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 resources & education
- Best practices for communication
- Access to affordable devices for hearing and vision loss
- Neighborhood outreach for hearing tests and other services
Accessible Technology Training
Working in Adult Day Health Centers, at SF Connected computer labs 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.
See the Windows 10 Ease of Access Guide to learn how to customize visual and audio content for better visibility, mobility, and hearing access on a PC.
Adaptive and Assistive Technologies
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.
Our Community Connectors and Computer Trainers are experienced with hearing and vision challenges and some have bilingual skills that help to reach a broader group of individuals, and support seniors in the community.
Accessible Meetings & Events
We train all our staff to serve as Ambassadors, working to increase vision and hearing accessibility throughout our programs and beyond.
Our Community Connectors and Computer Trainers are experienced with hearing and vision challenges, and some have bilingual skills that help to reach a broader group of individuals, and support seniors in the community
Vision, Hearing, and Accessibility Resources
We maintain a San Francisco Directory of Resources for Seniors Living with Vision and Hearing Disabilities, which serves as a guide to these resources:
- SF Public Library Accessibility Services
- Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California
- Independent Living Resource Center
- CLC Inclusion & Accessibility Resource Guide
- Living with Vision Disability: Strategies to Decrease Indoor Light Sensitivities
- Living with Hearing Disabilities: Social Gatherings
For more information or to suggest additional resources, contact Jennifer Walsh, Abilities Integrator, at jennifer@sfcommunityliving.org or call 415.821.1003, ext. 111.