Calendar

Events in October 2022

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sep 25
Sep 26(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online)

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Sep 26

The 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 of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session 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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):

Week 1: Monday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 14 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: September 19 and Wednesday, September 21 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: September 26 and Wednesday, September 28 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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 RSVP by Monday, August 29 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, September 12. To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students; once the class limit is reached, or for referrals received after August 29, 2022, students may be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

 
Sep 27(2 events)

2:00 pm: Tech Together - September 2022 (online)

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Sep 27

Join the 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. Our Access Technology Specialists and Trainers share their expertise, tips, and handy resources on each week’s topic. Afterward, there is time for our students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.

RSVP online using the links below or by voicemail at 415-694-7618.

September 6: Open Forum

Do you have a favorite tech tip or trick to share? Do you have questions about your tech setup? Do you have ideas about future Tech Together events? Join the Access Technology team for a fun and freeform discussion where we can all nerd out and learn about tech, together!

RSVP for Open Forum

September 13: Smart Speakers - Setup and Basics

If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's discuss completing tasks by talking to them! We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant and share some ways all three virtual assistants can help you get things done.

RSVP for Smart Speakers - Setup and Basics

September 20: Smart Speakers - Next Steps

After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each assistant's skills. We'll share the tasks that each assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?

RSVP for Smart Speakers - Next Steps

September 27: Let's Label It

From the file cabinet to the kitchen pantry, from low-tech to high-tech, join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss ways you can label anything and everything in your life.

RSVP for Let’s Label It

3:00 pm: Introduction to Accessible Wayfinding (online)

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Sep 27

Access Technology instructors Kacie Cappello, Fernando Macias, and Orientation & Mobility instructor Katt Jones are teaming up to present a virtual five-part class series on Accessible Wayfinding. Learn the ins and outs of GPS terminology, Microsoft Soundscape, Apple Maps, Google Maps, and transit apps. The class will be limited to eight students.

Students interested in the course must live in one of the following counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin or Humboldt to qualify. Students must use an iPhone, have a Apple account and be able to download apps to their iPhone, and be comfortable navigating the screen semi-independently.

Class Schedule

September 8: GPS Concepts and Terminology

In this class, we will learn the basic terminology of digital wayfinding such as POI and turn-by turn. We'll also use virtual assistants and the Compass app to obtain basic location and directional information.

September 15: Soundscape Part 1: Automatic Callouts and Markers

In this class, we will review the functions of automatic call-out applications and start to explore Soundscape's informational controls, in order to obtain information about immediate physical surroundings as well as create markers for points of interests (POIs).

September 22: Soundscape Part 2: Audio Beacons and Street Preview Mode

In this class, we will continue to use the various features and functions within Soundscape to travel virtually to new locations for route-planning purposes, and we will compare/contrast Soundscape with other automatic call-out applications.

September 27: Getting Directions with Apple Maps and Google Maps

In this class, we will review Apple Maps and Google Maps' features and functions to obtain information for local businesses and search for public transit directions to points of interests as well as for walking directions to points of interests.

September 29: Transit Applications and Review

In this last class, we will explore and use the Moovit and Transit applications to look for departure time information for nearby stops and lines and to search for directions to a point of interest. We'll also review the applications discussed during the course to mark, obtain directions for, and virtually travel to points of interests.

Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29 + Tuesday, September 27 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Please RSVP to Julie Koh at JKoh@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7684.
Sep 28(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online)

–
Sep 28

The 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 of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session 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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):

Week 1: Monday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 14 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: September 19 and Wednesday, September 21 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: September 26 and Wednesday, September 28 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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 RSVP by Monday, August 29 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, September 12. To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students; once the class limit is reached, or for referrals received after August 29, 2022, students may be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

 
Sep 29(1 event)

3:00 pm: Introduction to Accessible Wayfinding (online)

–
Sep 29

Access Technology instructors Kacie Cappello, Fernando Macias, and Orientation & Mobility instructor Katt Jones are teaming up to present a virtual five-part class series on Accessible Wayfinding. Learn the ins and outs of GPS terminology, Microsoft Soundscape, Apple Maps, Google Maps, and transit apps. The class will be limited to eight students.

Students interested in the course must live in one of the following counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin or Humboldt to qualify. Students must use an iPhone, have a Apple account and be able to download apps to their iPhone, and be comfortable navigating the screen semi-independently.

Class Schedule

September 8: GPS Concepts and Terminology

In this class, we will learn the basic terminology of digital wayfinding such as POI and turn-by turn. We'll also use virtual assistants and the Compass app to obtain basic location and directional information.

September 15: Soundscape Part 1: Automatic Callouts and Markers

In this class, we will review the functions of automatic call-out applications and start to explore Soundscape's informational controls, in order to obtain information about immediate physical surroundings as well as create markers for points of interests (POIs).

September 22: Soundscape Part 2: Audio Beacons and Street Preview Mode

In this class, we will continue to use the various features and functions within Soundscape to travel virtually to new locations for route-planning purposes, and we will compare/contrast Soundscape with other automatic call-out applications.

September 27: Getting Directions with Apple Maps and Google Maps

In this class, we will review Apple Maps and Google Maps' features and functions to obtain information for local businesses and search for public transit directions to points of interests as well as for walking directions to points of interests.

September 29: Transit Applications and Review

In this last class, we will explore and use the Moovit and Transit applications to look for departure time information for nearby stops and lines and to search for directions to a point of interest. We'll also review the applications discussed during the course to mark, obtain directions for, and virtually travel to points of interests.

Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29 + Tuesday, September 27 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Please RSVP to Julie Koh at JKoh@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7684.
Sep 30
Oct 1
Oct 2
Oct 3
Oct 4(1 event)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: October 2022 (online)

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Oct 4

October 4: Unpacking PDFs
PDF, or Portable Document Format files are some of the most commonly used types of documents. If you're an access technology user, they just might be your most common source of techno-stress! We'll discuss strategies and techniques for reading PDF files, from the fully accessible to the completely inaccessible.

RSVP to Tech Together: Unpacking PDFs

October 11: Introduction to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you. We’ll discuss how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Introduction to Access Technology

October 18: What's New With iOS 16
With a new iOS version comes new features and changes to the iOS experience, but what does this mean for access technology users? How do you customize your lock screen? Can you really unsend a text message? What are the bugs or fixes you should know about before or after updating your phone? We'll discuss the ups and the downs of iOS 16 and share our tips and tricks.

RSVP to What's New with iOS16

October 25: Meet the Access Tech Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, lets take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Tech Team
Oct 5
Oct 6
Oct 7
Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 11(1 event)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: October 2022 (online)

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Oct 11

October 4: Unpacking PDFs
PDF, or Portable Document Format files are some of the most commonly used types of documents. If you're an access technology user, they just might be your most common source of techno-stress! We'll discuss strategies and techniques for reading PDF files, from the fully accessible to the completely inaccessible.

RSVP to Tech Together: Unpacking PDFs

October 11: Introduction to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you. We’ll discuss how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Introduction to Access Technology

October 18: What's New With iOS 16
With a new iOS version comes new features and changes to the iOS experience, but what does this mean for access technology users? How do you customize your lock screen? Can you really unsend a text message? What are the bugs or fixes you should know about before or after updating your phone? We'll discuss the ups and the downs of iOS 16 and share our tips and tricks.

RSVP to What's New with iOS16

October 25: Meet the Access Tech Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, lets take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Tech Team
Oct 12
Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
Oct 16
Oct 17
Oct 18(1 event)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: October 2022 (online)

–
Oct 18

October 4: Unpacking PDFs
PDF, or Portable Document Format files are some of the most commonly used types of documents. If you're an access technology user, they just might be your most common source of techno-stress! We'll discuss strategies and techniques for reading PDF files, from the fully accessible to the completely inaccessible.

RSVP to Tech Together: Unpacking PDFs

October 11: Introduction to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you. We’ll discuss how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Introduction to Access Technology

October 18: What's New With iOS 16
With a new iOS version comes new features and changes to the iOS experience, but what does this mean for access technology users? How do you customize your lock screen? Can you really unsend a text message? What are the bugs or fixes you should know about before or after updating your phone? We'll discuss the ups and the downs of iOS 16 and share our tips and tricks.

RSVP to What's New with iOS16

October 25: Meet the Access Tech Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, lets take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Tech Team
Oct 19(1 event)

2:00 pm: So You Think You Want a Guide Dog (online)

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Oct 19

Are you curious to learn more about guide dogs but don't know where to start? This workshop will cover how to decide if a guide dog is right for you, what skills you need before applying to schools, common misconceptions about guide dogs, how to pick a guide dog school, what to expect during the application process, and how to best prepare for school once you are accepted.

Please RSVP by October 18 to Briana Kusuma at ‪BKusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335.
Oct 20
Oct 21
Oct 22
Oct 23
Oct 24
Oct 25(1 event)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: October 2022 (online)

–
Oct 25

October 4: Unpacking PDFs
PDF, or Portable Document Format files are some of the most commonly used types of documents. If you're an access technology user, they just might be your most common source of techno-stress! We'll discuss strategies and techniques for reading PDF files, from the fully accessible to the completely inaccessible.

RSVP to Tech Together: Unpacking PDFs

October 11: Introduction to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you. We’ll discuss how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Introduction to Access Technology

October 18: What's New With iOS 16
With a new iOS version comes new features and changes to the iOS experience, but what does this mean for access technology users? How do you customize your lock screen? Can you really unsend a text message? What are the bugs or fixes you should know about before or after updating your phone? We'll discuss the ups and the downs of iOS 16 and share our tips and tricks.

RSVP to What's New with iOS16

October 25: Meet the Access Tech Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, lets take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Tech Team
Oct 26
Oct 27
Oct 28
Oct 29
Oct 30
Oct 31
Nov 1(2 events)

10:00 am: Sterling Adaptives OrCam Demonstration at LightHouse SF (in-person)

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Nov 1

Sterling Adaptives, who provide the latest in access technology products for people who are blind, low vision or have other disabilities, is providing a free demonstration of two OrCam products on November 1  in partnership with the LightHouse Access Technology department.

The products demonstrated will be the OrCam MyEye 2 and the OrCam Read, both of which are access technology devices which access print using text-to-speech and Voice Assistant technology.

OrCam MyEye 2

This is a wearable device that attaches to glasses. It’s activated by pointing gestures or by following the wearer’s gaze and reads printed and digital text aloud. It also helps with navigation and object recognition. It includes interactive reading, which allows the wearer to do a voice search for specific text or assist with identification of objects.

Watch a short video on the OrCam MyEye 2.

OrCam Read

This handheld device reads any printed or digital text at the push of a button. User can start reading from any point on a specific page, and also connect to Bluetooth or wired headphones.

Watch a short video on the OrCam Read.

Event Details

What: OrCam Demonstration by Sterling Adaptives

When: Tuesday, November 1, from 10:a00 am to noon

Where: LightHouse San Francisco, 1155 Market St. 10th Floor, San Francisco

RSVP: Register online for the OrCam demonstration. If you have any questions, please email JKoh@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7618.

To learn more about OrCam, visit orcam.com.

2:00 pm: Tech Together: November 2022 (online)

–
Nov 1

Join the 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. Our Access Technology Specialists and Trainers share their expertise, tips, and handy resources on each week’s topic. Afterward, there is time for our students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.

What's Up with Watches

Smartwatches are becoming a prolific and popular option for health tracking and communication. Join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss the features and accessibility enhancements available on these wonderful wearables.

Tuesday, November 1, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

RSVP for Tech Together: What's Up with Watches or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.

Keep in Touch with Tech

Technology allows everyone to stay connected. Join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss some popular and accessible applications and services we can use to keep in touch with those who touch our lives.

Tuesday, November 8, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

RSVP for Tech Together: Keep in Touch with Tech or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.

Talk Shopping

We’ll be discussing the apps and services you can use to buy all your favorite things. Whether you're checking off items on a grocery list, shopping for a special occasion, or just indulging in a little retail therapy, we’ll highlight accessible ways to shop with confidence.

Tuesday, November 15, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

RSVP for Tech Together: Talk Shopping or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.

What's Cooking!

Tis the season for delicious dishes and festive feasts! Join the access technology team for a tasty Tech Together. We'll discuss tips and strategies for accessible recipe-finding and meal planning, as well as some accessible kitchen tools that can help you spice up your holidays.

Tuesday, November 22, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

RSVP for Tech Together: What’s Cooking! or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
Nov 2
Nov 3
Nov 4
Nov 5

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.

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