Archive for November, 2009

LightHouse Trainee Positions Now Available

The LightHouse is looking for candidates to fill traineeship positions for the Spring 2010 semester. Our goal is to develop your professional skills and help you learn new ones in an experience that will help you reach your employment goal in the future.

A potential trainee must be blind/visually impaired, and working with the California Department of Rehabilitation with an open case with a Rehab Counselor. We are looking for people who are self-motivated, hard-working, and punctual. A variety of positions are available in many of our different departments. We hope to find the one that best fits you!

Please contact Philip Kum at the LightHouse by e-nail: pkum@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone: (415) 694-7372. Please pass this on to whoever you might think may be interested.

Thank you!!

Philip Kum

LightHouse Tech Seminars features Build Your Own Website! December 4th.

Build Your Own Website!
December 4, 2009
Panel Presentations: 1–3 p.m. PDST
214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102

Want to promote your business online? Maybe you are a job seeker who needs to really stand out on the internet. Why not create a site to post your résumé and highlight your skills? Maybe you are an artist seeking to create a snazzy online niche for your portfolio? If so, come to our quarterly tech seminar to get the lowdown on hosting, coding and designing your own website! Website owners looking to enhance accessibility are very welcome!

You can participate through one of the following:

•    Tune in to live audio stream on our website.
•    Dial in with our telephone conferencing service.
•    Attend in person and get the most out of live demos!

The LightHouse is wheelchair accessible. Accommodations are available upon request.

RSVP at 1-888-400-8933 or info@lighthouse-sf.org. Conference call and live stream instructions will be provided.

LightHouse Insights Exhibition extended!

Just a quick note to let you all know that the Insights 2009 Exhibition has been extended through January 15th.

If you haven’t already, be sure to experience the exhibition for yourself. We have a hall of touchable art and a wonderful audio tour available for this exhibition.

Get more details  on our website.  View images from this year’s show on Flickr.

Professional Development: Call for Applications – Disability, Sexuality & Rights Online Training

Disability, Sexuality and Rights -Online Training

For an application and brochure with complete course information, click here.

Applications are due December 18, 2009.

An Online Course for Practitioners and Activists in Human Rights, Public Health and Development Organizations and Movements

February 1 ­ April 1, 2010     (9 weeks, 5 hours per week)

The Disability, Sexuality and Rights Online Training provides a study of theory and practice for people working in fields such as development, health and rights, ncluding disability and sexuality.  The aim is to develop awareness of issues of disability and sexuality and a political perspectiveon disabled peopleâ’s sexual rights. Participants develop their ability to work in inclusive and holistic ways that further health and rights.

Why take this course?

* Disabled people are often excluded or discriminated against in relation to their sexuality by health, development and rights organizations because they are not considered sexual or they are thought to be vulnerable or uncontrolled sexually.

* Disability rights activists and service providers often disregard sexuality issues and rights in favor of issues considered more pressing and appropriate like employment and physical access.

* Sexuality is an important part of life, identity, society and culture for all people, including people with disabilities.  It can be a source of pleasure and pain, empowerment and oppression.  It cannot be ignored.

Key Questions and Content

* What is disability? What is sexuality?
* What do human rights have to do with disability and sexuality?
* Why are disabled people discriminated against in relation to sexuality?
* Why is sexuality important to everyone, including disabled people?  Why is sexuality important for health, development and rights organizations to consider?
* How does the experience and politics of disability in the global South impact theory and practice on disability rights? How are people organizing and campaigning around these issues?
* How can we advance the rights, health and well-being of people with disabilities?

Accessibility

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for this training, which has been designed and tested to be accessible to people with various disabilities and those with slower computers and internet connection speeds. We will work with participants to adapt the course as necessary to meetneeds and enable full participation.

Format and Workload

The course will be conducted entirely online in English with presentations, reading, discussion, research, activities and a final project.  Special technology is not required, except a computer that can read Microsoft Word and Power Point documents and with Adobe Reader. Also required is internet access to download/upload documents and comments for 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week throughout the course.  The Institute will not be done in real time; participants can complete the assignments at their convenience within the time parameters.

Organizers and Resource People

This training is organized and taught by an international group of academics and activists in the disability rights field who specialize in sexual and reproductive rights and health from a global South perspective: Anita Ghai (India), Caroline Earle (USA), Ekaete Judith Umoh (Nigeria), and Janet Price (UK). Full bios in brochure at http://www.creaworld.org/

For an application and brochure with complete course information, clickhere. Applications are due December 18, 2009.

For more information, contact Caroline Earle – cearle@creaworld.org
+1-212-599-1071).

National Braille Press now offering guide to online job search.

Internet Your Way to a New Job: How to Really Find a Job Online
By Alison Doyle
In braille (2 vols.) and PortaBook (CD and downloadable), $11.95

Just a few years ago, you could upload your resume to one of the top job sites, click a few times to apply for some jobs, and consider your search well underway.

Today, that isn’t enough. The job market is increasingly competitive. Hiring managers are overwhelmed with applications – hiring has changed, and job seekers need to be prepared to use all the online job search tools to their advantage.

Online job searching often seems complicated, but it doesn’t have to be
- there are tips and tricks you can use to make the process run smoothly and simply. Author Alison Doyle tells you how to:
- Create your professional presence online
- Market yourself as a strong candidate for employers
- Connect with contacts who will help you with your job search
- Help prospective employers find you
- Use sites like Facebook, VisualCV, and LinkedIn to your advantage

This book will provide you what you need to know and step you through the process of online job searching, professional branding, social and professional networking, and career building with uncomplicated advice, tips, and techniques on how to effectively find a new job and grow your career.

Read the table of contents for this book, or order it, at
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/JOBONLINE.html

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To order any books, send payment to:
NBP, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115-4302
Or call and charge it: toll-free (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext 20. Or order any of our books online at http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html .

Changes to MUNI service starts December 5th, 2009

As of December 5th, 2009, there will be several changes to MUNI service. From the SFMTA site:

Letter to Customers

November 6, 2009

Dear SFMTA Customer:

Due to the global recession that has exacted a particularly heavy toll in California and our City, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) had to take a number of difficult actions to close a $129 million deficit in the current fiscal year operating budget. These actions include service changes on more than half of Muni’s bus routes and one rail line which take effect on Saturday, December 5.

While some of the changes entail discontinued routes and route segments, and reduced frequencies on lightly used services, we are pleased to report that many of the changes mean expanded hours, route extensions and more frequent and faster service for residents and visitors. We also want to underscore that these changes were meticulously planned using the wealth of data on the Muni system that was generated and analyzed over the past two years as part of the Transit Effectiveness Project—the first comprehensive assessment and evaluation of Muni service in a generation.

As we are all so acutely aware, a debilitating scenario of fare increases and services cuts is taking place across the nation as transit systems confront inescapable economic realities. Here in San Francisco we are exceedingly fortunate in being able to balance service reductions on lesser-used routes with new and expanded service levels along the busiest corridors in the City. Our ability to accomplish this during these dire economic times is the direct result of a strong and productive working relationship with the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors whose leadership continues to define our unique, Transit First City.

Details about the December 5 service changes are set forth in the attached brochure which features maps illustrating the changes as well as nearby Muni service available to transit customers. This brochure will be available to customers on Muni vehicles and at other locations throughout the City. It is currently posted at www.sfmta.com [on this page] and customers can also call 311 and 511. Moreover, we will field SFMTA Ambassadors at major transfer points, many other transit stops and on Muni vehicles later this month and into December to assist customers in adjusting to the changes. SFMTA staff are available to meet with groups to discuss the service changes and to provide advice on trip planning by calling or e-mailing Judy Tam at 415.701.4557 or judy.tam@sfmta.com.

Despite these difficult times and the specter of continuing budget challenges, we want to assure you that all 5,000 of us at the SFMTA remain fully committed to and focused on providing safe, reliable Muni service to all in San Francisco who avail themselves of this vital, green mode.

Sincerely,
Tom Nolan
Chairman
SFMTA Board of Directors

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.
Executive Director/CEO

Service Changes Overview

Your Muni System Is Changing December 5 – Know Your Options
On Saturday, December 5, 2009, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni, will implement significant transit route and schedule changes affecting over half of Muni’s existing bus routes and one rail line.

The package of service changes include:

* Discontinued routes and route segments
* Extended and modified routes
* Changes to service hours and frequencies*
* Modified express zones
* Renumbered routes
* Identification of other Muni service that is near changing routes or lines

* Peak period refers to weekday morning and evening rush hour service, approximately 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The last bus departures listed for routes are for weekdays.

For planning and assistance in other languages, please call 311.  Trip planning assistance for Muni and other transit systems in the Bay Area is available by calling 511 or going online at www.511.org.

For details by route, go to www.sfmta.com

Career Opportunity: Hospice Medical Social Worker

Sutter VNA & Hospice, one of the largest, not-for-profit home health and hospice agencies in Northern California enables patients to recover or live with illness in the comfort and dignity of their own homes, surrounded by the people and things they love. Sutter VNA & Hospice also provides service in the complementary areas of Sutter Home Infusion and Pharmacy (SIPS) and Home Medical Equipment (Timberlake). Providing a full spectrum of home based health services enables us to coordinate care across the Sutter Health and community networks.

Sutter VNA & Hospice is proudly not-for-profit. Unlike for-profit home care and hospice agencies, we do not report to shareholders. Instead, all of our revenue is used to provide patient care and to support our policy to provide care regardless of a patient’s financial circumstances.

Sutter VNA & Hospice is committed to being the “employer of choice” through competitive wages and benefits, flexible schedules, new technologies including laptop computerized charting, tuition reimbursement, and more!

The Medical Social Worker provides counseling and supportive services to the patient, their family, caregivers, and SVNA&H staff. This position assesses the social and emotional factors related to the patient’s illness and evaluates the psychosocial response to treatment and level of adjustment.  This position interprets to the family, patient, physician, and staff, the social and emotional factors related to illness, financial and community resources.

Read more here.

LightHouse Adaptations Sale, this week only. Prices at $1!

LightHouse Adaptations store is selling remainder items on EBay. These include sunglasses, handheld magnifiers, adaptive cooking utensils and more!

This sale only lasts till the end of the week!

Bids start at just $1 !!!

AAPD Summer Internship for College Students with Disabilities

Washington D.C. Summer 2010

Each year, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosts two Summer Internship Programs for College Students with Disabilities in Washington, DC, providing paid travel to and from DC, paid fully-accessible housing, and living stipends. These programs are generously funded by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and Microsoft Corporation.

AAPD is now accepting applications for the 2010 Summer Internship programs.  (Link to applications for 2010 Summer Internships Instructions Form) The same application form is used for both the MEAF-AAPD Congressional Internship and the Microsoft-AAPD Federal IT Internship programs.  Applications for both 2010 AAPD summer internship programs are now being accepted until 5PM, EST on January 8, 2010.   More information on the AAPD Summer Internship programs is below and in the application form.  http://www.aapd.com/AAPDInternship/

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing November 13

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list please email info@lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.  The entertainment and recreation listing are also available on the LightHouse website at: www.lighthouse-sf.org.
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Audio described movie listings by geographic area:

EAS T BAY:
AMC Bay Street 16:
5614 Shellmond Drive
Emeryville
510-457-9006
Now playing in auditorium 5:
“2012”

SAN FRANCISCO:
AMC Metreon 15:
101 Fourth Street
415-369-6201
Now playing in auditorium 8:
“The Fourth Kind”

AMC Van Ness 14:
1000 Van Ness Avenue
415-674-4630
Now showing in auditorium 5:
“A Christmas Carol”

SOUTH BAY:
AMC Cupertino Square 16:
North Wolfe Road & Stevens Creek
Cupertino
408-252-5960
Now playing in auditorium 3:
“2012”

AMC Saratoga 14:
700 El Paseo De Saratoga
San Jose
408-871-2277
Now playing in auditorium 10:
“The Fourth Kind”
***

Live Described Performance:
Presented by SHN
”Wicked”
Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco

This show is open ended and has a recorded descriptive sound track.  This means that every performance is accessible.  To charge tickets call 415-551-2027 and request a descriptive headset with your tickets.  Tickets can also be purchased at the box office without the convenience fee.  The box office is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

RECREATION:
Thursday Evening Hatha Yoga Class:
Every Thursday  6:00pm to 7:25pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco

The weekly class works on a large variety of poses that strengthen and refresh the entire body, mind, and spirit.  Drop in students are welcome. Contact Philip Kum at 415-694-7342 or via email: richardrueda@sbcglobal.net.
***
Interested in Goalball?
Richard Rueda is looking to form a Goalball team at the California School for the Blind in Freemont. The team will begin playing on Sundays in January.  Talk to Richard via phone 510-825-4106 or via email richardrueda@sbcglobal.net.

Tandems Across the Bay Bike Club:
The club has several volunteers with tandems and rides on weekends and holidays, from The Fishermen’s Wharf Area.  The easy-going rides are usually across the Golden Gate Bridge and return to San Francisco via Ferry. There is usually a picnic after the ride.  To schedule a ride or just ask questions contact the club at:
tandemsacrossthebay@gmail.com
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Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP):
Adventure fitness and recreation are touch phrases for BORP.  BORP believes that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides.  BORP makes every effort to accommodate each person’s needs, including providing transportation and volunteer support. Trips are planned with a wide spectrum of abilities in mind, including wheelchair users, slow walkers, and people with visual impairments. For event listings call Lori Gray at 510-843-4398 or check out the BORP website at www.borp.org
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Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors:
Departs every Sunday at noon from Pier 40 in San Francisco. Call 415- 281-0212 for announcements or visit: WWW.BAADS.org

OF COMMUNITY INTEREST:

Peer To Peer Support Group:
November 14  1:00pm-3:00pm
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco

These meetings are casually structured to discuss different aspects of life with a visual impairment. Every individual is visually impaired so discussions will be set in a comfortable, confidential setting with no judgments. Refreshments provided.
***
Build Your Own Website:
December 4, 2009
Panel Presentations: 1–3 p.m. PST
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco,

Want to promote your business online? Maybe you are a job seeker who needs to really stand out on the internet. Why not create a site to post your résumé and highlight your skills? Maybe you are an artist seeking to create a snazzy online niche for your portfolio? If so, come to our quarterly tech seminar to get the lowdown on hosting, coding and designing your own website.

You can participate through one of the following:
•    Tune in to live audio stream on our website.
•    Dial in with our telephone conferencing service.
•    Attend in person and get the most out of live demos!
To request accommodations or RSVP call 1-888-400-8933 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org. Conference call and live stream instructions will be provided.
***
National Federation Of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Holiday Party/Fund Raiser
December 5        2:00pm-4:00pm
A.G. Ferrari 686 Mission Street
San Francisco

Wine and cheese pairings provided by A.G Ferrari.  A.G. Ferrari will donate 10% of all purchases made during the party to The NFB San Francisco Chapter. An auction and raffle are  also planned.  Call Jim Blacksten at 415-543-3727 or via email jim1021@sbcglobal.net.
***
California School for the Blind Winter Concert
December 9     1:30pm
December 10    7:30pm
California School for the Blind
500 Walnut Ave
Freemont

Contract Management Support (CMS) Training:
The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is seeking motivated legally blind individuals to join its Contract Management Support (CMS) training program.

CMS services include the tasks required to conduct contract close-out and administration. These tasks range from research and analysis prior to awarding a contract to contract negotiation and post-award vendor follow-up.

The LightHouse and National Industries for the Blind are partnering with the Department of Defense’s Defense Acquisition University (DAU) to provide the core training courses required to establish a foundation on contract management.  This is a 10 Week program and consists of four online courses and one on-site class.  Tuition is free to participants who are eligible for this training. In order to be considered for this program, candidates must:
•    Be a U.S. Citizen
•    Be legally blind
•    Have Bachelor’s degree, or 24 semester hours in a combination of the following fields:  accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
•    Be proficient using adaptive technology such as Zoomtext and/or JAWS
For more information please contact Sam Rodriguez, Assistant Director Business Services, at 415-694-7360 or send resume to srodriguez@lighthouse-sf.org
***
Insights Art Exhibit:
Presented by The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and The San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery’s Art at City Hall Program.
Through December 11
Monday – Friday 8am-6pm
San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton  B. Goodlett Place
Lower Level- Enter on Grove Street
An exhibition of works by artists who are blind or visually impaired.
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Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Access Days:
December 21             9:00am to 1:00pm
February  27, 2010    6:00pm to  8:00 pm
De Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco

The exhibit offers 50 objects from tomb of King Tut and 80 more from the tombs of his ancestors.  This exhibit illuminates the 18th Dynasty, Egypt’s Golden Age.  These Access days offer smaller crowds and reduced ticket prices.  There will be additional seating as well.  Objects for visitors to touch will be available at both Access Days.  Ticket prices are $18.50 and a limited number of $10.00 tickets for those with financial need.  Contact Tish Brown 415-750-7650 or tbrown@famsf.org for applications and more information.
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Follow the LightHouse on Facebook and Twitter:
Get daily updates about LightHouse activities, community events, new products and even job postings. If you are not a member of these sites, it is easy to join!  Click on the following links, sign up and you will automatically be connected to LightHouse buzz! Twitter http://twitter.com/lighthouse_sf Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/LightHouse-for-the-Blind-and-Visually-Impaired/104069923114?ref=mf
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