Tag Archive

Youth

This June – Go to the NFB National Convention with LightHouse YES Academy

The LightHouse believes that attending consumer conventions of the blind can be an empowering tool. Since 2011 we’ve taken students and staff to a number of consumer conventions to maximize and intensify learning in a fun and adventuresome way.

With great excitement, The Lighthouse Youth Program is pleased to announce its first Youth Employment Series (YES) Academy.

Academy Dates: Wednesday, June 22 to Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Deadline to register is May 1
Informational conference call: Sunday, April 10, 4:00 p.m.

During this two week training academy students aged 16 to 24 will gain valuable knowledge and life experiences that will help them become more independent, confident and successful.

During the first week of this intensive program, students will stay at the brand new, state-of-the-art LightHouse headquarters in San Francisco where they will take part in a series of day-long workshops focused on acquiring knowledge about college, employment, blindness skills and self-advocacy.

LightHouse YES Academy Goes to NFB National Convention
During the second week, new skills will be put to the test when the entire academy hits the road and travels across the country to attend the National Federation of the Blind annual National Convention in Orlando, Florida, one of the largest gatherings of blind and low vision individuals and professionals in the world.

Join us for an Informational Conference Call
To learn more about this innovative program, we invite you to join us for a conference call on Sunday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m.
Call-in number: 641-715-3300, passcode 168319#. You will have an opportunity to speak with and ask questions of LightHouse staff during the call.

YES Academy Week Highlights
•Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
•Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
•Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
•Learn how to smoothly transition into college from high school or from college to a career.
•Develop effective cover letters and resumes.
•Practice networking, participate in mock interviews and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
•Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

NFB National Convention Week Highlights
•Attend the largest gathering of low vision and blind students in the United States.
•Gain advice, wisdom and network with intelligent, charismatic and fun blind and low vision mentors and leaders.
•Share and discuss issues, ideas and perspectives of importance to the blind community with peers and mentors.
•Practice skills and techniques learned during our monthly YES Youth Employment Series and other trainings in a blind-friendly environment with thousands of low vision and blind mentors who can help you master your new skills.
•Learn about the latest and greatest technologies for the blind and low vision community at one of the largest gatherings of venders of low vision and blind technologies in the world.

Students aged 16 to 24 who are referred to the YES Academy by their Department of Rehabilitation counselor are encouraged to apply. The LightHouse YES Academy includes dormitory lodging, hotel room expenses, transportation to and from Orlando, food, registration fees and many day-to-day expenses during the academy. Transportation to and from San Francisco is not included. Payment must be secured by June 15.

Registration
The first step in the registration process is to complete the online portion of the application by May 1. Click here to go to the application form.

Lighthouse’s Youth Services Coordinator Jamey Gump will contact you shortly after your application has been submitted to complete the application process.

If you would like more information regarding the Lighthouse YES Academy, including costs, please contact Jamey Gump at 415.694.7372 or jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Our Next LightHouse YES (Youth Employment Series) session is on April 30: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Searches

Our Next LightHouse YES (Youth Employment Series) session is on April 30: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Searches

April 2016 LightHouse YES: Resumes and More

Our series of YES workshops continues. The April YES workshop will focus on tools and resources that can help students conduct more successful job searches. The workshop will start with an in-depth look at resumes and cover letters before we get into the do’s and don’ts of job searching. Students will learn from professional employment specialists as well as other low vision and blind professionals.

Who: Youth and transition-aged students (recommended age range: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or who have low vision.
When: Saturday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters

Our April workshop will focus on information and resources that will help high school and college students be more successful in higher education. Students who participate in this workshop will walk away with valuable wisdom from current students and recent graduates about how best to navigate the college system. We will discuss topics such as Disabled Students Services, what it is and how the program can help you; why you should sign up with Department of Rehabilitation and more.

Please note that the session will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and that we must ask that all parents and guardians leave no later than 15 minutes after dropping off their child participant.

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

Save the Date for our May session: Saturday, May 21
During our May YES workshop students will discuss how to conduct an interview and when and how to disclose information about your disability.

 

What is LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series?

LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series is an informative 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.

In January, 2016 we began this series of day long workshops designed to help youth and transition-aged students (recommend age: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or have low vision to be prepared to become successfully employed. Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

These workshops will teach students to:

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to transition smoothly into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

When and where will the workshops be held?

9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: April 30 and May 21. These workshops will be held at the LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters.

Is there a cost?

The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $150 per student. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. DOR authorizations or alternate payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

Are You a Musician who is Blind or Has Low Vision?

Lead instructor Bill McCann and Jenna Baylis work with adaptive software for composition during Blind Music Academy.Fine-tune your craft this summer at Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California.

Do you sing or play an instrument? Train with some of our nation’s best instructors at Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp. The LightHouse is partnering with Dancing Dots, the world’s leading provider of accessible music technology for the blind, to bring our summertime Music Academy back to the redwoods. The Academy is open to young, motivated musicians who are blind or low vision who are 16 to 24 years old.

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp, Napa and the LightHouse Headquarters, San Francisco
When: August 1 through August 10, 2016
Cost for the week, all-inclusive: $300
(If the registration fee is a barrier, let us know; some scholarships will be available.)

Bill McCann, President and Founder of Dancing Dots, blind himself, will lead a team of four blind instructors and technicians to teach the latest and greatest techniques for blind and low vision students.

To sign up: contact Taccarra Burrell at 451-694-7310 or ehc@lighthouse-sf.org or go to: http://lighthousesf.org/programs/enchanted-hills/

A Day at the Exploratorium – LightHouse Youth Program

logo for ExploratoriumJoin the LightHouse Youth Program for an exciting day of interactive science and endless exploration at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Students that sign up to join us for this event will not only get the chance to experience the Exploratorium, they will be part of a team that will help train the High School Explainers be more prepared to help any future museum guests who are blind or have low vision. After we finish our activities with our new friends from the Exploratorium we have the chance to tour the museum floor until the museum closes at 5:00.

Who: Youth who are between the ages of 8 and 18 and are blind or who have low vision.
What: A day of interactive science and exploring at the Exploratorium.
When: Saturday April 2, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Exploratorium – located at Pier 15 & Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meeting Location:  Information Desk near the front entrance of the Exploratorium
Cost: FREE
Waiver: Each participant must complete a LightHouse Youth Program Application, if they have not done so already.
What to bring: Good walking shoes, bag lunch or money for lunch, water bottle, and warm layers of clothing. Please be sure to also bring necessary adaptive equipment such as cane or magnifier.

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.

Learn About College on March 26th with YES, our Youth Employment Series

In January, the LightHouse Youth Program launched the latest program for transition-aged students who are blind or have low vision. Our Saturday, March 26 session is all about college.

LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series

LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series is an informative 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.

What is the LightHouse Youth Employment Series?

A series of day long workshops designed to help youth and transition-aged students (recommend age: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or have low vision to be prepared to become successfully employed. Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

These workshops will teach students to:

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to transition smoothly into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

When and where will the workshops be held?

9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: March 26, April 30 and May 21. These workshops will be held at the LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters.

Is there a cost?

The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $150 per student. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. DOR authorizations or alternate payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

March 2016 LightHouse YES: College Connections

Who: Youth and transition-aged students (recommended age range: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or who have low vision.
When: Saturday, March 26, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters

Our March workshop, College Connections, will focus on information and resources that will help high school and college students be more successful in higher education. Students who participate in this workshop will walk away with valuable wisdom from current students and recent graduates about how best to navigate the college system. We will discuss topics such as Disabled Students Services, what it is and how the program can help you; why you should sign up with Department of Rehabilitation and more.

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

Save the Date for our first youth insider’s look at how to apply for a job – Saturday, April 30th

During our April workshop we will focus on cover letters, resumes and how to conduct a job search. Stay tuned for our April announcement.

March 12th is Family Fun Night with our Youth Program

The LightHouse Youth Program cordially invites you and your family to join us for a Family Fun Night in March. The evening will include games and competitions that family members of all ages and abilities will enjoy, so you’ll have a blast competing in all sorts of fun and silly challenges. We’ll serve a pot-luck dinner, so bring your favorite family dish to share with everyone!

Gathering blind and sighted family members together is not just a great excuse to throw a party (though we love that). Family Fun Night gives blind and sighted parents and kids a chance to learn from each other and be role models for each other.

Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision and their families
What: Potluck and Family Game Night
When: Saturday March 12, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters
Cost: FREE
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 at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Youth Program Welcomes Wells Fargo for a Youth Money Management Seminar

Join your friends from the LightHouse Youth Program for our first ever Money Management Seminar. Students that participate in this workshop will learn about some of the basic concepts of money management that can help them become financially successful. Our discussion will include but will not be limited to: budgets, making budgets, credits score, building credit and so much more!

Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision (recommended age range: 14 to 24 years old)
What: Two hour workshop in which students will learn basic concepts that will help them become more financially successful.
When: Saturday, March 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters
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.
What to bring: Note taking equipment

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.

New Session Announcement: LightHouse Youth Employment Series

In January, the LightHouse Youth Program launched the latest program for low vision and blind transition aged students. The informative new series of monthly workshops will provide low vision and blind transition-aged youth with vital skills and practices that will help them become more successful in higher education and their chosen career path.

Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind or low vision professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

Our February 20 session, “Accommodations,” is now open for enrollment. To enroll, email lmartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7350.

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

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to smoothly transition into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.
  • And learn much more!

 

Who is eligible?

Low Vision and Blind youth and transition-aged students

What is the LightHouse Youth Employment Series?

A series of day long workshops designed to help low vision or blind transition aged students to be prepared to become successfully employed.

When and where will the workshops be held?

9:00 am until 4:00 pm on the following Saturdays: February 20, March 26, April 30 and May 21. These workshops will be held at the LightHouse headquarters.

Is there a cost?

The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $150 per student. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. DOR authorizations or alternate payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

 

February’s event:

Accommodations

Saturday, February 20

What is an accommodation? Is the accommodation you are asking for reasonable? Want to learn more about how successful low vision and blind professionals get the necessary accommodations they need to get the job done? During this February’s workshop students will learn about how successful and independent low vision and blind individuals get the necessary accommodations to be successful in college, there career and in life. Students will also learn what might be the best accommodations for their needs whether it is a high tech or low tech solution by participating in hands on demonstrations by professionals that use the accommodations regularly.

 

Save the Date

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Our March workshop, College Connections, will focus on information and resources that will help high school and college students be more successful in higher education. Students that participate in this workshop will walk away with valuable wisdom from current students and recent graduates about how best to navigate the college system.

For more information on LightHouse YES

LightHouse YES: a New Youth Employment Series through May 2016

LightHouse YES is a new series of day long workshops designed to help low vision or blind transition-aged students prepare to become successfully employed.

This informative new series will provide youth with vital skills and practices that will help them become more successful in higher education and their chosen career path.

Next Workshop: Assessing Ones Talents and Accommodation Requirements
When:
Saturday, February 20, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
During this workshop, students will learn how to assess their skills and needs in order to get the most appropriate accommodations for school, work and beyond.  A more in-depth description of February’s workshop will be available shortly.

Launched in January, Our first segment of our new LightHouse Youth Employment Series consisted of an in-depth discussion about career exploration. Students learned about all sorts of careers from successful low vision and blind individuals in a wide variety of fields. At the end of this workshop, students gained techniques and methods they can use to research career paths so that they can attempt to find the best job suited to them.

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

Save the Dates for Future Youth Employment Series Workshops
Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind or low vision professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

Held at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: January 30, February 20, March 26, April 30 and May 21

These workshops will teach students to:

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to transition smoothly into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

Who is eligible?
Low Vision and Blind youth and transition-aged students.

Is there a cost?
There is no cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops if a student obtains prior DOR authorization, otherwise it is $150. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. DOR authorizations or alternate payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

Calling 16 to 24-Year-Olds – Become a Counselor in Training at Enchanted Hills Camp

Counselors at Enchanted Hills Camp teach young campers to fish.The LightHouse is looking for youth who are blind or have low vision to come to Enchanted Hills this summer for some work experience.

The Enchanted Hills Camp Counselor in Training Program (CIT) focuses on developing blind/low vision leaders in an integrated environment through job exploration and work based learning experiences. Training takes place through discussion, observation and practice under the supervision of the administrative staff at camp. Most importantly a successful applicant will developed a strong work ethic that they can apply to any leadership experience.

This program is designed for blind participants or participants with low vision who are 16-24 old and are serious about improving their leadership skills by learning to work with children and/or adults in a rigorous camp setting. The importance in this training program is the hands on experience CITs will gain by working with campers and with the EHC counseling staff. CITs, upon completion of the Enchanted Hills Camp CIT program, will be better prepared to work with adults, their peers and children of all ages, interests, and abilities. Participants will also walk away with self-advocacy skills, increased social and independent living skills, plus new friendships. We encourage applicants with a variety of previous camping experiences to apply.

CITs are registered as campers and therefore receive no financial compensation. Food, lodging and bus transportation from our pick-up sites are provided at no cost. Space is limited and interviews will be conducted to choose the best possible candidates for the program.

Expectations of CITs

  • Adhere to the policies established in the Staff Handbook
  • Be a positive role-model for campers
  • Communicate blindness-positive philosophy
  • Demonstrate independent travel skills
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic
  • Develop conflict resolution skills
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Meet daily with supervisor in a group setting for evaluation
  • Provide a safe and healthy environment for campers
  • Read from suggested best practices reading list prior to summer assignment
  • Support the mission of the camp

 CIT Responsibilities

  • Assist counselors and Area Leaders with management of campers
  • Promote Independence
  • Motivate campers to use non-visual techniques
  • Participate in the development of program activities designed specifically for blind campers.
  • Incorporate active participation in camp meals, clean up and other daily functions through fun activities
  • Communicate with staff about problems or issues that arise with campers
  • Adapt all activities so that all campers can participate fully, regardless of their level of vision
  • Work with counselors to resolve disciplinary issues that arise with campers
  • Be active participants and assist staff during specialist, program and group time
  • Assist campers in being successful with games, projects and activities
  • Facilitate independence in camper participation
  • Participate in activities with campers
  • Assist counselors and Area Leaders in enforcing rules and instructions
  • Assist in leading activities during downtime
  • Assist in the set-up and facilitation of camp events such as theme days
  • Serve as escorts for campers needing extra assistance
  • Assume additional, reasonable responsibilities as assigned by the counselors, Area Leaders and administrative team
  • HAVE FUN and BE SAFE

Deadline to Apply is April 1, 2016.

For further information about the Counselor-in-Training Program, please don’t hesitate to contact Tony Fletcher, Enchanted Hills Camp Director at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@lighthouse-sf.org.