LightHouse will be closed on Wednesday, September 25 for an agency-wide all-staff event.
The week's events
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Meditation Exploration At Earle Baum Center (hybrid) Meditation Exploration At Earle Baum Center (hybrid)
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Sep 16In-person attendees can join us at Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa
Although there isn’t a right or wrong way to meditate, it’s important to find a practice that meets your needs. There are many popular types of meditation practice: mindfulness, spiritual, focused, movement, mantra, visualization and passage meditation are some. We will discuss and practice together. Input and reflection from everyone are encouraged.
RSVP to Patricia Jefferson at PJefferson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7692.
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online) The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)
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Sep 16What does it mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads this call-in forum to discuss the day-to-day ins and outs of blindness—from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies.
RSVP for The Business of Blindness online or to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
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Exercise Class at Earle Baum Center (hybrid) Exercise Class at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)
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Sep 17In-person attendees can join us at Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa
Exercise with Denise or volunteers: A routine of exercises for working the whole body is the focus. All exercises can be modified to fit anyone’s level. The class also includes gentle aerobics and breath work.
The class takes place in-person at Room 3 and on Zoom.
RSVP to: PJefferson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7692 .
Tap Dancing with Denise at Earle Baum Center (in-person) Tap Dancing with Denise at Earle Baum Center (in-person)
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Sep 17Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa
Learn beginning tap dance basics in this descriptive class. Denise will verbally describe each movement, demonstrate the sounds the taps make, and work with each person individually to insure their understanding of the step or combination. The focus is balance and spatial awareness, knowledge of the tap steps, while in a fun supportive environment.
RSVP to Denise Vancil at DVancil@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7832.
Ukulele Class at Earle Baum Center (in-person) Ukulele Class at Earle Baum Center (in-person)
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Sep 17Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa
This class includes ukulele chord instruction for beginners, learning songs and singing together as a group.
RSVP to Denise Vancil at DVancil@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7832.
Find Your Balance Class at Earle Baum Center (hybrid) Find Your Balance Class at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)
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Sep 17Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa
Focuses on body awareness and activity to increase balance. Discussion of fear of falling and home safety.
RSVP to Patricia Jefferson at PJefferson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7692.
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Stress Reduction & Meditation (online) Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)
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Sep 18We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction for beginners and advanced practitioners. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial into Zoom, find a comfortable position. Instructor Ellen Simpson has 50 years of meditation experience. After raising a family and retiring from a career in women's health, she became a resident at San Francisco Zen Center.RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid)
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Sep 18The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.
Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in an in-person course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school, and daily living environments.
The in-person course a LightHouse Headquarters at 1155 Market Street once a week for three weeks, with a morning and an afternoon class with a one hour lunch break in between. The classes are taught by two Certified Low Vision Therapists, a Low Vision Optometrist, a Social Worker, a Braille Teacher, an Adult Programs Manager, and an Accessible Technology Specialist. Included in the course: a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, and one or two individualized lessons for a total of eight lessons.
It is a comprehensive skills training course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the low vision skills classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants are eligible for an individualized Low Vision Therapy lesson or two.
The low vision skills course dates are:
August 21 through 28: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment by Zoom video or telephone call; one-time assessment to be scheduled directly with participant
Note: For the in-person classes, there are two classes per day.
Week 1 (Classes #1 and #2): Wednesday, September 4 (in-person at LightHouse HQ)
10:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Class Support time available between Weeks 1 and 2Week 2 (Classes #3 and #4): Wednesday, September 11 (in-person at LightHouse HQ)
10:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Class Support time available between Weeks 2 and 3Week 3 (Classes #5 and #6): Wednesday, September 18 (in-person at LightHouse HQ)
10:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Lunch provided by LightHouse at noon
Class Support time available between Week 3 and individualized lesson/s.By October 31: Individualized follow-up low vision skills lesson/s tailored to the unique needs of each participant at the Lighthouse San Francisco Headquarters.
If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.
Please contact Esmerelda Soto at 415-694-7323 or by email at ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org for any questions and planning for a LH Services Orientation and Assessment day. All interested parties need to have a Low Vision Evaluation completed within one year prior to the start of any low vision course. If the course registration is full, any appropriate Low Vision course referrals will then be placed on our waitlist for the next available class (dates TBA).
So You Think You Want a Guide Dog (hybrid) So You Think You Want a Guide Dog (hybrid)
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Sep 18“I need a guide dog! Or do I?” Have you been considering applying for a guide dog and are curious to learn more but don't know where to start? Will daily travel with a guide dog be easier? Are there things you need to know in order to prepare for the application process? Join Orientation and Mobility Specialist Mollie Tunks and Independent Living Skills Specialist Bobbi Pompey for "So You Think You Want a Guide Dog?" on Wednesday September 18th, 2024, from 12PM to 2PM. This workshop covers details to help you decide if a guide dog might be a good fit for you or not.
Topics include:
• Common misconceptions about guide dogs
• Tips on how to decide if the guide dog lifestyle is right for you
• Skills you need before applying to guide dog school
• Details to consider about a prospective guide dog school
• What to expect during the application process
• And how to prepare for school once you are acceptedPlease RSVP to Mollie Tunks at MTunks@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7656 by Wednesday September 11. This workshop will be held in person at the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Fransisco at 1155 Market Street with a zoom option for those who are unable to attend in person. If you can’t make this workshop, please contact Mollie Tunks to get signed up for future workshops.
Gratitude VIBES (online) Gratitude VIBES (online)
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Sep 18Gratitude-VIBES is evolving! Our Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions will now take place twice a month. These sessions remain a space for student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers that uplift and connect us all.
September 4: LightHouse student Dorothy D. shares the story of her writing through two original poems, including “Sweet Saturday Morning.”
September 18: Music Appreciation: Share the Joy. Bring a song that fills you with joy and tell us why it resonates with you.
RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Goalball with BORP (in-person) Goalball with BORP (in-person)
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Sep 18Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.
When: Wednesdays, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. BerkeleyFor more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org
Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.
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Earle Baum Center Vision Group Demo of Accessible Voting Devices (hybrid) Earle Baum Center Vision Group Demo of Accessible Voting Devices (hybrid)
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Sep 19For those attending in person, the event is at the Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa.
Guest speakers from the League of Women Voters and Registrar of Voters
Special event: The League of Women Voters will discuss ballot propositions, their pros and cons and give a hands-on demonstration of accessible voting devices. Discussion will be followed by Q&A.
RSVP to Patricia Jefferson at PJefferson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7692. You can join in person or via Zoom.
Tactile Art Class at Earle Baum Center (in-person) Tactile Art Class at Earle Baum Center (in-person)
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Sep 19Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa
Stamp Art. design and decorate an already purchased tote bag. We will cut up vegetables to use as our stamps in brightly colored paints. Fun and functional. Volunteer teachers Ellen and Ann and Patricia.
RSVP to Patricia Jefferson at PJefferson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7692.
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!
