Archive for March, 2012

Hands-on with “Enhanced Vision” Low Vision Products in San Francisco and San Rafael

Enhanced Vision is currently the number one manufacturer of desktop and handheld video magnification devices manufactured in California.

In April and May, representatives from Enhanced Vision will be at the LightHouse to present their most current reading devices so that you can see what works for you.

When: Friday, April 27 at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
When: Friday, May 11 at LightHouse of Marin, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

If you have useable vision and are having difficulty reading, this is an event you will not want to miss. Enhanced Vision has recently introduced some exciting new products that include “high-definition” video magnification devices in a variety of screen sizes and magnification levels; portable devices that provide both magnification and Text-to-Voice readers; and computer-compatible products that will help you to read again.

If you are not familiar with Enhanced Vision products, please check them out at www.enhancedvision.com.

Be sure to mark your calendar for this opportunity to see and try the latest devices available for people with macular degeneration and other causes of visual impairment. Those attending on April 27th in San Francisco can also can have a sneak-peak of our newly revamped, hands-on store, Adaptations, which offers practical solutions for living actively and independently.

For more information about the LightHouse and Adaptations, call 1-888-400-8933 or visit our website at www.lighthouse-sf.org. And remember to calendar this event!

Wine Appreciation with Sommelier Roy Austin

Visually impaired sommelier Roy Austin will share his impressive and extensive wine knowledge in this series of classes. He will introduce students to the nuances of wine and winemaking through a perfect blend of tastings, education and humor. Wines produced in California will be the focus of this first series of classes.

Dates: The first meeting is on Thursday, April 12. Subsequent classes are on the second Thursday of each month, through September 2012
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the art of wine by exploring a wide array of vintages, regions and varietals through monthly tastings, this class is also an opportunity for adults between the ages of 21 to 50 to mingle amongst fellow connoisseurs.

For more information about the classes and applicable fees, contact Brandon Young, Community Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or byoung@lighthouse-sf.org, or John Liang, Director of Community Services, at 415-694-7334 or jliang@lighthouse-sf.org.

Make Your Reservation for Provider’s Weekend: May 18–20

Back by popular demand! Please join LightHouse for the Blind for Provider’s Weekend, held at our beautiful Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa.

The purpose of this weekend is to bring together a diverse group of professional service providers working in the field of blindness to exchange ideas and build a network. You will have the opportunity to stay in a lakeside cabin, the lodge or one of our fully accessible cabins next to the dining hall.

When: May 18–20, 2012
Where: Enchanted Hills Retreat

In addition to discussing philosophies, trends and issues we face in providing services for people with visual impairments, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, a lake for boating, trails for hiking and savory meals provided by a wonderful kitchen staff. You’ll learn from your peers, relax in a natural setting with many recreational opportunities and, most of all, YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME! For information and reservations contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org.

Dialogue with the Director

LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin has established a regular time to personally hear from any community member about LightHouse services and opportunities for our organization.

When: Thursday, April 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (Please note that this is a deviation from the regularly established schedule.)
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

These informal evenings have proven to be very useful as the LightHouse develops new programs and services. To reserve your place in the dialogue, please contact Chuck Godwin at 415-694-7348 or cgodwin@lighthouse-sf.org by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11.

Summer Experience in Israel for Blind and Visually Impaired Youth

Ofek Liyladenu Israel National Association of Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children, in conjunction with the Jewish Institute for the Blind in Jerusalem, are planning the first special Israel summer tour program for blind and visually impaired youth, ages 15 to 21. The pilot trip will be for twelve days combining educational touring throughout the country with outdoor activities and social programs with Israeli youth.

Potential highlights of the trip include:

For more information, and pre-registration contact Bob Fenton at: bfenton@actcom.co.il.

Bookshare Professional Development Workshop

The Northern California Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the California School for the Blind present a Bookshare Professional Development Workshop to be held on Wednesday April 18th, 2012, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the California School for the Blind.

This free Professional Development Workshop is designed to provide a stimulating interactive environment for up to 20 participants (minimum of 15). The experienced instructors understand print disabilities and bring relevant expertise and related technology experience into their delivery, using effective teaching strategies that challenge and engage all learners.

As a result, you will have deeper insight and greater knowledge around:

Space is limited so sign up before Monday April 9.

For information about registering, please contact Theresa Stern (formally Duncan) at: tstern@guidedogs.com. Please put “NCAER BOOKSHARE REGISTRATION” in the subject line.

Free Medical Services at the Oakland Coliseum

On March 22nd through March 25th, the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Foundation will be providing free medical services at the Oakland Coliseum including dental and vision services. Starting at 3:30 a.m. on each of these days, they will begin issuing numbers on a first-come, first-serve basis and begin calling numbers at 5:30 a.m. Volunteers will then provide medical services, with no
questions about insurance, all day long.

Accessibility Out of the Box: A Tech Seminar

Certain technologies can provide intelligent and innovative solutions for people who are blind or visually impaired. Join the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired on Tuesday, April 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and learn how to access and enjoy technologies like iTunes, iPad, iPhone and iPod. Learn from experts about accessibility features for your iOS devices, including screen magnification, VoiceOver, settings for high contrast, and more.

This is an in-person tech seminar—our typical live streaming and phone options will not be available. Seating is limited so RSVP now to: rsvp@lighthouse-sf.org.

Location:
LightHouse for the Blind
214 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102

Focus Groups for Blind and Visually Impaired Clipper Card Users

Do you have a Clipper Card and have you had trouble using it? If so, please join the LightHouse and Disability Rights Advocates for a focus group of blind users to talk about situations and issues such as the following:

• Difficulty finding the machines to tag your Clipper Card when riding BART or Caltrain
• Difficulty determining if you have properly tagged your card
• Trouble using your Clipper Card on another local transit system
• Difficulty registering your Regional Transit Connection Card (RTC) on the Clipper Card website

You can participate in the discussion in either San Francisco or Berkeley. To RSVP contact Beth Berenson at bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.

San Francisco
April 19: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Berkeley
May 8: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
LightHouse satellite office at the Ed Roberts Campus
3075 Adeline St., Ste. 110, Berkeley

Accessibility Problems with your Citibank Account?

Attorneys Timothy Elder and Scott LaBarre are interested in speaking with any blind business owners or employees who have attempted to open or use a business bank account at Citibank. They are particularly interested to hear if you have had any problems with accessing the website interface for your account or entering your password without sighted assistance. Interested individuals can contact Timothy Elder by email at telder@trelegal.com or by phone at 410-415-3493.