Mason's Story: Young Adult with Visual Impairment Provided Training and Guidance for College

Mason is a young adult with a visual impairment who has participated in several Lighthouse programs. Mason was active in the Transition Program over the past three years. This program offers weekend and summer training sessions that bring together young people ages 14-21 from across Minnesota and Wisconsin who are blind or visually impaired. The program helps them sharpen their skills for confident, independent living.

The summer before he started college, Mason continued his Lighthouse training, living in Lighthouse housing. During this time, Mason honed his computer skills, learned to cook on his own, practiced self-advocacy, learned to use the city bus system, and learned to navigate a college campus.

Mason is now succeeding in college at the University of Minnesota – Duluth (UMD). He knows the campus well and can make his way safely to his classes and other important places. His technology skills allow him to access his coursework, complete assignments, and independently navigate the UMD platforms. He has the confidence and self-advocacy skills to problem solve challenges as they arise. Mason is considering a career in education or the ministry.