ELC 2010 Winter Sessions

January 12 - February 25, 2010
Classes for individuals 55+ who have significant vision loss.

Tuesday Morning: (1/12-2/23) International Cooking with the Perkins Educational Leadership Program (ELP).

This year, 13 teachers from around the world are here at Perkins to continue their training with children. One morning, the ELPs will visit the class to share information about their homeland and their expereinces. They will also provide authentic recipes which will be prepared each week. Class: 10:00 – Noon. Tuition: $65. Materials fee: $15.

Tuesday Afternoon: (1/12-2/16) My Life, My Health.

A six week workshop offered to adults experiencing vision loss and living with the challenge of additional health conditions. If you experience chronic pain, limited range of motion or deceased energy that negatively impacts your daily activities, this may help you. Learn strategies to handle stress, increase your energy level and have fun! Try simple techniques that can improve your quality of life; form weekly action plans and engage in group problem solving. This program is highly participatory. This workshop is offered by Springwell, a local non profit organization serving elders, in partnership with Perkins ELC. It is facilitated by two leaders trained through the Chronic Disease Self Management Program at Stanford University Medical Center. Class: 1:00- 3:30.

Tuesday Afternoon – (1/12-2/23) Yoga.

Svaroopa™Yoga not only eases aches and pains in the body but can improve your general sense of well being. Classes will include breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as chair poses to gain more strength, flexibility and endurance. Class: 1:00- 2:00. Tuition: $65. Location: The Brigham House, 341 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. A Perkins staff representative will be assisting the instructor.

Tuesday Afternoon- 2/23 - “Everybody’s ‘booking it’ to Book Clubs!”

Read and discuss a designated book from the Braille and Talking Book Library. Class: 1:00 – 3:00. Tuition: $10.

Wednesday Morning: Cooking for Men! (1/20- 2/24)

This class is strictly for men! Recipes geared towards cooking for one or two people will cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, dessert. At every step, kitchen safety will be stressed and adaptive techniques will be demonstrated and practiced. Class: 10:00- Noon. Tuition: $65. Materials fee: $15.

In Gloucester, MA…

Thursdays: Living Independently with Vision Loss (1/14-2/25)

This seven-week intensive course is designed for people who are experiencing changes in their daily life due to visual impairment. Adaptive ways to accomplish tasks of every day living will be introduced. Techniques, devices, and resources to help regain confidence and to become as independent as possible will be explored. Classes will include both lecture and hands on learning activities. Class: 10:00 – 2:00. Call to discuss details.

Coming Soon!

Monday Evenings in March: Creative Writing Workshop

Creative writing can be a fun and fulfilling way to express yourself. This spring workshop will provide an opportunity to share your writing in a comfortable and supportive environment. More information will follow.

More Information

Location: The Elder Learning Center is located at 45 Beechwood Avenue in Watertown, on the campus of Perkins School for the Blind. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation. Staff can help to identify options.

Registration: Please pre-register for each class with Debby Smith at 617-972-7643 or Debby.Smith@Perkins.org.

Individualized Training from Strategies for Life

Perkins Strategies for Life also offers individualized training at home. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT’s) visit people 55+ where you live- private home, apartment, assisted living, nursing home, etc.- to evaluate and teach strategies for personal care, home management, communications, mobility and how to maximize the use of remaining vision. For more information call Debby Smith at 617-972-7643.