Calendar

LightHouse will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

The week's events

  • Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over

    Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over


    Feb 1

    Back by popular demand, it’s our six-week online Orientation & Mobility course, Get Moving. This session is for Bay Area residents aged 55 and over.

    It’s a comprehensive course with two classes per week using the Zoom platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

    The lessons are: Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAP; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

    Mondays & Wednesdays: January 25 & 27; February 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24; March 1, 3 & 8 from 10:00 am to noon (no class Presidents’ Day, February 15)

    RSVP by noon on Friday, January 15 to Chris Williams at Cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.

  • Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)

    Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)


    Feb 2

    This is a comprehensive 6-week 14-class virtual course on Zoom introducing students to foundational Orientation & Mobility concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel and for gaining or retaining employment (this course is specifically for Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Consumers. Students meet twice a week for two-hour classes andparticipate in two hours of pre-class assessment, Zoom procedures and outside class support.

    To participate students must have solid internet access and be able to access Zoom via phone and/or video and have computer skills to receive and read articles, watch videos and listen to podcasts. All students should expect weekly homework to be completed prior to class.

    The essential O&M lessons cover: the benefits of O&M training for travel and employment; overview of sensory, spatial & environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; outdoor travel; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis; public transportation & trip planning; and introduction to electronic travel devices, GPS & wayfinding technologies.

    The course runs Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 19, 21, 27 & 28 and February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 & 25 from 10:00 am to noon.

    Registration deadline is January 8, 2021. To register for the course and hear about the fees and materials,  please contact Robert Alminana at ralminana@lighthouse-sf.org or Jennifer Huey at jhuey@lighthouse-sf.org and contact your DOR Counselor.

    Tech Together

    Tech Together


    Feb 2

    Join the LightHouse Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times. Tech Together is a chance to share your knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other blind technology users. LightHouse Access Technology staff share tips and resources on each week’s topic. Then there is time for LightHouse students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.

    Topics are decided on a rolling basis as our community’s needs evolve during shelter in place.

    Or leave a voicemail at 510-925-2943. Online registration is preferred.

    Upcoming Topics

    February 2

    Tech Together: Just Google It!

    If you’ve ever heard this phrase, or if you’ve ever searched online only to find yourself wading through pages of results that are not quite what you’re looking for, join us for a discussion of how to use web searches to find what you need when you need it.

    RSVP online for the February 2 Tech Together event.

    February 9

    Tech Together: Formatting is Fabulous

    Did you know that formatting your documents can not only make them easier for sighted readers to enjoy, but also make them easier for blind users to read and navigate? Join us to learn how simple formatting commands can have a big impact on the documents you create.

    RSVP online for the February 9 Tech Together event.

    February 16

    Tech Together: Proofread Like a Pro

    If you’ve ever wondered if you’re spelling a word right or wanted to check a document for stray tabs or commas, join us for this discussion of how to proofread your work while using access technology.

    RSVP online for the February 16 Tech Together event.

    February 23

    Tech Together: App Architecture

    Just as knowing how to use headings and links can make browsing the web with access technology easier, knowing some common elements to look for when you’re exploring a new app can be a helpful tool. We’ll talk about tabs, menus, pickers and more.

    RSVP online for the February 23 Tech Together event.

    Not So Bored Game Night (online)

    Not So Bored Game Night (online)


    Feb 2

    Each week students from the Lighthouse Youth Program gather for our virtual Not So Bored Game Night. A weekly evening of fun and games for Blind and low vision youth from all over. Games start at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evenings and will include trivia contests, scavenger hunts and other interactive games that will have youth making friends. In addition, the LightHouse staff each week’s games will be led by a guest mentor that will also share insight into their education, career and life as a person who is blind or has low vision.

    Who: students under 18 that are blind or have low vision
    What: weekly game night and guest mentor spotlight via zoom When: Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Where: Anywhere you can access a Zoom meeting
    RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program
    Parents & Guardians: we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually.

    If you are interested in signing up for the Not So Bored Game Night, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.

  • Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over

    Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over


    Feb 3

    Back by popular demand, it’s our six-week online Orientation & Mobility course, Get Moving. This session is for Bay Area residents aged 55 and over.

    It’s a comprehensive course with two classes per week using the Zoom platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

    The lessons are: Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAP; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

    Mondays & Wednesdays: January 25 & 27; February 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24; March 1, 3 & 8 from 10:00 am to noon (no class Presidents’ Day, February 15)

    RSVP by noon on Friday, January 15 to Chris Williams at Cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.

  • Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)

    Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)


    Feb 4

    This is a comprehensive 6-week 14-class virtual course on Zoom introducing students to foundational Orientation & Mobility concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel and for gaining or retaining employment (this course is specifically for Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Consumers. Students meet twice a week for two-hour classes andparticipate in two hours of pre-class assessment, Zoom procedures and outside class support.

    To participate students must have solid internet access and be able to access Zoom via phone and/or video and have computer skills to receive and read articles, watch videos and listen to podcasts. All students should expect weekly homework to be completed prior to class.

    The essential O&M lessons cover: the benefits of O&M training for travel and employment; overview of sensory, spatial & environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; outdoor travel; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis; public transportation & trip planning; and introduction to electronic travel devices, GPS & wayfinding technologies.

    The course runs Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 19, 21, 27 & 28 and February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 & 25 from 10:00 am to noon.

    Registration deadline is January 8, 2021. To register for the course and hear about the fees and materials,  please contact Robert Alminana at ralminana@lighthouse-sf.org or Jennifer Huey at jhuey@lighthouse-sf.org and contact your DOR Counselor.

    Reel Escape: Audio-Described Movie Club

    Reel Escape: Audio-Described Movie Club


    Feb 4

    To help you break up the routine and escape for some fun, join your friends for our weekly Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club. This weekly remote social gathering of blind and low vision youth takes place over zoom on Thursday afternoons at 4:00 pm. Films will be family-friendly and have audio descriptions enabled. Join us each week to help choose future films. Past films have included: Toy Story, Frozen, Inside out, Minions, Lion King and many other classics.

    Who: Students under 18 that are Blind or have Low Vision
    What: Audio Description Movie Club via Zoom
    When: Thursday afternoons @ 4:00 pm Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
    RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program

    Parents & Guardians, we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually.

    If you are interested in signing up for the Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.

  • Harry Potter Club

    Harry Potter Club


    Feb 6

    Grab your wands, cauldrons, and your Harry Potter knowledge and join your Lighthouse friends for our new student driven Harry Potter Club. This monthly gathering of happy Harry Potter enthusiasts will gather during the afternoon of the first Saturday of each month for all sorts of Harry Potter awesomeness.

    In January we will start the club off right with a kick-off party!  Where we will learn more about our Harry Potter friends by taking part in some house sorting and house competitions. Followed by a presentation from our friends at the Talking Books and Braille Center at the San Francisco Public Library about one way you might be able to access the Harry Potter book series. In February we will start watching the Harry Potter movie series and compare each of the movies and books in order. We will continue in this fashion with another installment of the Harry Potter series each month with a short break for summer. To best prepare for each month’s program we ask that you read the corresponding book before we watch the movie.

    Don’t have the book?  Don’t worry! There are options. First is the NLS free braille and talking book library service. If you are not signed up with the NLS please start the process at https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-library-service-for-the-blind-and-print-disabled/about-this-service/?cid=loc-ppc_s=google_c=talking-book-library_ag=talking-book_kw=library-of-congress-talking-books.You may also subscribe to Learning Ally, who has audio versions of all the Harry Potter books. To create an account with Learning Ally, please visit - https://learningally.org/About-Us/Join. Join us for the kick-off event in December to learn more and ask questions.

    2021 Dates

    January 2 – Club Kick-off Party!

    February 6 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

    March 6 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

    April 3  – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

    May 1  – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

    June, July & August – Summer Break

    September 4th – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

    October 2 – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

    November 6 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

    December 4 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

    Who: Blind and low vision youth from all over that are under 18 or that are still in high school. Families should be aware the Harry Potter Books are for youth that are at least in 5th or 6th grade, however a couple of the Harry Potter movies are rated PG-13 and may not be appropriate for all.

    What: Harry Potter book and audio description movie club

    When: 1:00 pm of the first Saturday of the month (see dates above)

    Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting

    RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program

    Parents & Guardians: we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually.

    Anti-Discrimination Statement: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community and all fans who found a home in the Harry Potter series and will work to provide a safe space for fans.

    If you are interested in signing up for the Harry Potter Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.

The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.

The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!

SDS safety dataClick here for our cleaning product safety data sheets (SDS) and ingredient information.

X