A NEW VISION for those without sight!

Our founder, Dr. Philip H. Hatlen, had a powerful insight:

WHAT IF students learn to live independently by truly living independently in the community?

WHAT IF students share a two-bedroom apartment in a regular apartment complex?

WHAT IF instruction were to occur in the students' own apartments and in their neighborhood, working on individualized goals?

WHAT IF students learn financial independence by paying all of their own bills and living expenses out of their own income?

WHAT IF we present students with information and options and then allow them the power to choose their own future?

The Living Skills Center for the Visually Impaired (LSC) is a unique program that teaches people who are blind or visually impaired to live independently, by ACTUALLY LIVING INDEPENDENTLY.  Since 1972 the LSC's learn-by-doing apartment setting has helped to empower generations of visually impaired people to take charge of their own lives.  If you are 18 or older, and ready to make your move toward independence, the LSC can help you achieve your personal goals. 

The Living Skills Center for the Visually Impaired (LSC) is located in a large, 76-unit apartment complex in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The LSC rents office/classroom space from the management, and the students live in nine, 2-bedroom apartments.  Each student has his/her own bedroom, and shares the dining room, kitchen, living room, and bathroom with a roommate.

When students first arrive, they are evaluated in each curriculum area; including: cooking, cleaning, care of clothing, financial management, orientation and mobility, adaptive technology, pre-vocational skills, and Braille, if necessary.  Each student’s curriculum is designed to meet that individual’s unique needs. Staff consists of two living skills teachers, two orientation and mobility instructors, and an adaptive technology instructor.   In addition, each teacher is assigned to be the financial advisor for several students.  Students may enter throughout the year, depending upon available openings.  Length of stay is determined by individual needs; however, students may stay up to one year.  For more information, visit other pages of our website.

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