If you or someone you know is under 18 years old, Blind or Visually Impaired and a resident of Hawaii, we offer technology aids to enhance communication, adaptive aids to promote independence in everyday activities and create social opportunities to build a life of confidence.

Join our optimistic youth clients as they build technology and social skills that will prepare them for life.

Our youth services are described below. If you need something that we don’t offer, email us and together, let’s find a way to conquer barriers.

Designed to level the playing field in education, our GAP program:

• Provides technology aids allowing them independent access to educational materials
• Inspires students to take ownership of their learning experiences
• Create opportunities to develop social and mobility skills

Some of the technology aids we provide are:

• Braille devices such as Braille writers and note takers
• Audio devices such as portable talking MP3 players and talking color identifiers
• Handheld desktop and portable magnifiers
• Assistive software such as screen readers and magnifiers
• Stand-alone devices such as document readers, scanners and organizers

We know learning extends outside of the classroom so we:

• Provide access to games, recreational books and hands-on activities
• Identify interests and create social opportunities while building relationships

Preschoolers don’t need to wait until they get into the school system to build confidence.  Get Ahead with Technology program:

• Provides adaptive toys to practice social skills
• Introduces colors, shapes, sounds and textures through tactile books, materials and activities
• Encourages literacy with Braille and large print books

Since 2018, youths from age 12 to 18 would spend 10 days at camp under the supervision of our program staff and volunteers.  This camp experience provides the opportunity for our youths to come together outside of school and build friendships while they learn independent living skills, showcase talents, learn to work as a team and nurture their leadership skills.

With every social experience, campers gain a greater confidence from:

• Building and strengthening friendships
• Developing self-awareness and confidence
• Learning to self-advocate
• Building appropriate social skills
• Engaging in physical activities
• Interdependence and Independence

Elementary and middle school students referred by their teacher for the Visually Impaired have the opportunity to expand their technology skills.  They learn individually at their own pace and come together to share experiences and support each other.

• Gain advanced technology skills
• Expand knowledge
• Build leadership skills
• Cultivate communication skills
• Achieve greater confidence

With the help of Hawaii’s dedicated Teachers for the Visually Impaired, this project has been designed and customized to meet our student’s growing technological needs as they move toward adulthood.

Qualifying students:

• Should be a user of a Braille device, screen magnifier or screen reader
• Must have a willingness to learn
• Must be able to work both independently and in a group

If you know a child who you believe will benefit from this program, request an assessment and referral from the child’s TVI.

We want to provide our youth achievers a path to become Giants of Technology!

If you know a child who you believe will benefit from this program, request an assessment and referral from the child’s TVI.

We want to see our youth achievers become Giants of Technology!

A podcast team of youths between ages 12 to 18 come together to create podcasts about anything a Blind or Visually Impaired youth wants to share or learn about and are focused on providing a vehicle where youths may come together to reinforce their skills in talent, public speaking, experience and networking.

The podcast team:

• Brainstorms podcast topics
• Researches and writes the scripts
• Operates all podcast equipment
• Records the presentation
• Edits and releases the podcast