Calendar

Events in February 2020

  • Giving Blood, Giving Life: Bay Area Blind Community's Day of Giving Blood Drive

    Giving Blood, Giving Life: Bay Area Blind Community's Day of Giving Blood Drive


    Feb 7

    Every blood donation can save up to three lives. Will you join the LightHouse community in giving back by giving blood?
    To schedule your appointment or for more information visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: DayOfGiving or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) If you have questions regarding your eligibility to donate blood, or have traveled in the past year, please call 866.236.3276. This event is co-sponsored by LightHouse for the Blind and American Red Cross.

    Read more: Giving Blood, Giving Life: Bay Area Blind Community's Day of Giving Blood Drive

  • Hands on Workshop: Forget Me Not @ LightHouse East Bay

    Hands on Workshop: Forget Me Not @ LightHouse East Bay


    Feb 10

    Hands On: Forget Me Not
    Monday, February 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    Who:
    Hands on learners who find themselves forgetting appointments and reminders, who are looking for simple solutions for this problem.

    What Will You Do?:

    • Explore low tech methods for keeping track of appointments, reminders, to-do lists, phone numbers and other quick notes
    • Use a Microspeak, Pen Friend, or Wilson to create and retrieve a voice memo
    • Go home with a Microspeak Voice Recorder once you are a master of using it
    • Share and discuss other ideas for note-taking

    When & Where:
    Monday February 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lighthouse East Bay (3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley)
    OR
    Tuesday February 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at LightHouse Headquarters (1155 Market Street, San Francisco)

    No prior knowledge is necessary to attend this free workshop. RSVP by Monday February 3 to Briana Kusuma at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335.

    The Hands On Series of workshops are designed to not only provide information, but to provide hands on experience completing tasks and mastering skills. At the end of each workshop you will walk away with at least one skill that you can begin using in your life immediately. Each workshop will have a theme within the umbrella of Independent Living Skills. Themes may include; note taking, house hold projects, DIY cleaning products, make-up, household/office organization, container gardening, and meal prepping just to name a few! Workshops will occur the second Monday and Tuesdays of each month. Monday workshops will be held at the LightHouse East Bay in Berkeley from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. And, Tuesday workshops will be held at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is not necessary to attend both workshops. Students of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to attend these free workshops.

  • Hands On Workshop: Forget Me Not @ LightHouse SF

    Hands On Workshop: Forget Me Not @ LightHouse SF


    Feb 11

    Hands On Workshop: Forget Me Not
    Tuesday, February 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at LightHouse Headquarters San Francisco

    Who:
    Hands on learners who find themselves forgetting appointments and reminders, who are looking for simple solutions for this problem.

    What Will You Do?:

    • Explore low tech methods for keeping track of appointments, reminders, to-do lists, phone numbers and other quick notes
    • Use a Microspeak, Pen Friend, or Wilson to create and retrieve a voice memo
    • Go home with a Microspeak Voice Recorder once you are a master of using it
    • Share and discuss other ideas for note-taking

    When & Where:
    Monday February 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lighthouse East Bay (3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley)
    OR
    Tuesday February 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at LightHouse Headquarters (1155 Market Street, San Francisco)

    No prior knowledge is necessary to attend this free workshop. RSVP by Monday February 3 to Briana Kusuma at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335.

    The Hands On Series of workshops are designed to not only provide information, but to provide hands on experience completing tasks and mastering skills. At the end of each workshop you will walk away with at least one skill that you can begin using in your life immediately. Each workshop will have a theme within the umbrella of Independent Living Skills. Themes may include; note taking, house hold projects, DIY cleaning products, make-up, household/office organization, container gardening, and meal prepping just to name a few! Workshops will occur the second Monday and Tuesdays of each month. Monday workshops will be held at the LightHouse East Bay in Berkeley from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. And, Tuesday workshops will be held at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is not necessary to attend both workshops. Students of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to attend these free workshops.

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life

    Changing Vision, Changing Life

    (All day)
    Feb 24 Feb 28

    Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training in February, May and October of 2020, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to LightHouse Headquarters in February and Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa in May and October.

    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:

    In SF:  February 24 – 28

    EHC:  Sunday May 31 – Friday June 5

    EHC:  Sunday October 18 – Friday Oct. 23

     

    Please 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.org

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life

    Changing Vision, Changing Life

    (All day)
    Feb 24 Feb 28

    Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training in February, May and October of 2020, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to LightHouse Headquarters in February and Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa in May and October.

    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:

    In SF:  February 24 – 28

    EHC:  Sunday May 31 – Friday June 5

    EHC:  Sunday October 18 – Friday Oct. 23

     

    Please 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.org

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life

    Changing Vision, Changing Life

    (All day)
    Feb 24 Feb 28

    Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training in February, May and October of 2020, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to LightHouse Headquarters in February and Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa in May and October.

    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:

    In SF:  February 24 – 28

    EHC:  Sunday May 31 – Friday June 5

    EHC:  Sunday October 18 – Friday Oct. 23

     

    Please 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.org

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life

    Changing Vision, Changing Life

    (All day)
    Feb 24 Feb 28

    Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training in February, May and October of 2020, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to LightHouse Headquarters in February and Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa in May and October.

    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:

    In SF:  February 24 – 28

    EHC:  Sunday May 31 – Friday June 5

    EHC:  Sunday October 18 – Friday Oct. 23

     

    Please 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.org

    Talk Shopping

    Talk Shopping


    Feb 27

    Are you looking for an accessible way to buy groceries? Do you want to know what options are out there for purchasing clothing, electronics, and gifts? Do you like to shop? If so, check out our upcoming workshop.

    Join us on Thursday, February 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.. We will be discussing the apps and services you can use to buy all your favorite things. Whether you are checking off items on a grocery list, shopping for a special occasion, or just indulging in a little retail therapy, this workshop will pique your interest, guaranteed.

    An RSVP is required for this workshop to Shen Kuan at skuan@lighthouse-sf.org or call: 415-694-7312.

    This class is free to participants through support from the City of San Francisco's SF Connected program.

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life

    Changing Vision, Changing Life

    (All day)
    Feb 24 Feb 28

    Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training in February, May and October of 2020, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to LightHouse Headquarters in February and Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa in May and October.

    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:

    In SF:  February 24 – 28

    EHC:  Sunday May 31 – Friday June 5

    EHC:  Sunday October 18 – Friday Oct. 23

     

    Please 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.org

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

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

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

X