Tag Archive

Youth

Two-Week YES Academy Takes Blind Kids from San Francisco to Orlando to More Independence

08/31/2016 LightHouse Staff

Photo: YES group sit around one of the many tables in the conference hall. LightHouse Youth Coordinator Jamey Gump sits at 9 o’clock, then going clockwise around the table: student Kyle Garcia, LightHouse mentor Sergio Lopez, student Billy Lei, LightHouse mentor Danielle Fernandez, students Robin Patche, Kevin Brousard, Christina Parra, Santiago Hernandez and Jacob Obeso.

In July close to a dozen LightHouse Youth attended our inaugural YES Academy – a two-week session for students ages 16 to 24 with the aim of teaching them to be more independent, confident and successful. During the first week of the training, students stayed at the new LightHouse Building in San Francisco. The students experienced full days that included classroom work, assignments and challenges both inside and outside our offices, mixed with time to relax, talk, have fun, compare notes and enjoy making friends and bonding with fellow blind students.

Photo: YES Academy students gather in our teaching kitchen for lunch.

Throughout the first week students benefited from a robust curriculum including outstanding blind college students as well as blind speakers representing a wide variety of career choices, a tour of the UC Berkeley campus, discussions that focused on becoming more independent and on finding work, including the use of adaptive technology, the importance of organization, best practices for writing resumes and cover letters and how to go on a job interview. They also experienced the excitement and fun of navigating the Bay Area while practicing their mobility skills. They traveled throughout the San Francisco on public transportation, participated in the San Francisco Pride Parade, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, visited Pier 39 and went to the movies (using the recently-launched Disney Movies Anywhere audio-description iPhone app to watch the film Finding Dory.)

Photo: Brandishing white canes and dog guides, YES Academy students cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Photo: Students Christina Parra, Robin Patche and Moe Josefowicz stand next to the colorful Fortune Dragon statue that sits in front of San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum.

Week two brought the adventure all had been waiting for: the cross-country flight to Orlando, Florida where the group attended the annual National Federation of the Blind (NFB) National Convention. For some it was their very first time on an airplane. LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator Jamey Gump, who supervised the group throughout the two-week period told us, “The kids pretty much were struck by the scale and diversity of the conference right away. Imagine you are maybe the only kid in your school or in your community who is blind. Now imagine the impact of walking into a hall where there are thousands of blind people with their white canes or dog guides. Or attending a huge banquet where pretty much everyone there can relate in one way or another to your life experience? That’s amazingly empowering.”

Photo: LightHouse Evening and Weekend Coordinator Serena Olsen stands with student Santiago Hernandez next to seated audience members in the NFB Conference Hall.

Included in their schedule: exploring the Exhibit Hall where vendors displayed adaptive technology and attending the Conference General Session, the National Association of Blind Students seminar and a youth mixer with kids from all across the country including Arizona and Maryland.

LightHouse Evening and Weekend Coordinator Serena Olsen, who supervised the kids overnight and in Orlando loved seeing changes in the kids, even in such a short period of time. She said, “Overall I saw a growing awareness among the group that it’s “okay” to be blind. I watched them become more comfortable in their own skin as blind people. For some or all of them there’s this idea of leaving home for the first time and that you can’t take your parents with you to, say, college. YES Academy gave them the chance to try new strategies and succeed, or even fail sometimes, in a safe space.”

Student Sarkis (Sako) Meehran Gekchyan summed up the feelings of many who attended, by saying, “The experience I had at The YES Academy was invaluable. I can safely say that no other program for the blind that I have participated in has impacted me so strongly, so positively and so permanently as this one. The lessons I have learned from staying at the LightHouse and the NFB convention have stuck. Doing this program was exactly what I needed. I was able to see blind people who took charge of their lives and were making a positive change not only for themselves but for others. I learned a lot both from my fellow students and the speakers and the mentors. It was the first time I ever felt a deep sense of pride in my blindness, the first time I actually felt like a part of the blind Community. The very people I once tried to distance myself from are now one of my greatest sources of inspiration and most importantly my second family.”

If you have any questions about YES Academy, please contact Youth Services Coordinators Jamey Gump at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org/415-694-7372 or Richie Flores at rflores@lighthouse-sf.org/415-694-7328.

Throughout the year we hold individual LightHouse YES workshops. Our first workshop is on Saturday, September 10.

Read more about YES workshops.

LightHouse News

Youth Employment Series (YES) Workshops Now Year-Round

08/30/2016 LightHouse Staff 1 Comment

Photo: YES Academy students raise their arms in happy unison while seated in a MUNI F-Line heritage streetcar.

Beginning in September, the LightHouse Youth Program begins its new academic year with our YES Saturday Workshop Series for transition aged students ages 14 to 26 who are blind or have low vision. Students must be eligible for transitional rehabilitation services, deemed legally blind by a physician or accredited agency, and able to fulfill the training and work required by the program.

Participants in the YES Workshop Series will benefit from vocational and blindness skills training, meaningful work and volunteer opportunities, as well as career-specific mentorships with the working blind. Our goal is to help students become ready to attend institutes of higher education or move towards successfully employed. We’ll offer presentations by keynote speakers and collaborative skill-focused activities led by successful blind professionals. Students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

September YES Workshop: Making Lasting Impressions
When: Saturday, September 10, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: the new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, 94103

Our September YES workshop will focus on teaching students how to make positive lasting impressions. Students will discuss in detail with experienced blind and low vision working mentors the best ways to become proficient at making positive first impressions and how to confidently interact with the public’s perception of blindness.

Through fun and interactive hands-on activities, students will get the chance to learn what type of body language and attire will be appropriate for the real world situations they will likely encounter as they pursue their education and their career.

Additional Scheduled Workshops for Fall

Making Advocacy Awesome!
Saturday, October 8, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Making Work Exciting
Saturday, November 12, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Is There a Cost to Attend the YES Workshops?
The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $175 per day-long workshop. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Department of Rehabilitation authorizations or other payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

If you have any questions or wish to apply, please contact Youth Services Coordinator Richie Flores at rflores@lighthouse-sf.orgg or 415-694-7328.

What is the LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series?
LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series is a practical and educational series of monthly workshops providing transition-aged youth who are blind or have low vision vital skills and practices that will help them become more successful in higher education and their chosen career path.

Topics to be discussed during these workshops include but are not limited to:

Work-based learning experiences, such as in-school or after school work experience, and internships.

Guidance toward opportunities for enrollment in a comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational program at an institution of higher education.

School-based preparatory employment experiences such as role playing, social skills development and independent living training, coordinated with any transition services provided by the school.

Instruction in self-advocacy, individual rights, self-determination skills and the informed consent process, as well as peer mentoring.

Accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.

Acquiring access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations.

Acquiring and using blindness skills that will enrich life and help students achieve their goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate their needs.

How to smoothly navigate through any system as a student transitioning into college from high school or from college to a career.

Developing effective cover letters, resumes and interview skills.

Learning strategies that will help students make strong and positive first impressions.

Learning how to develop, enhance and utilize one’s network and relationships with peers and mentors.

Job exploration counseling.

LightHouse News

Let’s Talk – a Monthly Youth Conversation with Laura – on Saturday, September 17

08/23/2016 LightHouse Staff

PHOTO: LightHouse Youth gather together during the July YES Academy session.

Part of the LightHouse BEST (Building Excellence with Skills Training) Series for middle school and high school youth

Let’s Talk is an exciting new comprehensive science-based educational workshop, designed specifically for high school students who are blind or have low vision. Let’s Talk workshops provide a safe space for students to come together and talk about their experiences while they learn and acquire skills that will help them navigate all types of interpersonal relationships.

Who: Students that are blind or have low vision and are attending high school.
When: Saturday, September 17 from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, 94103
Cost: FREE
Waiver: Each participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

Let’s Talk will focus on topics related to gender, sexuality, reproductive health, navigating social challenges, developing friendships, dating and so much more. By providing youth with accurate, non-judgmental information, they can learn to make healthier decisions and choices for themselves. Our first workshop will focus on activities that help youth identify and establish healthy boundaries. Subsequent workshops will be created based on topics the class participants themselves would like to focus on.

If you would like more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

If you are unable to attend and have ideas for future Let’s Talk workshops please e-mail info@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-431-1481.

LightHouse News

Dance Like a Star on Saturday, September 17

08/23/2016 LightHouse Staff

Part of the LightHouse BEST (Building Excellence with Skills Training) Series for middle school and high school youth

Work off the lunch you made in our Iron Chef cooking class (or just attend this class on its own) with some new dance moves. Or just attend this class on its own. You’ll have fun while our blind mentors teach you a variety of dance steps. The class is intended for dancers of all experience levels, whether you are just learning to tango or ready to master the two-step. Who knows, we might even have time to learn the Nae Nae!

Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 8 to 18
What: Learn dance from low vision and blind mentors
When: From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17. This is a one-time-only class.
Where: The new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, 94103
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form if they have not done so for a previous outing or event.
Cost: FREE for youth who are blind or have low vision

Classes will be limited to 12 participants and all participants must RSVP.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Youth Cooking Class – Iron Chef of the LightHouse – Beginning Saturday, September 17

08/23/2016 LightHouse Staff

Photo: Jamey Gump teaches during last year’s Youth Cooking Class.

Part of the LightHouse BEST (Building Excellence with Skills Training) Series for middle school and high school youth

In September our popular Youth Cooking class starts again in our beautiful new training kitchen.

We’ve been successfully teaching kids how to cook for a few years now and we’ve decided to add a little spice to the classroom by including a fun and competitive element. Introducing the Iron Chef of the LightHouse series of cooking classes, where students work with blind mentors in a series of fun food competitions.

In addition to the cooking challenges, we’ll teach students to cook tasty treats, simple side dishes and snacks and festive full-course meals. The class is intended for youth who are blind or have low vision and are aspiring to become more competent and confident in the kitchen.

The skills learned during these interactive cooking classes can easily be applied to everyday cooking at home or school; so parents, good news – you’ll want to invite your budding chefs to cook for you at home!

Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 8 to 18
When: From 10:00 am to 12:45 pm on the third Saturday of the month (September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17)
Where: The new LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, 94103
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form if they have not done so for a previous outing or event.
Cost: FREE for low vision and blind youth

Classes will be limited to 12 participants and all participants must RSVP.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Yes You Can – Enchanted Hills Campers Become Accessibility “Makers”

08/04/2016 LightHouse Staff

By Josh Miele, Associate Director of Technology Research and Development, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Low Vision and Blindness at Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

PHOTO: STEM session student Rose McDougald plugs wire into an Arduino board.

Not everyone gets excited about building robots, but the students who are blind or have low vision that I worked with last week at the Enchanted Hills STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Camp definitely do. While most mainstream schools offer robotics clubs, programming classes, or electronics workshops, they often don’t know how to support participation by kids with visual disabilities. This workshop was part of The Blind Arduino Project – a larger effort to teach students and teachers about accessible electronics techniques, encouraging the participation of blind students in mainstream STEM-learning opportunities.

STEM session students Sergio Ramirez, left, and Lachlan Ryan give the thumbs while working on an Arduino board.

The sessions I taught at STEM Camp introduced blind kids to building robots and other electronic devices with Arduino – an inexpensive microprocessor that makes it extremely easy to design and build powerful automated gadgets with amazing capabilities. In a hands-on workshop, the students learned non-visual techniques for identifying electronic components, tracing wires and navigating the multitude of connections on an Arduino board. The kids learned about what Arduino can do, how to wire up sensors, speakers and motors, and even how to write their own programs to control the devices. But the most important thing they learned was that blind people can make stuff with Arduino. These young blind makers are now excited to bring that knowledge to school in the fall, ready to help their teachers make electronics learning accessible.

One of the aims of the Blind Arduino Project is to design devices to solve real-world accessibility challenges. Few experiences are more empowering than recognizing a barrier, designing a solution and building it yourself. For me, the greatest pleasure of the workshop came when two STEM students approached me with an idea. They had noticed that there were no audio indicators on the camp’s archery targets. They asked, “Could we use an Arduino to make a customizable beeper so we can hear where the target is?”

As a blind scientist who has built a career on finding creative technology solutions to accessibility challenges, this question thrilled me. These kids had a problem and they had independently designed and proposed a solution. After only a few hours of experience working with Arduino they were already using it to solve their own accessibility problems. Give them a few more years of experience and who knows what problems they will be ready to attack? What could be more personally and professionally satisfying than that?

“Yes, you definitely can,” I told them. “I’ll be right here if you need help.”

Beginning in October, Josh Miele is starting a Blind Arduino Monthly Meetup (BAMM) that will convene at the new LightHouse Building.

Read more about BAMM.

https://lighthouse-sf.org/blog/blind-arduino-monthly-meetup-bamm/

LightHouse News

Get Ready for the School Year: Parent and Student Workshop on August 27 [postponed]

07/28/2016 LightHouse Staff

Note: this event has been postponed. For questions, contact jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Join LightHouse students, parents and teachers for a day-long workshop aimed at helping blind students and their families be more prepared for the coming school year and beyond.

The day will start with a panel of students, parents and teachers who will speak about challenges that specifically affect blind students, such as how to make sure handouts are available in accessible formats and ideas on how parents can help their children with their homework.

Next youth and adults will break into separate groups. Parents and teachers will focus on topics such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the role Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) plays in their child’s education and extra-curricular options for youth who are blind. Students will also learn about how DOR works, discuss transitioning to college, living skills and the importance of balancing work and play.

The day will wrap-up with an opportunity for families to get to know one another.

Who: Families with at least one youth under 18 and at least one family member of any age who is blind or has low vision.
When: Saturday, August 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, 94103
Waiver: Each youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

If you would like more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org by Wednesday August 24.

LightHouse News

Teens and Adults – Whitewater Raft the American River with the LightHouse – September 24 and 25

07/28/2016 LightHouse Staff

The LightHouse and Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) collaborate in September as we offer a whitewater rafting experience on the South Fork of the American River. Youth and adults ages 14 and up are invited to attend this exciting rafting trip and overnight campout.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Evening & Weekend Program Coordinator Serena Olsen by Tuesday, September 6 at 415-694-7316 or solsen@lighthouse-sf.org.

We will leave early Saturday, September 24th to arrive at the South Fork of the American River by midday for an exciting afternoon of whitewater rafting. Once we finish our river float, we will go to ETC’s overnight camp where we will cook dinner together. After dinner, we’ll enjoy socializing around the campfire with old and new friends. The next morning we will pack-up camp and return to San Francisco by noon, traffic permitting.

Who: Youth and Adults who are blind or have low vision (ages 14 and up)
What: Whitewater Rafting and Overnight Campout
When: Depart 7:30 a.m. Saturday, September 24th and return 12:00 p.m. (noon) Sunday, September 25th
Where: South Fork of the American River and ETC’s Overnight Camp
Transportation: Transportation from and to the LightHouse will be provided
Waiver: Each participant must submit 2 waiver forms, one from the LightHouse and the other from Environmental Travel Companions. Please contact Serena Olsen to receive the waivers. Spots will only be reserved when payment and signed waivers are received.
Cost: The cost of the event is $100.00 per participant. LightHouse will cover overnight costs, transportation, dinner, and breakfast the following morning. Spots will only be reserved once payment and the two signed waivers are received.

Please bring the following items on this trip:

Water bottle
Hat or visor
Sunscreen
Sleeping bag
Change of clothes
Swimsuit
Water shoes
Jacket /hoodie
Cane or mobility device
Any necessary medication
Personal toiletries (for the overnight campout at ETC’s campsite)
Two signed waivers for LightHouse and Environmental Traveling Companions

LightHouse News

Youth Program End of Summer Family Fun Night on August 20

07/28/2016 LightHouse Staff

The LightHouse Youth Program invites you and your family to join us for our End of Summer Family Fun Night on Saturday, August 20. There will be games and family competitions that participants of all ages and abilities will enjoy while giving families the chance to get to know one another and share ideas, stories and resources. Expect plenty of silliness!

Who: Families where one or more members are under 18 and at least one family member of any age is blind or has low vision.
When: Saturday, August 20, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, 94103.
What to bring: Potluck contribution and lots of energy.
Waiver: Each youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

For more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email jgump@lighthouse-sf.org by Friday August 19.

LightHouse News

Youth Program Ocean Beach Outing with the Exploratorium on August 13

07/28/2016 LightHouse Staff

On Saturday, August 13, the LightHouse Youth Program will join our friends from the Exploratorium for a fun-filled activity and lesson about magnetic black sand. Under the guidance of Exploratorium staff, students will spend two hours collecting sand from Ocean Beach which they will then help sort at a later date.

Who: Students that are blind or have low vision.
What: Collect black sand for an exhibit in Exploratorium.
When: Saturday, August 13, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
Where: (Please note that the location where we will meet has changed.) We will gather near the public restrooms on Ocean Beach near the intersection of the Great Highway and Taraval Street.
Waiver: Each youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

If you would like more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org by Wednesday August 24.