Sign Up Now – Classes in San Francisco Begin November 11
Webster defines the noun “cohort” as a group of people banded together – working together as a unit. The LightHouse has successfully facilitated cohort based learning for the past three years and on November 4 we will offer our next cohort-based classes for 8-10 blind or low vision students. During these classes you’ll learn be exposed to a hundred valuable techniques, tools and attitudes that are practical ways to deal with changing vision, in an atmosphere of learning and pure enjoyment.
We start with weekly Changing Vision Changing Life classes that include individual and group training. After a few weeks concurrent Computer Keyboarding and Cooking Basics classes begin. Individual orientation and mobility instruction will also be incorporated. Participating in all the classes immerses the student in an atmosphere of accomplishment and progress, emphasizing the key component of working and learning with and from fellow blind and low vision classmates.
During the two-month period, cohort peers who continue the sequence of classes together benefit from the following: training from instructors and guest mentors as well as learning from each other; adjustment to change in their lives with support from their peers; and finding kindred spirits while learning new skills, creating community and moving forward. While it is not mandatory to participate in all facets, it is strongly recommended – priority registration will be provided to those who make a commitment to the full training.
All classes will be facilitated at the LightHouse Headquarters, 214 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco.
Changing Vision Changing Life
November 11 to December 18, 9:30 to 12:30
Tuesdays & Thursdays (no class on Thanksgiving)
Changing Vision, Changing Life is a 6-week class for blind and visually impaired adults who are seeking basic, yet essential daily living skills to live confidently at home and in the community. Each week topics such as tactile/non-visual skills, organizational skills, time management, use of adaptive aids, low vision strategies and accessing print materials provide students with solutions and strategies. In addition, each class session will include a discussion component, addressing both successes and challenges involved in incorporating the material presented in the teaching segments into each participant’s daily life.
Keyboard Training
November 17 to December 19, 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Having efficient keyboarding skills is necessary for all computer users to be effective in both personal and professional use. LightHouse students new to keyboarding learn to type by touch using the QWERTY keyboard layout. Talking Typer Teacher (TTT), a program which employs synthesized speech, is the software tool used by the Access Technology Specialists to facilitate the class. Keyboard familiarity, typing accuracy and comfortable speed will be emphasized. As students learn the keyboard, weekly practical assignments are given to increase proficiency. Guided practice during lab time provides students time to gain keyboard fluency to type shopping lists; to-do lists; simple letters and email correspondences.
Cooking Basics – San Francisco
November 20 to December 18, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays. Also Friday, December 12, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
In this five-week class, students will learn low vision and blind strategies and techniques for all aspects of meal preparation, from grocery shopping to hands-on skills and safety training, food labeling and organization and use of kitchen equipment. Students will prepare healthy and delicious recipes and/or meals in each class, along with learning all aspects of kitchen clean up strategies.
To find out more about upcoming classes and fees, including the variety of options available for funding, please contact Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org.
