CLC provides resources and training for individuals who require special accommodations or equipment to be connected to the online world. Our Community Connectors and Computer Trainers are experienced with hearing and vision challenges in English, Chinese, and Spanish. Jennifer Walsh is our Accessibility Integrator with decades of experience helping people learn how to use available tools to enhance their ability to be more independent. This helps to reach a broader group of individuals and support seniors in the community.
Vision & Hearing Initiative
San Francisco’s at-risk seniors and individuals with disabilities are benefitting from a grant from the Francis Goldsmith Fund through United Way of the Bay Area – especially those with vision and hearing loss. We want to help seniors and adults with disabilities to have access to the internet, computers, tablets, and phones to keep in contact with family, friends, and healthcare professionals, especially in this time of sheltering in place.
Living with hearing and vision loss can make it more difficult to remain connected, reducing access to healthcare and supportive services, and further limiting job opportunities for older adults. Our Vision and Hearing Initiative provides:
- Accessible Technology Training
- Assistive Technology Education & Resources
- Best Practices for Communication
- Access to Affordable Devices for Hearing & Vision Loss
- Neighborhood Outreach for Hearing Tests and other services
Accessible Technology Training
SF Connected hosts computer labs at Adult day Health Centers and other locations. We provide participants with accessible computer training to strengthen and support their online social networks and access to information. These services are available in more than 50 locations around San Francisco. Our Computer Lab Trainers and online tech support help over 600 computer students with vision and/or hearing disabilities and offer low-income seniors in Adult Day Health Centers with approximately $6,000 of assistive devices or aids.
Adaptive and Assistive Technologies
We train all our staff to serve as Ambassadors, working to increase vision and hearing accessibility throughout our programs and beyond. We provide seniors with assistive technologies, including hearing aids, glasses, readers, and other adaptive tools. Find services you need at the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC)-Lending Programs.
Vision, Hearing, and Accessibility Resources
Jennifer creates presentations that she uses in her classes and workshops. They are available to download and use :
We maintain a San Francisco Directory of Resources for Seniors Living with Vision and Hearing Disabilities, which serves as a guide to these resources, listed alphabetically:
- AbilityTools is California’s Assistive Technology Act Program and provides a variety of services for Californians with disabilities of all ages.
- Ability.net gives you the ability to search their simple ‘how to’ guides to make your devices easier to use.
- Apple Accessibility shows you how to make your computer your own with these features: Speech, Vision, Hearing, Mobility, and Cognitive
- BridgingApps offers a custom-built App Search Tool that allows users to shortcut the process for finding mobile apps and some web-based tools that help people with disabilities, caregivers, older adults and others.
- Easter Seals Crossroads has an assistive technology division dedicated to increasing access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for people of all ages and abilities so they can live, learn, work and play independently with greater freedom in communities of their choice.
- Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California
- Independent Living Resource Center provides Assistive Technology, Housing, Economic Empowerment, Legal Services, Community Activities
- Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Lingraphica offers speech-generating devices, help you improve your communication, speech, and quality of life.
- Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) matches seniors with volunteers who can provide in-person and remote services.
- SF Connected Program Disability & Aging Services provides free computer tutoring and support to older adults and adults with disabilities.
- SF Public Library Accessibility Services
- Living with Vision Disability: Strategies to Decrease Indoor Light Sensitivities
- Living with Hearing Disabilities: Social Gatherings
- Windows 10 Ease of Access Guide allows you to learn how to customize visual and audio content for better visibility, mobility, and hearing access on a PC (non-Apple device).
- Windows 11 Accessibility Features
For more information or to suggest additional resources, contact Jennifer Walsh, Abilities Integrator, at jennifer@sfcommunityliving.org or call 415.821.1003, ext. 111.