Events in March 2023
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LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
–
Mar 2LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)
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Mar 2Tecnología para Todos, es un espacio en donde los usuarios comparten sus conocimientos y experiencias. Cada mes conversamos sobre distintos servicios, aplicaciones y dispositivos disponibles para personas ciegas y con baja visión. ¡Te esperamos!
Para registrarse, contacten a Jeffrey Colon JColon@lighthouse-sf.or o 415-694-7323.
Join the LightHouse’s monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.
This event will be conducted using the Zoom platform. You can connect to Zoom using a computer, an app, or by dialing in from any phone. Zoom meeting details will be provided when you rsvp by email to: JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or by calling 415-694-7323.
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YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)
YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)
(All day)
Mar 3 – Mar 5When: Friday March 3 at 3:00 pm to Sunday, March 5 at noon
Where: LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco
Who: Blind and low-vision students between the ages of 16 and 22
How do blind and low vision students access reading materials for both work and leisure? How does accessing reading materials tie into pre-employment preparedness skillsets? Join us this March for a workshop focused on all things literacy. Students who attend will not only gain resources and knowledge through exciting group activities, but will have the opportunity to assist with this year’s Northern California Braille Challenge, happening that weekend at LightHouse Headquarters. YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences for youth and young adults who are enthusiastic about realizing their dream careers, emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques. Each YES workshop focuses on a specific theme and offers an array of self-advocacy, assistive technology, living skills, and soft skills curricula empowering students to strive toward future employment or post-secondary educational success. The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors, connecting with blind and low vision peers, and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional goals.
Objectives:
- Students will have opportunities to network and practice work-readiness skills while volunteering during this year’s Braille Challenge event.
- Participants will discuss literature access resources, and hear from peers and professionals on valuable suggestions and strategies.
- Students will gain team-building and collaborative skillsets essential for workplace success during intergenerational group activities.
- The over-night nature of the YES workshop provides opportunities for students to refine their workplace readiness soft skills including effective social and professional communication and independent living all while building community with their blind and low vision peers and mentors.
Things to Bring:
- A notetaking device or implement (braille note, pen, slate and stylus, phone with keyboard, laptop, etc.). You may be asked to complete activities electronically.
- Necessities you may need such as any orientation and mobility tools to travel safely, money for transportation to and from the workshop, or personal medication.
If you are interested in participating in the March YES Weekend Workshop, please:
- Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
- Confirm attendance with Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator by email at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in this workshop, contact DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org. Note: space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
YES programs are, and will continue to be, in strict accordance with local, state and Center for Disease Control recommendations and guidelines.
Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)
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Mar 3We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. Our weekly gathering takes place Friday evenings at 8:00 pm., where we watch the next episode of our series and connect with your LightHouse and EHC friends. Now that we’ve watched all that we could from the world of Daredevil, our club will be switching things up and will start watching the new series, Wednesday, in early February. For those unfamiliar with the show, check out the trailer.
***Parents Please Note*** Wednesday is rated TV-14 for fear, language, and violence which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 14. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating. Read the Parent Guide for Wednesday.
Who: teens and young adults who are blind or are low vision
What: Wednesday with the Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom
When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 pm
Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program
If you are interested in signing up or have any questions about the Reel Escape Audio Description Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.
-
YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)
YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)
(All day)
Mar 3 – Mar 5When: Friday March 3 at 3:00 pm to Sunday, March 5 at noon
Where: LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco
Who: Blind and low-vision students between the ages of 16 and 22
How do blind and low vision students access reading materials for both work and leisure? How does accessing reading materials tie into pre-employment preparedness skillsets? Join us this March for a workshop focused on all things literacy. Students who attend will not only gain resources and knowledge through exciting group activities, but will have the opportunity to assist with this year’s Northern California Braille Challenge, happening that weekend at LightHouse Headquarters. YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences for youth and young adults who are enthusiastic about realizing their dream careers, emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques. Each YES workshop focuses on a specific theme and offers an array of self-advocacy, assistive technology, living skills, and soft skills curricula empowering students to strive toward future employment or post-secondary educational success. The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors, connecting with blind and low vision peers, and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional goals.
Objectives:
- Students will have opportunities to network and practice work-readiness skills while volunteering during this year’s Braille Challenge event.
- Participants will discuss literature access resources, and hear from peers and professionals on valuable suggestions and strategies.
- Students will gain team-building and collaborative skillsets essential for workplace success during intergenerational group activities.
- The over-night nature of the YES workshop provides opportunities for students to refine their workplace readiness soft skills including effective social and professional communication and independent living all while building community with their blind and low vision peers and mentors.
Things to Bring:
- A notetaking device or implement (braille note, pen, slate and stylus, phone with keyboard, laptop, etc.). You may be asked to complete activities electronically.
- Necessities you may need such as any orientation and mobility tools to travel safely, money for transportation to and from the workshop, or personal medication.
If you are interested in participating in the March YES Weekend Workshop, please:
- Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
- Confirm attendance with Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator by email at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in this workshop, contact DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org. Note: space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
YES programs are, and will continue to be, in strict accordance with local, state and Center for Disease Control recommendations and guidelines.
2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge (in-person)2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge (in-person)
–
Mar 4Each year, blind and low vision students, families, teachers, and community members from all over northern California gather for a day dedicated to braille literacy through the Northern California Regional Braille Challenge. At this gathering, blind and low vision youth demonstrate their braille skills in a series of contests ranging from reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading, and tactile graphics. We’re pleased to announce that this year’s Northern California Regional Braille Challenge will be held in person at our LightHouse San Francisco headquarters.
In addition to students showing their braille brilliance and competing with their peers, students will get the chance to learn from and meet blind and low vision mentors and role models such as our keynote speaker, Rachel Grider, a past Regional Braille Challenge winner who now teaches music to blind and low vision students.
While students take part in this year’s challenge, parents will get the chance to learn about many different resources that can help their child along the path of independence, from experienced educators and blind and low vision mentors. Topics for parent workshops will include living skills, tech demonstrations, and a workshop hosted by staff and students dedicated to sharing information and addressing parents’ concerns about overnight and summer camp programs for blind and low vision youth. In addition to all the lessons and connections that will take place, the brand-new Bop It Button will be making an appearance and there will be a bop-off for students with prizes.
Learn more about the Braille Challenge from the Braille Institute website.
Who: Blind and low vision youth from Northern California in grades K-12, as well as their family and educators
What: The 2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge
When: Saturday, March 4, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 1155 Market St., San Francisco – directions to LightHouse San Francisco headquartersRegister a student for the 2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge by March 1.
For general information about the event, or to get involved, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.
This year’s 2023 Northern California Braille Challenge will be hosted by the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, in collaboration with Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, California School for the Blind and Braille Institute of America.
Simply Sinatra Concert to Benefit Enchanted Hills Camp (in-person)Simply Sinatra Concert to Benefit Enchanted Hills Camp (in-person)
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Mar 4After unfortunately having to cancel the January 7 performance, we’re thrilled to announce the rescheduling of the Simply Sinatra concert to benefit Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) on Saturday March 4!
These concerts are organized by Nancy and Steve Gill to support EHC. In 1997 their daughter, Anne, was in a car accident that caused blindness and a traumatic brain injury. Nancy and Steve were frustrated with the lack of programs that served people with multiple disabilities until they found out that EHC holds a yearly camp session for adults with developmental disabilities. Anne enjoyed her first time at EHC and has returned as a camper over the years. In 1999 Nancy and Steve organized the first concert to benefit EHC.
The theme for the 2023 concert is “Simply Sinatra: The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Singer” and features Alex Perez and Steve Gill.
Alex Perez has worked professionally with TheatreWorks as a choreographer, actor, and director. He has also performed and directed at Foothill College, San Jose Stage, Broadway by the Bay and the Globe Theatre in La Jolla.
Steve Gill has performed professionally with American Musical Theater, TheatreWorks, San Jose Stage and West Bay Opera.
Both Alex and Steve directed theatre at Menlo School.
The concert takes place on Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at the Martin Family Hall at the Menlo School located at 50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton, 94027. A donation of $20 is requested.
COVID-19 Safety & More Info
All audience members are requested to wear masks and provide contact information in case the concert is cancelled.
For more information about the concert, please contact Nancy Gill at gillnancyg@gmail.com or 650-948-4648.
-
YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)
YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)
(All day)
Mar 3 – Mar 5When: Friday March 3 at 3:00 pm to Sunday, March 5 at noon
Where: LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco
Who: Blind and low-vision students between the ages of 16 and 22
How do blind and low vision students access reading materials for both work and leisure? How does accessing reading materials tie into pre-employment preparedness skillsets? Join us this March for a workshop focused on all things literacy. Students who attend will not only gain resources and knowledge through exciting group activities, but will have the opportunity to assist with this year’s Northern California Braille Challenge, happening that weekend at LightHouse Headquarters. YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences for youth and young adults who are enthusiastic about realizing their dream careers, emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques. Each YES workshop focuses on a specific theme and offers an array of self-advocacy, assistive technology, living skills, and soft skills curricula empowering students to strive toward future employment or post-secondary educational success. The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors, connecting with blind and low vision peers, and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional goals.
Objectives:
- Students will have opportunities to network and practice work-readiness skills while volunteering during this year’s Braille Challenge event.
- Participants will discuss literature access resources, and hear from peers and professionals on valuable suggestions and strategies.
- Students will gain team-building and collaborative skillsets essential for workplace success during intergenerational group activities.
- The over-night nature of the YES workshop provides opportunities for students to refine their workplace readiness soft skills including effective social and professional communication and independent living all while building community with their blind and low vision peers and mentors.
Things to Bring:
- A notetaking device or implement (braille note, pen, slate and stylus, phone with keyboard, laptop, etc.). You may be asked to complete activities electronically.
- Necessities you may need such as any orientation and mobility tools to travel safely, money for transportation to and from the workshop, or personal medication.
If you are interested in participating in the March YES Weekend Workshop, please:
- Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
- Confirm attendance with Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator by email at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in this workshop, contact DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org. Note: space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
YES programs are, and will continue to be, in strict accordance with local, state and Center for Disease Control recommendations and guidelines.
-
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
–
Mar 6LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
-
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
–
Mar 9LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
-
Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)
Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)
–
Mar 10We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. Our weekly gathering takes place Friday evenings at 8:00 pm., where we watch the next episode of our series and connect with your LightHouse and EHC friends. Now that we’ve watched all that we could from the world of Daredevil, our club will be switching things up and will start watching the new series, Wednesday, in early February. For those unfamiliar with the show, check out the trailer.
***Parents Please Note*** Wednesday is rated TV-14 for fear, language, and violence which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 14. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating. Read the Parent Guide for Wednesday.
Who: teens and young adults who are blind or are low vision
What: Wednesday with the Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom
When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 pm
Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program
If you are interested in signing up or have any questions about the Reel Escape Audio Description Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.
-
College Spaces From Different Places (in-person)
College Spaces From Different Places (in-person)
–
Mar 11Where: We will be meeting in San Francisco at LightHouse Headquarters by 11:00 pm, and plan to return by 4:00 pm.
San Francisco is filled with interesting spaces to explore, and this March we’re inviting all College Spaces members to join us for a day in Chinatown. Cool shops and great food are only some of the things that await us, and we are excited to explore this part of the city with you all!
Remember to bring your Clipper cards, money for any shopping and food you might want, and meet us at LightHouse Headquarters by 11:00 am.
College Spaces from Different Places is a peer-led student organization which cultivates connections and community for all undergraduate college students. This group is designed by and for students who are blind and who have low vision to have fun, build community, and share in our struggles and accomplishments. Many undergrads are currently missing out on forming social connections on their own college campus. Therefore, joining College Spaces from Different Places will give you an opportunity to come together with others from across the state. Leave your books and syllabi behind and join us!
RSVP by March 9 to Daisy Soto at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7328. You may also contact Daisy with any questions.
-
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
–
Mar 13LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
-
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
–
Mar 16LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)
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Mar 16Tecnología para Todos, es un espacio en donde los usuarios comparten sus conocimientos y experiencias. Cada mes conversamos sobre distintos servicios, aplicaciones y dispositivos disponibles para personas ciegas y con baja visión. ¡Te esperamos!
Para registrarse, contacten a Jeffrey Colon JColon@lighthouse-sf.or o 415-694-7323.
Join the LightHouse’s monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.
This event will be conducted using the Zoom platform. You can connect to Zoom using a computer, an app, or by dialing in from any phone. Zoom meeting details will be provided when you rsvp by email to: JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or by calling 415-694-7323.
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Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)
Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)
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Mar 17We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. Our weekly gathering takes place Friday evenings at 8:00 pm., where we watch the next episode of our series and connect with your LightHouse and EHC friends. Now that we’ve watched all that we could from the world of Daredevil, our club will be switching things up and will start watching the new series, Wednesday, in early February. For those unfamiliar with the show, check out the trailer.
***Parents Please Note*** Wednesday is rated TV-14 for fear, language, and violence which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 14. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating. Read the Parent Guide for Wednesday.
Who: teens and young adults who are blind or are low vision
What: Wednesday with the Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom
When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 pm
Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program
If you are interested in signing up or have any questions about the Reel Escape Audio Description Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.
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LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
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Mar 20LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
SFMTA Collaborates on San Francisco Active Communities Plan (online)SFMTA Collaborates on San Francisco Active Communities Plan (online)
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Mar 20The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is seeking input and feedback from LightHouse community members on how biking, scooting and rolling should develop in San Francisco, and how these modes of transit can be an asset to people with disabilities. This online forum will be facilitated by Christopher Kidd, Transportation Planner of Complete Streets, and other members of SFMTA and is part of the San Francisco Active Communities Plan which seeks to expand transit options in a way that benefits underserved populations.
Learn more about the SFMTA Active Communities Plan.
To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP to Sheri Albers, Community Outreach Specialist, at SAlbers@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331
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Meet You At The House (online)
Meet You At The House (online)
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Mar 22Pull up a comfy chair and join Community Outreach Specialist Sheri Albers in the LightHouse virtual living room to talk about all things LightHouse! Have you been experiencing changes in your vision that have been affecting your daily life, but did not know who to talk to? LightHouse in San Francisco may have the solutions you have been looking for. This is a safe place to bring the questions that you have been wanting to ask. As always, Raqi from the Adaptations Store will be on hand to let us know what is new in the world of low vision and blindness products.
RSVP to Sheri Albers at SAlbers@LightHouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331.
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LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
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Mar 23LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
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Inclusive Innovations: The Future of Accessible Work (hybrid)
Inclusive Innovations: The Future of Accessible Work (hybrid)
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Mar 24
LightHouse is pleased to partner with Envision for Inclusive Innovations, a free disruptive tech event at LightHouse San Francisco headquarters on March 24.
Disruptive technology is an innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate, bringing about major changes in people’s lives. Inclusive Innovations was created to focus attention and understanding on the future of workplace accessibility for employees who are blind or who have low vision.
Representatives from across industry, technology, and employees who are blind and who have low vision, will come together to discuss ideas and share insights on the latest technology trends, new workplace practices, and the role of Inclusive Innovation in shaping the future of workplace accessibility, inclusivity and happiness.
Guests will also be able to meet innovators and try out the next generation of assistive technologies firsthand.
The event includes introductory remarks, a panel discussion, audience Q&A, a tech fair and networking drinks and bites.
Speakers include:
Vanessa Vigar - Chief Marketing Officer, Envision
Sharon Giovinazzo - CEO, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Mike May - Chief Evangelist GoodMaps, Sendero Group Founder and author
Karthik Kannan - Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Envision
Iolanda Antunes - Enterprise Product Manager, LinkedIn
Hoby Wedler, - Ph. D. Blind Entrepreneur, chemist, sensory expert and educator
John Gassman - Guest Reservations, Walt Disney
Hunter Benedict - Product Manager at GoogleThere will be 5-minute demos from the following innovators:
Be My Eyes
Goodmaps
Aira
Rebokeh
EnvisionWhat: Inclusive Innovations: Creating Workplace Accessibility and Happiness
When: Friday, March 24, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Pacific
Where: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1155 Market St. San Francisco (Directions to LightHouse San Francisco)
RSVP: Register for Inclusive Innovations for freeCan’t make it in person? You may register for the Inclusive Innovations webinar to hear the panel.
Don’t miss your chance to connect and network with some of the greatest minds in assistive technology!
Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)
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Mar 24We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. Our weekly gathering takes place Friday evenings at 8:00 pm., where we watch the next episode of our series and connect with your LightHouse and EHC friends. Now that we’ve watched all that we could from the world of Daredevil, our club will be switching things up and will start watching the new series, Wednesday, in early February. For those unfamiliar with the show, check out the trailer.
***Parents Please Note*** Wednesday is rated TV-14 for fear, language, and violence which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 14. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating. Read the Parent Guide for Wednesday.
Who: teens and young adults who are blind or are low vision
What: Wednesday with the Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom
When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 pm
Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program
If you are interested in signing up or have any questions about the Reel Escape Audio Description Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.
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LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
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Mar 27Appointments for the 2023 Tax Season are full.
If you do not currently have an appointment and wish to be placed on the waiting list, you may call and leave your full name and phone number at 415 – 694 – 7648. There is no guarantee that we will be able to schedule you.
If you would like to find other free tax filing services, we recommend looking at:
- SF Human Services Agency Page, Filing Your Taxes for Free: https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/free-tax-help/file-your-taxes-free
- Calling 211 if in San Francisco
- Calling 311 for the greater Bay Area
While AARP’s Tax Season will close on April 13, the deadline to file both federal and state taxes has been extended to October 15, 2023.
If You have an appointment
If you have questions, please call 415 – 694 - 7648
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers, these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415 -694 -7648. Thank you.
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LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)
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Mar 30Appointments for the 2023 Tax Season are full.
If you do not currently have an appointment and wish to be placed on the waiting list, you may call and leave your full name and phone number at 415 – 694 – 7648. There is no guarantee that we will be able to schedule you.
If you would like to find other free tax filing services, we recommend looking at:
- SF Human Services Agency Page, Filing Your Taxes for Free: https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/free-tax-help/file-your-taxes-free
- Calling 211 if in San Francisco
- Calling 311 for the greater Bay Area
While AARP’s Tax Season will close on April 13, the deadline to file both federal and state taxes has been extended to October 15, 2023.
If You have an appointment
If you have questions, please call 415 – 694 - 7648
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you
COVID-19 Requirements:
Masks must be worn at all times.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers, these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415 -694 -7648. Thank you.
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!
