Lighthouse for the Blind S.O.A.R. Program Celebrates 20 Years

Lighthouse for the Blind St. Louis is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Summer Orientation & Mobility and Adaptive Living Resource (S.O.A.R.) program, a three-week residential training experience designed to help legally blind young adults develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently. Held annually on the campus of Webster University, the intensive program serves 12 participants ages 16 to 21 from across Missouri and provides hands-on instruction in cooking, self-care, money management, home maintenance, career exploration, adaptive technology and independent travel. The 2026 program runs June 7-27 and is led by S.O.A.R. Director Kevin Hollinger.
 
Designed for students who plan to attend college, pursue vocational training or enter the workforce, S.O.A.R. emphasizes real-world experiences that foster independence and self-confidence. Participants live on campus and spend three weeks developing skills related to daily living, orientation and mobility, organization, communication and career readiness. Through activities such as navigating unfamiliar environments, preparing meals, using adaptive technology and exploring employment opportunities, students gain practical tools that help them transition successfully into adulthood.
 
Lighthouse for the Blind St. Louis and Webster University have partnered for years to provide a supportive residential environment where participants can learn and grow while preparing for life beyond high school. The partnership reflects Webster’s longstanding commitment to accessibility; in 1935, the university enrolled a blind student and established what is believed to have been one of the region’s first braille libraries to support her studies. Lighthouse for the Blind St. Louis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are legally blind through employment, education and support services, operates the S.O.A.R. program as part of its mission to help individuals achieve greater independence and expand opportunities for success.