Experience Chicago with a new perspective using iPhone and iPad
In the heart of Chicago, a unique six-week program named Photography for All is making a significant impact on the lives of visually impaired youth. This initiative, a collaboration between The Chicago Lighthouse, the city's Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), and Apple, has been providing opportunities for growth and independence since its inception four years ago.
Lisa Davis, the former director of One Summer Chicago, brought the idea for Photography for All to The Chicago Lighthouse. The program's overall goal is to support youth in their quest to be independent and instill in them the confidence to take their future into their own hands.
John Johnson, a returning participant, is one of the many young individuals who have found a new passion in electrical engineering or game design through this program. Adetokunbo "Toks" Opeifa, an 18-year-old with cone-rod dystrophy, is another participant who is honing her screenwriting skills through photography, seeing it as a way to be descriptive, similar to working with other visually impaired individuals. Opeifa is heading to Chapman University this month to pursue screenwriting.
Lance Gladney, also a participant, is passionate about creating his own anime franchise, while Alaula "Aihua" Sprecher is considering colleges for computer science, physics, and astronomy studies. Each participant receives an iPad Air, Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard from The Chicago Lighthouse to support their creativity.
The program focuses on teaching technical photography, coding, and career-readiness skills, but also helps participants navigate the world independently and confidently. Apple experts train the students on using the camera and photography settings, as well as accessibility features like VoiceOver and Zoom.
One of the standout features of the program is the use of on-device machine learning in the Camera app to help visually impaired participants position a subject and describe the objects, setting, and people in the field of view. This innovative technology has been instrumental in enhancing the overall learning experience.
Over 200 students have experienced opportunities in photography, videography, game design, coding, app development, augmented reality, and more through Apple-supported programs this summer. The program is part of the city's One Summer Chicago youth employment initiative, which provides internships and job opportunities for people aged 14 to 24.
Shelle Hamer, the director of youth transition at The Chicago Lighthouse, has enjoyed a four-decade career in equipping individuals with disabilities with tools and education for independent living. Hamer and Davis launched Photography for All, intrigued by the prospect of how people see differently and express themselves creatively. Hamer sees the tool of photography as having a real benefit for people with vision loss, both artistically and functionally.
The training on accessibility features available on iPhones and iPads has given participants the confidence to navigate the city and feel independent in traveling around unfamiliar areas. As the program continues to grow, it is clear that Photography for All is making a lasting impact on the lives of visually impaired youth in Chicago.
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