U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Community Development Block Grant from Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, administered by the Community Development Department.
Passages is facilitated by Lighthouse Social Worker Nancy Branciforte. To learn more about the Adjustment to Vision Loss Program, call Nancy at 727-815-0303, or read Lighthouse program helps adults adjust to vision loss in the Suncoast News.
