Our programs are divided into two areas: education and training and community-based activities. Together these programs are designed to help you live a full and successful life as you adjust to changes in your vision.
Educational Programs
October through December 2024
iPhone and iPad Instruction
We offer remote iPhone instruction in small groups, covering six levels of skills from beginner to advanced. You’ll learn essential skills like using VoiceOver and gestures to navigate your phone. Classes meet twice a week on Mondays/Thursdays, Tuesdays/Thursdays, or Tuesdays/Fridays. Before starting, you’ll have a brief evaluation to determine the right class for your current skill level. We also offer refresher courses if you’d like to brush up on specific skills. Feel free to discuss your skill level and goals with the instructor.
We’ve started offering remote iPad instruction! You can choose to learn the basics, which might be all you need for personal use, or you can progress through six levels of training to gain more in-depth knowledge and skills to use your iPad in your daily life.
iOS VoiceOver Accessible App Workshop Series
All interested VisionLink participants are welcome to attend. No iPhone experience necessary. To participate, contact us and receive the Zoom Meeting information to join any of the App Workshops on their scheduled day and time. Note: upon request, participants can receive a phone call from the instructor to join the workshops.
October 29 through December 5, 2024
- Using iOS AI with SIRI: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Explore the iOS AI SIRI functions and learn how this tool can simplify some of your everyday tasks. Note: this workshop’s topic is subject to change if Apple does not release iOS AI by the start of this workshop. - Participant’s choice! App Q&A: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Want to learn about different apps? Looking for a quick app overview? Have iPhone app questions? Then, this workshop is for you! Reply to this email with your app overview request. - IOS calendar: Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Learn how to navigate the iOS calendar, set up and delete appointments and more.
Please Note: There will be a student app workshop break on November 19, 20 and 21. All App Workshop classes will resume the following week. This break is only for the iPhone App workshops. All other Vision Link activities will continue as scheduled.
iPhone: Advanced App Workshops
Vision Link’s next round of iPhone Advanced App Workshops will begin on Friday October 4, 2024, and will run through Monday December 16, 2024. These remote learning workshops will be held on Mondays & Fridays for 1.5 hour per day.
All interested Vision Link participants are welcome to attend. Intermediate iPhone experience is recommended. Read on to explore the workshop schedule.
- Amazon Alexa App – is Amazon’s cloud-based voice service available on more than 100 million devices from Amazon. In this workshop series we will learn how to navigate the app, how to set up voice shopping for items on Amazon, how to set up your contacts and/or calendar, and much more!
Friday October 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday October 7, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday October 11, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday October 18, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Focus (Do Not Disturb) & Notifications – When you want to concentrate on a specific activity and or set boundaries, you can use Focus to temporarily silence all notifications or allow only specific notifications that apply to your task.
Monday October 21, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday October 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Password Manager – iCloud Keychain, is a secret password manager built into every Apple device to generate random passwords, store passwords and usernames, store credit card numbers, and autofill information when you return to the same website.
Monday October 28, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday November 1, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - iCloud and other Cloud storage options – iCloud, Google Drive, One Drive, and Drop Box are remote storage solutions that securely back up your photos, files, notes, passwords, and other data in the cloud and keep it up to date across all your devices automatically.
Monday November 4, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday November 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Wi-Fi, Hot Spots, Cellular, and Bluetooth – Wi-Fi is a wireless technology used to connect computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices to the internet in your home, hotels, stores, and restaurants. A hotspot is a small device that provides wireless access to the internet for phones, tablets, computers, and other devices when you are on the go. Another form of communication is Bluetooth that allows voice and data connections between a wide range of mobile and external devices like keyboards, headphones, and speakers through short-range digital two-way radio frequencies.
Monday November 18, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday November 22, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Dings, Beeps and other sounds that come from Notification – Notifications alert you to many things on your iPhone, including incoming messages, new emails, missed calls, breaking news, calendar events and device specific information. Notifications play an important role in keeping you updated on what is happening on your iPhone.
Monday December 2, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday December 6, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - App Library – Your iPhone automatically groups apps into different folders based on their category. These categories include Social, Entertainment, Utilities, Productivity, and Health. Within this workshop, participants will learn how to navigate within the app library and its different categories.
Monday December 9, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday December 13, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Music Recognition – Use the Shazam app and the Music Recognition in Control Center, Siri, to help you discover new music.
Monday December 16, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please Note: Upon request, participants can receive a phone call from the instructor. Call Marsha Drenth at 267-413-7845 or Email marsha.drenth@visionlinkphl.org to connect with the instructor.
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility is now providing in-person instruction. This class will teach you to travel efficiently, safely, and independently – according to the individual’s goals and ability. Lesson times, start dates, and end dates will be set directly with the instructor.
Home Management
Home management workshops are group sessions where participants can discuss strategies and learn techniques to live more independently while managing sight loss. The workshops will focus on a range of topics which will include strategies for maintaining Safety in the Home, Organization and Labeling, Assistive Technology, Medication Management, Resources for managing vision loss, and recommendations that can help with the adjustment to the Psycho-Social aspect of vision loss.
The home management workshop series is scheduled to resume in October 2024 at 1 p.m. and will be offered on the following dates. Dates are subject to change:
October 14, October 28, November 4, November 18, December 2, December 9, December 16
Computer Instruction
We’re pleased to announce the resumption of our computer training program starting in October. Classes will be held on Fridays, focusing on basic computer skills using JAWS screen reader software.
Please note: To participate, you need to have access to a computer at the time the class begins. To be added to the waiting list, please contact a VisionLink staff member. The instructor will reach out to you directly to schedule training.
Vision Rehabilitation & Low Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
VisionLink offers Vision Rehabilitation and Low Vision Rehabilitation Therapy to help you live a safe, productive, and independent life. Through personalized instruction and practical training, you’ll learn essential skills for home and personal management, using non-visual techniques.
Our services include:
- Compensatory skills training: Learning alternative ways to complete daily tasks.
- Assistive technology instruction: Discovering helpful tools and devices.
- One-on-one tutorials: Personalized instruction to meet your unique needs.
- Participatory workshops: Learning with others in a supportive environment.
- Referrals and recommendations: Connecting you to additional resources and support.
With our individualized approach and focus on practical skills, you’ll gain the confidence and independence to thrive in your daily life.
- Safe & Independent Kitchen Skills: Master meal preparation techniques adapted for your needs.
- Strategies for Medication Management: Organize and manage medications safely and effectively.
- Organization & Cleaning: Learn techniques for maintaining a clean and accessible living space.
- Basic Orientation & Mobility: Navigate your home environment with confidence using basic techniques.
- Labeling Systems: Develop personalized labeling strategies for easier identification of items.
- Personal Grooming: Adapt personal care routines for greater independence.
- Communication Skills: Learn to use Braille or smartphone apps for effective communication.
- Lighting & Magnification: Optimize lighting and contrast for reading and hobbies.
- Assistive Technology: Discover devices that can enhance your daily life and independence.
VisionLink participants are welcome to join us in any of the programs listed on this page.
Clients can email Lee Cannady, our Manager, Enrollment and Referral, or call us at (215) 627-0600 to participate in our Educational Programs.
New to VisionLink? Visit our Get Started page.
Community-Based Programs
Mondays
- New Participant Orientation (meets third and fourth Monday of every month) from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: This group requires registration in advance. The group meets four times over the course of two weeks, with a new group forming every month.
Tuesdays
- Diabetes Information and Support Group (Will return in Fall) from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Led by Thomas Jefferson University staff and pharmacy students, this group will help you learn about ways to manage your diabetes, how this disease affects your body, and how to eat sensibly and still enjoy what you are eating.
- Peer Support Group (meets last Tuesday of every month) from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. This group is designed for individuals experiencing sight loss in need of peer support, peer networking and information related to the field of vision loss. Topics discussed in this group will range from support, relationships, self-talk, safety issues, health, working, family, parenting, physical appearance, traveling, socializing, mental health, activities of daily living and coping skills.
Wednesdays
- Yoga For All/Movement Group (October 2 through November 20) from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Get your blood flowing with this exciting program. No previous experience required and experienced Yogi’s are welcome.
- New Participant Orientation (meets third and fourth Wednesday of each month) from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: The group meets four times over the course of two weeks, with a new group forming every other month.
- Men’s Peer Support Group (meets biweekly) from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Having difficulty talking with friends and family about vision loss? Join this weekly group to share your thoughts and experiences with peers, discussing issues facing men who are blind or visually impaired.
Thursdays
- Women’s Peer Support Group (meets biweekly) from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Having difficulty talking with friends and family about your loss of vision? Join this weekly group and share thoughts and ideas with peers, discussing issues facing women who are blind or visually impaired.
- Intro to Opera (TBA) from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Led by Steven Humes (Manager of Audience Development, Opera Philadelphia) and Nicole Sardella (Audio Describer), this monthly group dives into different operas and the details behind the art.
- Audio Described Art Exhibition (meets fourth Thursday of August and September) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Led By Aisha Khan (President & CEO of Twelve Gates) and Nicole Sardella (Audio Describer), this monthly group explores different pieces of art, the creators, and the thought process behind the work.
Fridays
- Speaker Series (meets fourth Friday of every month) from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: VisionLink welcomes professionals from health and other fields to speak to our participants about topics that are important to health and wellness, finance, legal assistance, and more.
- Resource Sharing Call (meets first Friday of every month) from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Join VisionLink staff to learn about new programs, resources available and special announcements. Bring any new resources you have learned about to the call as well to share with other participants.
“This is such a gift. Without vision, it’s very hard to find opportunities for joining other people in a class.”
Clients can email Lee Cannady, our Manager, Enrollment and Referral, or call us at (215) 627-0600 ext. 824 to participate in our Community Programs.
New to VisionLink? Visit our Get Started page.
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