Check out a new LightHouse Monthly e–newsletter of all events and classes, click this link for the September issue: http://bit.ly/LightHouseMonthly_Newsletter
Events in October 2019
- Free Access Technology Training
–
Free Access Technology Training
Bring your own device to our Weekday Access Technology Trainings!
A LightHouse Access Technology Trainer is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for FREE 1-1.25 hour slots of training and support in VoiceOver (for iOS), speech programs including NVDA and Jaws, Braille Displays, Victor Reader Stream, and assistance with downloading and using apps like KNFBReader and Be My Eyes.
Our trainer can also assist you with downloading books from BARD, setting up a FaceBook profile or downloading music. Make an appointment in advance, as availability is on a first come first serve basis!
To sign up, please contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312.
- Stress Reduction & Meditation
–
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Wednesdays 10 a.m.
1155 Market St., Fitness Room FREEEach Wednesday morning we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience and has partnered with the LightHouse for the Blind for 7 years to offer this class. It is a drop-in class where everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Enjoy your meditation from a chair or pull up one of our comfy yoga props, breathe deeply, clear your head and destress. For more information contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Stronger Seniors–
Stronger Seniors
Get stronger, improve your balance, and increase your energy and fitness through our Stronger Seniors exercise class. We will do simple movements to get the heart pumping, while strengthening our muscles. The movements are safe, effective and fun. The class is done to music, so bring a list of your favorite songs as you groove to the beat with friends! Join us every Wednesday at 11 a.m.!
- ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
–
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
September 19-December 19
Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to NoonJoin our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Knitting–
Knitting
Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.
For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 PM class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Learn More About Better Market Street–
Learn More About Better Market StreetYou are invited to a community gathering on Thursday, October 3, to learn more about and give input to the Better Market Street project.
Better Market Street is the City's multi-agency project to transform 2.2 miles of Market Street from Octavia Boulevard to Stuart Street, enhancing safety and accessibility, improving transit performance, replacing aging infrastructure, and revitalizing the corridors streetscape.
The project is advancing toward approval this fall and in the coming months. Team members from San Francisco Public Works and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will be joining us for community meetings to provide updates on the project.
At our first meeting, we will hear an overview of the project with an emphasis on the first phase of the project: Market Street between Eighth and Fifth streets. The team will also discuss proposed transit stops and passenger drop-off zones.
Please join us at 1155 Market Street, 10th floor, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 4:30-6 p.m.
RSVP directly to Jennifer Blot of San Francisco Public Works: Jennifer.blot@sfdpw.org or (415) 554-6993.
"
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 p.m. class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Knitting East Bay
–
Knitting East Bay
Knitting East Bay
First & Second Fridays, 10 AM-noon
Ed Roberts Campus/ADA Cafe
3075 Adeline, BerkeleyCome sit and knit in the East Bay! LightHouse knitters are taking up residence in the warm and friendly ADA Cafe in the Ed Roberts Campus conveniently located above Ashby BART station. Our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction, or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight, or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets, or other creative applications. For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- UrbanKick® (Cardio Kickboxing)
–
UrbanKick® (Cardio Kickboxing)
UrbanKick® is an innovative fitness class that expertly blends cardio kickboxing, (punch and kick combinations), with sports conditioning athletic drills for a serious knock-out workout.
When: Saturday, October 5, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Where: LightHouse Headquarters, 11th Floor Fitness RoomEvery UrbanKick® class incorporates steady state cardiovascular training, metabolic boosting H.I.I.T. training, and body-weight strength training for a unique and total body workout. This format challenges your body in all planes of motion so you constantly develop strength, agility, flexibility and balance, and burn calories. This class is for all levels of fitness, whether this is your first time exercising or you are a seasoned athlete.
Space is limited. To attend this class you must RSVP with Amber Sherrard at 415-694-7353 or asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org.
- Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
– Oct 11
Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
If you are interested in our Employment Immersion program at LightHouse for the Blind but are unable to make it to our San Francisco office, you can now participate in our virtual program. The next offering will be October 7-11, 2019. Visit the Employment Immersion page on our website to learn more about the program.
Please RSVP by September 30 to Kate Williams at 415.694-7324 or kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.
In order to participate, you need to be authorized through Dept of Rehabilitation to participate, complete your RSVP. This event is not open to the not open to the public.
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole–
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
Every Monday, 9:30 AM to noon
1155 Market St., 10th floorWhat does it really mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads a weekly forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins-and-outs of blindness-from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so grab a cup of coffee and a seat at the table-for more information or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. Not able to join us in person? You can now call in to participate live: dial 929-436-2866 and enter meeting ID 692 100 581 when prompted.
The Raycast–
The Raycast
Student Volunteer Ray Marcus entertains the Monday masses with various selections of podcast curiosities. For questions or to RSVP, contact Adult Program coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
– Oct 11
Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
If you are interested in our Employment Immersion program at LightHouse for the Blind but are unable to make it to our San Francisco office, you can now participate in our virtual program. The next offering will be October 7-11, 2019. Visit the Employment Immersion page on our website to learn more about the program.
Please RSVP by September 30 to Kate Williams at 415.694-7324 or kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.
In order to participate, you need to be authorized through Dept of Rehabilitation to participate, complete your RSVP. This event is not open to the not open to the public.
Free Access Technology Training–
Free Access Technology Training
Bring your own device to our Weekday Access Technology Trainings!
A LightHouse Access Technology Trainer is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for FREE 1-1.25 hour slots of training and support in VoiceOver (for iOS), speech programs including NVDA and Jaws, Braille Displays, Victor Reader Stream, and assistance with downloading and using apps like KNFBReader and Be My Eyes.
Our trainer can also assist you with downloading books from BARD, setting up a FaceBook profile or downloading music. Make an appointment in advance, as availability is on a first come first serve basis!
To sign up, please contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312.
Tech Together–
Tech Together
Tech Together
Do you use your access technology regularly, but don’t have time to keep up with what’s new and what’s changing? Do you sometimes hit roadblocks in your technology use and wish you could problem solve with someone else? Do you love your iPhone or iPad and want to learn more about accessible apps? Are you a screen reader or magnification user who’s trying to adapt to increasingly complex websites? Do you just want to talk about technology and the latest developments for blind and low vision users? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions , the Lighthouse invites you to Tech Together. Tech Together is a monthly technology learning group of blind and low vision technology users. We blind folks are resourceful and clever, but there is no reason we should each have to reinvent the wheel, or the app, for ourselves. In these sessions, we will discuss the topics that are of interest to the group, and help one another to understand troubleshooting, find app recommendations, and learn about the latest in Tech… Together! These sessions will be facilitated by LightHouse Access Technology specialists, but the meat of the event is for the participants to decide on themselves. Come with ideas on topics and bits of news and software you want to share with your friends. If you are brand new to access technology, you may wish to book an individual appointment with an Access Technology instructor before joining this group. This group is free and open to all, but a current LightHouse waiver is required. To make sure you’re registered as a LightHouse student, contact Erin Luaridsen, 415-694-7368 or elauridsen@lighthouse-sf.org
National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting–
National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting
The San Francisco chapter of the National Federation of the Blind meets at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Francisco on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. on the 10th floor.
For information on the National Federation of the Blind, California visit their website.- This group is not affiliated with LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Read more: National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting
- Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
– Oct 11
Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
If you are interested in our Employment Immersion program at LightHouse for the Blind but are unable to make it to our San Francisco office, you can now participate in our virtual program. The next offering will be October 7-11, 2019. Visit the Employment Immersion page on our website to learn more about the program.
Please RSVP by September 30 to Kate Williams at 415.694-7324 or kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.
In order to participate, you need to be authorized through Dept of Rehabilitation to participate, complete your RSVP. This event is not open to the not open to the public.
Stronger Seniors–
Stronger Seniors
Get stronger, improve your balance, and increase your energy and fitness through our Stronger Seniors exercise class. We will do simple movements to get the heart pumping, while strengthening our muscles. The movements are safe, effective and fun. The class is done to music, so bring a list of your favorite songs as you groove to the beat with friends! Join us every Wednesday at 11 a.m.!
- Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
– Oct 11
Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
If you are interested in our Employment Immersion program at LightHouse for the Blind but are unable to make it to our San Francisco office, you can now participate in our virtual program. The next offering will be October 7-11, 2019. Visit the Employment Immersion page on our website to learn more about the program.
Please RSVP by September 30 to Kate Williams at 415.694-7324 or kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.
In order to participate, you need to be authorized through Dept of Rehabilitation to participate, complete your RSVP. This event is not open to the not open to the public.
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts–
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
September 19-December 19
Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to NoonJoin our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Knitting–
Knitting
Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.
For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Museum Meanderings: Bonus Edition @ the CJM–
Museum Meanderings: Bonus Edition @ the CJM
Museum Meanderings Bonus Edition @ the CJM
Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped
Thursday, October 10, 5-6:30 p.m.
Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM)
736 Mission St. San Francisco
FREESetting standards of excellence for their descriptive tours, the CJM once again invites us to enjoy the upcoming exhibit, "Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped," via a verbal descriptive tour not to be missed. Spaces are limited, one guest per LightHouse participant please, and RSVP is required by Monday, October 7 to solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
About the Exhibit:
Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped
July 25, 2019-January 19, 2020This exhibition is the first major survey of Annabeth Rosen (b. 1957 Brooklyn, NY), Robert Arneson Chair at UC Davis, and 2018 Guggenheim fellow.
For over two decades, Annabeth Rosen has interrogated the place of ceramics in the field of contemporary art. Featuring ceramics and works on paper from over twenty years, this groundbreaking exhibition examines how Rosen's™ work radically defies the limits of her primary medium, pushing it beyond spectacle and into conversations about contemporary painting, feminist theory, endurance-based performance and conceptual art.Within the genre's trajectory, Rosen functions as an integral link between such artists as Peter Voulkos, Jun Kaneko, Mary Heilman, Lynda Benglis, and a new generation of artists working in ceramics. From monumental sculptures binding multitudes of discrete works together in a gravity-defying feat, to undulating drawings that illustrate the meticulous intention behind the artist’s creative process, this exhibition celebrates the diverse and prolific career of this pioneer of ceramic sculpture.
- Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
– Oct 11
Employment Immersion Program Virtual Workshop
If you are interested in our Employment Immersion program at LightHouse for the Blind but are unable to make it to our San Francisco office, you can now participate in our virtual program. The next offering will be October 7-11, 2019. Visit the Employment Immersion page on our website to learn more about the program.
Please RSVP by September 30 to Kate Williams at 415.694-7324 or kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.
In order to participate, you need to be authorized through Dept of Rehabilitation to participate, complete your RSVP. This event is not open to the not open to the public.
Knitting East Bay–
Knitting East Bay
Knitting East Bay
First & Second Fridays, 10 AM-noon
Ed Roberts Campus/ADA Cafe
3075 Adeline, BerkeleyCome sit and knit in the East Bay! LightHouse knitters are taking up residence in the warm and friendly ADA Cafe in the Ed Roberts Campus conveniently located above Ashby BART station. Our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction, or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight, or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets, or other creative applications. For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Talking Titles–
Talking Titles
Talking Titles
Second Fridays monthly, 1-3:00 p.m.
Ed Roberts Campus/ADA Cafe
3075 Adeline, BerkeleyBook Title There There by Tommy Orange (DB 91321)
Twelve people, all Native American, have their own reasons to travel to the Big Oakland Powwow. Some are looking to reconnect with family or share in a celebration of their culture, but not all those gathered have good intentions. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.Calling all book worms and word nerds! Let's talk titles, talking titles, that is. We're grabbing great titles from the National Library Services, devouring great reads in our preferred format, and gathering on the monthly to share all the feels, the highlights, the lowlights, and dissect with reckless abandon. Keep reading for more details on NLS if you're new to the alt format book game, and contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316 to RSVP.
About NLS:
The National Library Service (NLS) grants access to blind and print disabled individuals to alternative formats of tens of thousands of books and magazines for free in braille or audio formats, delivered to your door or instantly downloadable to a variety of devices. To learn more about NLS, visit their Frequently Asked Questions page webpage. To apply for the service, visit the NLS website, or call1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) to find your local NLS partner library.YES Weekend - Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFO– Oct 13
YES Weekend - Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFO
Youth Employment Series (YES)
Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFOIn October, join the LightHouse Youth Employment Series, YES, and workshop celebrating White Cane and National Disability Employment Awareness as transition-age youth engage in career exploration at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Gainful employment and effective use of mobility tools are critical to pursuing self-confidence, personal satisfaction, economic empowerment, and disability talent development. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience an interactive visit and discover career paths at SFO, to be challenged in confidence building outings, and to collaborate with one another in engaging activities throughout the weekend in preparation for life post high school/college. YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, increasing and providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques.
The YES Workshop in October will provide students with the tools to obtain information on career pathways in both the public and private sectors, to create a disability disclosure and advocacy plan for work and school, to learn and improve mobility and independent travel skills, as well as to refine their interpersonal skills (soft-skills). The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional aspirations.
Workshop Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will expand their understanding of rights and responsibilities as blind and low vision individuals as they explore and create personalized disability disclosure and advocacy plans for school and work.
2. Transition age youth will acquire information on employment opportunities in both public and private industries from administration and management to retail and customer service.
3. Students will build their confidence in orientation and mobility as they collaborate with their peers to plan, prepare for, execute, and reflect on a group excursion.
4. 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.If you are interested in participating in the October YES Weekend Workshop, please:
1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
2. Confirm attendance with Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist, by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7328.If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in the workshop, please contact youth@lighthouse-sf.org. Each workshop costs $950 to attend for the entire weekend. Please note, space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
"Jess Curtis/Gravity Presents: (in)Visible–
Jess Curtis/Gravity Presents: (in)Visible
Jess Curtis/Gravity Presents: (in)Visible
Friday, October 11, 7-10 PM
CounterPulse Theater
80 Turk St., San Francisco
$10 (FREE for SF residents)
HOW DO YOU EXPERIENCE A PERFORMANCE?
BY SEEING IT?
WHAT IF THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE?
"Jess Curtis makes the invisible visible... acoustically and haptically (in)Visible challenges the audience to take on new perspectives." -- TanzRaumBerlin(in)Visible, a new evening-length work by Jess Curtis/Gravity, dislocates vision from the center of your experience. Developed in collaboration with—and particularly focusing on access to culture for—blind and visually impaired audiences, (in)Visible is created and performed by an international cast of six blind, visually impaired and sighted body-based dancer/performers who dance, sing, whisper and feel their way into your consciousness, bringing experimental dance/performance and sensory accessibility practices into a rich and moving interaction.
LightHouse will be taking in the Friday 10/11 show and you can join us for $10 (saving you a visit to the website to make your own purchase and we've picked up the ticket surcharge), and thanks to the generous support of the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), San Francisco residents are FREE.
We’ll start by sharing a bite to eat starting around 5, then venture to the theater together to enjoy the pre-show haptic tour starting at 7. Show will start promptly at 8 and no late seating is permitted. Dinner is optional.
Secure your ticket for this performance by RSVPing to Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316 and indicate whether you’d like to join the group for dinner beforehand. Audio description and haptic tours will be offered for the duration of the show's run, October 3-13, and other accessibility accommodations are available. For more information about (in)Visible, visit their website.
- YES Weekend - Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFO
– Oct 13
YES Weekend - Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFO
Youth Employment Series (YES)
Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFOIn October, join the LightHouse Youth Employment Series, YES, and workshop celebrating White Cane and National Disability Employment Awareness as transition-age youth engage in career exploration at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Gainful employment and effective use of mobility tools are critical to pursuing self-confidence, personal satisfaction, economic empowerment, and disability talent development. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience an interactive visit and discover career paths at SFO, to be challenged in confidence building outings, and to collaborate with one another in engaging activities throughout the weekend in preparation for life post high school/college. YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, increasing and providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques.
The YES Workshop in October will provide students with the tools to obtain information on career pathways in both the public and private sectors, to create a disability disclosure and advocacy plan for work and school, to learn and improve mobility and independent travel skills, as well as to refine their interpersonal skills (soft-skills). The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional aspirations.
Workshop Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will expand their understanding of rights and responsibilities as blind and low vision individuals as they explore and create personalized disability disclosure and advocacy plans for school and work.
2. Transition age youth will acquire information on employment opportunities in both public and private industries from administration and management to retail and customer service.
3. Students will build their confidence in orientation and mobility as they collaborate with their peers to plan, prepare for, execute, and reflect on a group excursion.
4. 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.If you are interested in participating in the October YES Weekend Workshop, please:
1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
2. Confirm attendance with Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist, by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7328.If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in the workshop, please contact youth@lighthouse-sf.org. Each workshop costs $950 to attend for the entire weekend. Please note, space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
"Superfest Disability Film Festival–
Superfest Disability Film FestivalSuperfest Disability Film Festival is the longest running disability film festival in the world. Since 1970, we have celebrated cinema that portrays disability through a diverse, complex, unabashed and engaging lens.
We strive for accessibility with audio description, captioning, and ASL/CART.
Showtimes:
OCTOBER 12, 2019
BERKELEY
FREIGHT & SALVAGE
12 - 2:30 p.m.
OCTOBER 13, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO
THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM
11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 4:30 p.m.
Visit the Superfest website for info and tickets.
Co-hosted by: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the San Francisco State University Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability.
To book a traveling Superfest Showcase, contact superfestshowcase@gmail.com.
Blind Arduino Bay Area Monthly Meet Up–
Blind Arduino Bay Area Monthly Meet Up
Bring your creativity to the Blind Arduino Bay Area Monthly Meet Up at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, San Francisco (1155 Market St., 10th Floor), on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To get involved, drop in to a meeting or join the group mailing list at this website: http://groups.io/g/babamm
* This group is not affiliated with LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- YES Weekend - Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFO
– Oct 13
YES Weekend - Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFO
Youth Employment Series (YES)
Soaring Futures: Career Exploration and Travel at SFOIn October, join the LightHouse Youth Employment Series, YES, and workshop celebrating White Cane and National Disability Employment Awareness as transition-age youth engage in career exploration at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Gainful employment and effective use of mobility tools are critical to pursuing self-confidence, personal satisfaction, economic empowerment, and disability talent development. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience an interactive visit and discover career paths at SFO, to be challenged in confidence building outings, and to collaborate with one another in engaging activities throughout the weekend in preparation for life post high school/college. YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, increasing and providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques.
The YES Workshop in October will provide students with the tools to obtain information on career pathways in both the public and private sectors, to create a disability disclosure and advocacy plan for work and school, to learn and improve mobility and independent travel skills, as well as to refine their interpersonal skills (soft-skills). The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional aspirations.
Workshop Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will expand their understanding of rights and responsibilities as blind and low vision individuals as they explore and create personalized disability disclosure and advocacy plans for school and work.
2. Transition age youth will acquire information on employment opportunities in both public and private industries from administration and management to retail and customer service.
3. Students will build their confidence in orientation and mobility as they collaborate with their peers to plan, prepare for, execute, and reflect on a group excursion.
4. 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.If you are interested in participating in the October YES Weekend Workshop, please:
1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
2. Confirm attendance with Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist, by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7328.If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in the workshop, please contact youth@lighthouse-sf.org. Each workshop costs $950 to attend for the entire weekend. Please note, space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.
"Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)(All day)
Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.
What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.
What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.
Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.
The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!
Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 13 -18, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa locationPlease note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.orgSuperfest Disability Film Festival–
Superfest Disability Film FestivalSuperfest Disability Film Festival is the longest running disability film festival in the world. Since 1970, we have celebrated cinema that portrays disability through a diverse, complex, unabashed and engaging lens.
We strive for accessibility with audio description, captioning, and ASL/CART.
Showtimes:
OCTOBER 12, 2019
BERKELEY
FREIGHT & SALVAGE
12 - 2:30 p.m.
OCTOBER 13, 2019
SAN FRANCISCO
THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM
11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 4:30 p.m.
Visit the Superfest website for info and tickets.
Co-hosted by: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the San Francisco State University Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability.
To book a traveling Superfest Showcase, contact superfestshowcase@gmail.com.
- Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
(All day)
Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.
What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.
What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.
Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.
The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!
Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 13 -18, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa locationPlease note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.orgThe Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole–
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
Every Monday, 9:30 AM to noon
1155 Market St., 10th floorWhat does it really mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads a weekly forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins-and-outs of blindness-from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so grab a cup of coffee and a seat at the table-for more information or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. Not able to join us in person? You can now call in to participate live: dial 929-436-2866 and enter meeting ID 692 100 581 when prompted.
The Raycast–
The Raycast
Student Volunteer Ray Marcus entertains the Monday masses with various selections of podcast curiosities. For questions or to RSVP, contact Adult Program coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
(All day)
Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.
What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.
What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.
Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.
The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!
Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 13 -18, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa locationPlease note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.orgFree Access Technology Training–
Free Access Technology Training
Bring your own device to our Weekday Access Technology Trainings!
A LightHouse Access Technology Trainer is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for FREE 1-1.25 hour slots of training and support in VoiceOver (for iOS), speech programs including NVDA and Jaws, Braille Displays, Victor Reader Stream, and assistance with downloading and using apps like KNFBReader and Be My Eyes.
Our trainer can also assist you with downloading books from BARD, setting up a FaceBook profile or downloading music. Make an appointment in advance, as availability is on a first come first serve basis!
To sign up, please contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312.
Celebrate White Cane Safety Day with SF Mayor London Breed–
Celebrate White Cane Safety Day with SF Mayor London BreedTuesday, October 15 is White Cane Safety Day! Come celebrate the day and promote safety awareness in the neighborhood of LightHouse Headquarters (1155 Market St., San Francisco). Join LightHouse staff and ambassadors as we celebrate and spread awareness of White Cane Day from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We encourage everyone to bring their canes or guide dogs with them for the event and to invite your friends and blindness allies if they are interested.
We will start off with a 30-minute welcome meeting at LightHouse on the 10th floor to talk about white canes, LightHouse's involvement with the Safe Streets project and pedestrian safety in the city. Come to LightHouse headquarters for the pre-walk event and meet San Francisco Mayor London Breed who will be in attendance. There will be refreshments for those attending the welcome.
After the meeting concludes at 10:30, we will go out as a group to City Hall and back to create awareness and visibility of the white cane and blind pedestrians. Anyone who comes to walk with us will get a free Safe Streets t-shirt – now in white!
If you are coming, RVSP directly to Briana Kusuma at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415.694.7335 with your shirt size (if you would like one of our 2019 shirts) and be sure to wear your Safe Streets t-shirt if you already have one or don’t want to wear the new white one that day.
Spanish Support Group for Blind/Low Vision Spanish Speakers–
Spanish Support Group for Blind/Low Vision Spanish Speakers
Come and join the Spanish Support Group for Spanish speakers who are blind or low vision on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1 - 2:30 p.m. The group meets on the 10th floor of the LightHouse for the Blind San Francisco. The group leader is Anabella Denisoff. This group is primarily for persons 55 years and older. To register Please contact Jeff Carlson at 415.694.7314.
- This group is not affiliated with LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
(All day)
Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.
What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.
What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.
Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.
The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!
Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 13 -18, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa locationPlease note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.orgStress Reduction & Meditation–
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Wednesdays 10 a.m.
1155 Market St., Fitness Room FREEEach Wednesday morning we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience and has partnered with the LightHouse for the Blind for 7 years to offer this class. It is a drop-in class where everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Enjoy your meditation from a chair or pull up one of our comfy yoga props, breathe deeply, clear your head and destress. For more information contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Stronger Seniors–
Stronger Seniors
Get stronger, improve your balance, and increase your energy and fitness through our Stronger Seniors exercise class. We will do simple movements to get the heart pumping, while strengthening our muscles. The movements are safe, effective and fun. The class is done to music, so bring a list of your favorite songs as you groove to the beat with friends! Join us every Wednesday at 11 a.m.!
One City One Book—San Francisco Reads Author Talk with Tommy Orange–
One City One Book—San Francisco Reads Author Talk with Tommy Orange
One City One Book—San Francisco Reads
Author Talk with Tommy Orange
Wednesday, October 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin St., Koret Auditorium
Now that you’ve joined Talking titles at the Ed Roberts Campus on October 11, and your brain is full of “There There,” bring your enthusiasm to this exciting author talk hosted by the San Francisco Public Library, who are honored to announce its 15th Annual One City One Book main event, There There by Tommy Orange. Tommy Orange will be at the Main Library in conversation with San Francisco Poet Laureate Kim Shuck. To join Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen for pre-event dining in the neighborhood, let her know you plan to join the party by RSVPing to solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. We’ll gather at LightHouse HQ around 4, head out to a local spot for a bite, and be at the library before 6 to get settled.
- Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
(All day)
Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.
What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.
What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.
Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.
The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!
Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 13 -18, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa locationPlease note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.orgASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts–
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
September 19-December 19
Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to NoonJoin our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Knitting–
Knitting
Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.
For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Accessible Signage Training–
Accessible Signage Training
Do you struggle with accessible signage? Are you familiar with the codes, but unclear on the reasons behind them? Do you think accessible signage has to be ugly to be compliant? This session will explore the 2010 ADA Standards and 2019 California Building Code, the reasons behind them, and how to get the best possible accessible signage that looks excellent and satisfies the needs of multiple categories of users.
AIASF will be hosting the registration and ticketing on their website.
Tickets are $35 general admission, $30 if you are an AIA member, and $25 for AIA Student members.
The event will be held at our headquarters, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, MPRs A & B
On Thursday, October 17th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.We will be offering 2 continuing education units (MCEs) for licensed architects. Members of other professional organizations may self-report their units to their respective organizations.
If you would like tmore information, contact BJ Epstein at bjepstein@lighthouse-sf.org or 415.694.7362.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 PM class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 p.m. class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
30% & Growing: San Francisco–
30% & Growing: San Francisco
30% & Growing
Thursday, October 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
City Beer Store
1148 Mission St., San FranciscoIn the spirit of building a friendly community gathering spot and elevating beer to the status of fine wine, City Beer Store brings the best of all worlds to our neighborhood, just steps from our 1155 Market St. back entrance. Enjoy sips from a dizzying array of beer options from near and far alongside selections from the tantalizing full menu of sandwiches, salads, and sides. Before you go, stop into the actual store at City Beer Store, a large selection of curated items is available for purchase to take home with you. If the Indian Summer persists, we will see you out on their cozy patio, otherwise look for us just inside. RSVP to Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
(All day)
Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)
Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.
What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.
What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.
Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.
The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!
Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 13 -18, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa locationPlease note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.orgCookin’ for a Crowd–
Cookin’ for a Crowd
Interested in scaling up your kitchen skills? Nothing pushes your culinary capacity like prepping a meal for dozens of folks. Every month we need to feed our hungry bingo masses and there’s nothing like learning by doing. Join this team and see what your kitchen skills can do. Come roll up your sleeves and join the Bingo Dinner Team! RSVP to Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Dinner and Bingo–
Dinner and Bingo
Dinner and Bingo
Enjoy a community dinner and lots of rollicking bingo fun on the third Friday of each month at the LightHouse. RSVP by noon on the Tuesday prior and $7 covers your dinner (RSVP later or not at all and your dinner is $10). Braille and large print bingo cards make bingo accessible for everyone. Bring a handful or two of coins for small-change competitiveness … we play a couple of nickel games, several dimes games, and after dessert, one quarter gets you three games – good company – good food – good fun! To RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Youth Extreme Recreation Adventure: Master of the Maze
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Youth Extreme Recreation Adventure: Master of the Maze
Youth Extreme Recreation Adventure: Master of the Maze
Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.During the 2019-2020 school year, the LightHouse's Youth Program will be hosting monthly extreme recreation activities and adventures for youth that are blind or have low vision. Those that sign up for these monthly outings will have opportunities to make new friends, meet mentors and develop life skills that will help them be successful in other aspects of life - all while enjoying the wonderful recreation options that the Bay Area and surrounding areas have to offer.
During our October adventure we will head to Livermore for some Halloween fun. We will gather at G&M Farms at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, where we will start our day with a corn maze. After we find our way through the corn maze we will gather for a picnic lunch before an epic hunt for the perfect pumpkin. Students that are low vision or blind of all ages and their immediate family are encouraged to join us in costume as there will be a costume contest during our lunch.
Who: low vision and blind youth of all ages and their immediate family members
What: Halloween Festivities, Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19
Where: G&M Farms @ 487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore CA 94551
Cost: LightHouse will pay for entry and corn maze fee however, we encourage students to bring additional money if they wish to purchase a pumpkin to take home
What to bring: water bottle, warm layers of clothes and a bag lunch for a picnicIf you wish to RSVP or have any questions about this outing, please contact Jamey Gump by Friday, October 18 by phone at (415)694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.
California Council of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting–
California Council of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting
California Council of the Blind San Francisco Chapter meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on the 10th floor of LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, San Francisco. For information, visit the CCB website.
- This group is not affiliated with LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Read more: California Council of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting
Katie's Kitchen–
Katie's Kitchen
Katie's Kitchen
2nd Saturdays, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
October 19: Bowtie cookies with apricot preserves (note special day this month)Channeling her experience preparing desserts for birthday parties, social gatherings, and intimate wedding receptions, Katie Phan guides you through the how-to's of blind baking on a journey through pastries, breads, cakes, pies, and all things delightful to the palate. She can keep it sweet and sinful or guide you on how to make adjustments for happier, healthier alternative treats. Note that there are two schedule options for the same class each month--attendance at both is not required. To RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Sensory Development for Independent Travel
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Sensory Development for Independent Travel
Sensory Development for Independent Travel
On April 8, 2019, the LighHouse Training Department will host a new class: Sensory Development for Independent Travel. The class facilitator, Sarah McIntyre, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist, will focus on auditory development and exploration of different types of canes and cane tips.
What will you learn? Sarah will introduce auditory training, including sound identification, localization and alignment; judging distances using sound; and beginning echolocation. These skills are vital to confident and efficient travel as an individual who is blind or low vision, especially in unfamiliar environments. Students wanting to develop the confidence and efficiency in transitioning from a visually-dependent traveler to an independent traveler applying additional sensory skills for travel are encouraged to register.
The class will be held at the LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters in the Fitness Room, 1155 Market Street from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. There will be a one hour break for lunch, students should plan to bring their own lunch. To ensure effective student-to-instructor ratio, attendance is limited.
Participation Eligibility Criteria: This class is specifically designed for students who have been totally (or near totally) blind from birth (or a very young age) and, who have had a minimum of 6 hours of O&M training (please bring your cane with you). Students with known or suspected hearing loss are eligible and may benefit substantially from the program. The cost of the class is $150.00. DOR, VA and Regional Center Counselors who are interested in referring a consumer, please send authorizations to the LightHouse at 1referral@lighthouse-sf.org. Partial scholarship funding may be available for non-Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)/ Veterans Administration VIST Program/Regional Center students age 55+ (living in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa or Marin). For those eligible, there is a $20 fee that must be paid prior to the class. This fee is only refundable with a 48-hour cancellation prior to the class start. Please contact Briana at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335 to sign up for the class and let her know if you will be receiving an authorization from your counselor to participate, or you are seeking eligibility for partial scholarship. The registration deadline is April 4th. If you are unable to attend this workshop, upcoming workshop dates for 2019 include: June 17, August 13, and October 21.The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole–
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
Every Monday, 9:30 AM to noon
1155 Market St., 10th floorWhat does it really mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads a weekly forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins-and-outs of blindness-from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so grab a cup of coffee and a seat at the table-for more information or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. Not able to join us in person? You can now call in to participate live: dial 929-436-2866 and enter meeting ID 692 100 581 when prompted.
The Raycast–
The Raycast
Student Volunteer Ray Marcus entertains the Monday masses with various selections of podcast curiosities. For questions or to RSVP, contact Adult Program coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Free Access Technology Training
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Free Access Technology Training
Bring your own device to our Weekday Access Technology Trainings!
A LightHouse Access Technology Trainer is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for FREE 1-1.25 hour slots of training and support in VoiceOver (for iOS), speech programs including NVDA and Jaws, Braille Displays, Victor Reader Stream, and assistance with downloading and using apps like KNFBReader and Be My Eyes.
Our trainer can also assist you with downloading books from BARD, setting up a FaceBook profile or downloading music. Make an appointment in advance, as availability is on a first come first serve basis!
To sign up, please contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312.
- Stress Reduction & Meditation
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Stress Reduction & Meditation
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Wednesdays 10 a.m.
1155 Market St., Fitness Room FREEEach Wednesday morning we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience and has partnered with the LightHouse for the Blind for 7 years to offer this class. It is a drop-in class where everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Enjoy your meditation from a chair or pull up one of our comfy yoga props, breathe deeply, clear your head and destress. For more information contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
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ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
September 19-December 19
Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to NoonJoin our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Knitting–
Knitting
Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.
For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 PM class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 p.m. class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Master Your Money: Conquer Your Credit–
Master Your Money: Conquer Your Credit
Master Your Money: Conquer Your Credit
Thursday, October 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
FREE
Credit, whether cards, scores, or reports, need not strike terror in your heart. Credit scores and reports need not be a mystery and having a credit card can be a very beneficial thing when handled with smarts. Wells Fargo Financial professional Dep Pham will be joining us to share the savvy consumer’s guide to establishing and managing credit and obtaining and making sense out of those credit reports. Light refreshments available at 5:30 p.m. and we’ll get started at 6 p.m. To RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Food & Film Fridays
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Food & Film Fridays
Food & Film Fridays
Fourth Fridays Monthly, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Film for October: CocoWhat: Watch the audio described version of the film Coco.
When: October 25, 2019, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at noon at LightHouse headquarters. We'll then grab lunch and walk to the San Francisco Public Library's Koret Auditorium.
Cost: No charge for the film - you only need cover the cost of your lunch.Did you know that the San Francisco Public Library offers an audio described movie on the fourth Friday each month, absolutely free of charge, and the audio description is open—no headsets to mess with and the liberating feeling that access is the norm and the default—everyone gets to experience what audio description does for blind & low vision movie goers.
We’ll meet at LightHouse Headquarters at 1155 Market St. in the street-level lobby at noon, and for the price of lunch at one of the many nearby eateries, we’ll grab a bite to eat, then head over to the theater to enjoy a free open audio described movie that starts at 2. Contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316 so we know you’re coming and don’t leave you behind.
Learn more about October’s open audio described movie.
A note about audio description for the uninitiated:
Audio description is a vital component to enjoying movies alongside our friends, family, and community members. Information often important to a story is frequently conveyed in a visual manner with little or few non-visual cues—gestures, facial expressions, signs and printed material—that can make it difficult to keep up with the twists and turns that make cinema exciting.Audio description layers description onto the soundtrack that describes visual cues used to establish place, create mood, and foreshadow events. Most major movie theaters offer this service upon request, complimentary with the price of admission, and provided via a headset. We all know that movies can be expensive these days, and the headsets are sometimes cumbersome.
- Costume Party and Yoga in the Dark
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Costume Party and Yoga in the Dark
Costumes, candy, and yoga all in one, is this a dream? Come and join us for a Costume Party and Yoga Flow. There will be glow sticks and Halloween candy. All levels welcome. Bring your friends.
When: Saturday, October 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse Headquarters
Cost: There is no cost for this event.No yoga experience or costume required. RSVP by calling or emailing Amber Sherrard at 415-694-7353 or asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org.
- The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
–
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole
Every Monday, 9:30 AM to noon
1155 Market St., 10th floorWhat does it really mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads a weekly forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins-and-outs of blindness-from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so grab a cup of coffee and a seat at the table-for more information or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. Not able to join us in person? You can now call in to participate live: dial 929-436-2866 and enter meeting ID 692 100 581 when prompted.
The Raycast–
The Raycast
Student Volunteer Ray Marcus entertains the Monday masses with various selections of podcast curiosities. For questions or to RSVP, contact Adult Program coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- Free Access Technology Training
–
Free Access Technology Training
Bring your own device to our Weekday Access Technology Trainings!
A LightHouse Access Technology Trainer is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for FREE 1-1.25 hour slots of training and support in VoiceOver (for iOS), speech programs including NVDA and Jaws, Braille Displays, Victor Reader Stream, and assistance with downloading and using apps like KNFBReader and Be My Eyes.
Our trainer can also assist you with downloading books from BARD, setting up a FaceBook profile or downloading music. Make an appointment in advance, as availability is on a first come first serve basis!
To sign up, please contact Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7312.
- Stress Reduction & Meditation
–
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Stress Reduction & Meditation
Wednesdays 10 a.m.
1155 Market St., Fitness Room FREEEach Wednesday morning we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience and has partnered with the LightHouse for the Blind for 7 years to offer this class. It is a drop-in class where everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Enjoy your meditation from a chair or pull up one of our comfy yoga props, breathe deeply, clear your head and destress. For more information contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
- ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
–
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts
September 19-December 19
Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to NoonJoin our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Knitting–
Knitting
Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.
For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 PM class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
Yoga for Every Body–
Yoga for Every Body
Yoga for Every Body
Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM & 5:00-6:15 PM
1155 Market St., Fitness Room $10/classYoga helps promote physical, mental and spiritual balance and can provide you with a foundation of flexibility and centeredness. If you experience challenges with balance and mobility, yoga can assist you in increasing your strength and tone, providing you with the confidence you may be striving for in your daily life. No experience with yoga is necessary – Instructor Kimm Ropicky will work with you no matter what level of experience you have. Pick your pace—the 3:30 class is restorative and calming and the 5 p.m. class is a more engaged Vinyasa flow. Wear comfortable clothes that move and don’t hang too much and bring your favorite mat and/or props if you prefer, though all mats and props will be provided. For more info contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.
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.