Don’t let low vision hold you back from achieving your dreams.

life after high school Transition Conference

SAVE THE DATE June 17-21, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT | Zoom

Are you a high school graduate or soon-to-be graduate with low vision who’s feeling uncertain about transitioning to a university or trade school, joining the workforce, or moving out on your own?

This Transition Conference, hosted by Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, was designed for you!

Our virtual conference will help you improve opportunities and discover resources for individuals with low vision after high school. More than that you’ll build a support community and strengthen your independence as you transition into this next phase of your life.

This FREE conference will be held from June 17-21, 2024, via Zoom.

You are more than your vision loss. At Spectrios, we believe that you can achieve all your dreams, and we are here to help make your transition after high school one of ease.

2023 SPEAKERS

Anthony S. Ferraro standing in front of Team USA sign at Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs

Featured Speaker: Anthony S. Ferraro
Anthony Ferraro was born blind with a genetic condition called Lebers Congenital Amaurosis. Today Anthony is 28 years old and refers to himself as a professional athlete, musician, motivational speaker and content creator. Flashing back to his High School career, Anthony was the only blind wrestler on his team. With the goal of winning a state championship his senior year in the State of New Jersey, his older brother Oliver Ferraro followed him around and collected hundreds of hours of live footage which is now known as the film, “A Shot In The Dark”. Anthony married his wife Kelly Anne in October 2021. The couple share’s their life with the world through their short form videos. As of March 2023, Anthony continues to train for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Judo set for Paris 2024 with a second goal of attending the Paralympics Games in LA 2028. Please follow Anthony and The Ferraro’s on your preferred social platform for more updates on the journey. Anthony welcomes anyone interested in learning more about his life to please follow along @asfvision and most importantly sends everyone a big “one love”!

+ Susan M. Dalton, M.S.Ed., CVRT, Faculty, Special & Early Education – Programs in Visual Disabilities, at Northern Illinois University

+ Melissa Taussig, LCCP, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a lifelong visual impairment

+ Katie Walker, O.D., Optometrist with Spectrios Institute for Low Vision

+ Mark Chalmers, Access Technology Manager with Spectrios Institute for Low Vision

DESCRIPTION

Spectrios Life After High School Transition Conference is specifically designed for low vision students ages 16-19 who have graduated high school or will graduate in the next year. The conference will cover a wide range of topics. By joining, you will:

  • Learn how to access low vision services and support after high school
  • Discover how to navigate college or the workforce with low vision
  • Gain valuable insights into emotional and social issues
  • Become confident in your self-advocacy skills

Our expert speakers will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities, meet others in the low vision community, and gain basic cooking skills from a low vision chef.

DETAILS

Date and Time: Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Location: This Virtual Conference will be held online via Zoom
Cost: FREE! This programming has been funded by a generous grant from the Reinsdorf Family, in memory of “Grandma Martyl” Reinsdorf.

ABOUT THE HOST

Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, formerly Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation, is a unique organization providing a comprehensive visual rehabilitation program that includes low vision evaluation, counseling, and instruction of daily living skills and technology use.

We empower children and adults with vision loss, regardless of income, to optimize their visual capabilities and independence using prescriptive tools, technology, rehabilitative training, and inspiration. We strive to educate every person with vision loss.

HOW TO REGISTER

This conference is free to attend, but registration is required. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun! Contact us today to express your interest and be among the first to be notified when registration opens.