Calendar

The week's events

  • Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together

    Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


    Mar 8

    The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

    Adults 55 and over are invited to participate in a six-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision and practical ways to maximize safe and independent living skills. The course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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

    The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing (preferred) or phone at the following dates and times:

    Week 1:
    Monday, February 22 and Wednesday, February 24 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    Week 2:
    Monday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 3 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    Week 3:
    Monday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 10 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    This course is free for adults 55 and over living in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity. However, there is a $40.00 materials fee. For those adults living outside the noted counties, the course is $150.00, plus $40.00 materials fee.

    Please RSVP by Monday, February 1 to be able to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, February 22. To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org The class is limited to ten students.

    Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over

    Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over


    Mar 8

    Back by popular demand, it’s our six-week online Orientation & Mobility course, Get Moving. This session is for Bay Area residents aged 55 and over.

    It’s a comprehensive course with two classes per week using the Zoom platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

    The lessons are: Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAP; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

    Mondays & Wednesdays: January 25 & 27; February 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24; March 1, 3 & 8 from 10:00 am to noon (no class Presidents’ Day, February 15)

    RSVP by noon on Friday, January 15 to Chris Williams at Cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.

    Monthly Mentor Mondays: Cooking, Nutrition and Living Independently

    Monthly Mentor Mondays: Cooking, Nutrition and Living Independently


    Mar 8

    Monthly Mentor Mondays Second Monday of the month @ 7:00pm

    Lighthouse Youth Program knows how important connecting with peers and mentors that also happen to be blind or low vision can be on the students we work with. To help the youth connect with our community of excellent mentors and allow time for them to ask questions that can help them along their journey we host our Monthly Mentor Monday’s series, in which Lighthouse staff lead a panel of young blind leaders through a conversation about topics important to the success of youth that are blind or have low vision. Each month a new group college-aged and young adult mentors will share their thoughts, stories and advice about that month’s topic and address any questions that the youth might have. Topics of our monthly panel will include subjects such as advocacy, career exploration, social interaction, self-determination, assistive technology and recreation and leisure with a focus on the additional experiences we encounter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    2021 Dates & Themes

    January 11 – Setting Goals and Problem Solving: In our January meeting we will talk about how other blind and low vision student set and achieve their goals and more importantly how we resolve any issues that come up during our journey.

    February 8– Advocating your needs and addressing other people’s misperceptions: With Valentine’s day just around the corner we invite you to join our panel as we talk about how we as blind or low vision students can interact successfully with our pears and loved ones. Our February panel will also discuss how they educate our communities about any misperception’s others may have about us as blind or low vision students.

    March 8th – Cooking, Nutrition and Living Independently: During our March gathering we will be talking about food, cooking and living independently as blind or low vision students. Join us as this month’s panel shares recipes and wisdom about how to access the food you want that will keep you a happy and healthy student.

    April 12 – Planning for what’s next: Join us in April as our panel of blind and low vision students share their insights and answer your questions about how to set oneself up for success in the next academic year.

    May 10 – Recreation and getting involved: As summer approaches join our May panel to learn about ways other blind and low vision mentors found their hobbies/interest and how they made their recreation accessible.

    Who: students in middle or high school that are blind or have low vision

    What: monthly panel of successful mentors that are blind or have low vision

    When: second Monday of the month from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

    Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting

    RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP with Jamey Gump by 5:00 pm the Friday before the event
    If you have any questions or would like to sign up for the Monthly Mentor Mondays, please contact, Jamey Gump at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

  • Tech Together

    Tech Together


    Mar 9

    Join the LightHouse Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times. Tech Together is a chance to share your knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other blind technology users. LightHouse Access Technology staff share tips and resources on each week’s topic. Then there is time for LightHouse students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.

    Topics are decided on a rolling basis as our community’s needs evolve during shelter in place.

    Or leave a voicemail at 1-415-694-7618. Online registration is preferred.

    Upcoming Topics

    Tech Together: Fundamentals of Files, the Basics
    This session will discuss files and folders, how to name, organize and sort them, so you can always find your electronic information whenever you need it.
     
    Tuesday, March 2 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
     
    RSVP online for the March 2 Tech Together event.
     
    Tech Together: Fundamentals of Files, Next Steps
    This session will cover how to back up, share, and search for your files.
     
    Tuesday, March 9 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
     
    RSVP online for the March 9 Tech Together event.
     
    Tech Together: March Mail Madness, The Basics
    Have you ever wondered when to reply and when to reply all? Or when to choose CC vs. BCC when copying someone on an email? Or maybe you’re wondering what the difference is between accessing your inbox on the web or in an app. This session will tackle these email topics and more.
     
    Tuesday, March 16 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
     
    RSVP online for the March 16 Tech Together event.
     
    Tech Together: March Mail Madness, Next Steps
    Do you need to delete loads of old email? Or search for an important message you’ve misplaced? Can filters keep distribution lists from overrunning your inbox? We’ll tackle the finer points of managing all that mail.
     
    Tuesday, March 23 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
     
    RSVP online for the March 23 Tech Together event.
     
    Tech Together: Moderating a Meting
    If you’re curious about scheduling, hosting, and moderating a Zoom meeting using access technology, we’ll share what we have learned during this first year of Virtual Tech together. Whether you’re wondering how to reduce background noise, how to find raised hands, or how to share your screen, come join us for this tour of Tech Together behind the scenes.
     
    Tuesday, March 30 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
     
    RSVP online for the March 30 Tech Together event

    Not So Bored Game Night (online)

    Not So Bored Game Night (online)


    Mar 9

    Each week students from the Lighthouse Youth Program gather for our virtual Not So Bored Game Night. A weekly evening of fun and games for Blind and low vision youth from all over. Games start at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evenings and will include trivia contests, scavenger hunts and other interactive games that will have youth making friends. In addition, the LightHouse staff each week’s games will be led by a guest mentor that will also share insight into their education, career and life as a person who is blind or has low vision.

    Who: students under 18 that are blind or have low vision
    What: weekly game night and guest mentor spotlight via zoom When: Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Where: Anywhere you can access a Zoom meeting
    RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program
    Parents & Guardians: we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually.

    If you are interested in signing up for the Not So Bored Game Night, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.

  • Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together

    Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


    Mar 10

    The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

    Adults 55 and over are invited to participate in a six-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision and practical ways to maximize safe and independent living skills. The course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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

    The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing (preferred) or phone at the following dates and times:

    Week 1:
    Monday, February 22 and Wednesday, February 24 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    Week 2:
    Monday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 3 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    Week 3:
    Monday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 10 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    This course is free for adults 55 and over living in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity. However, there is a $40.00 materials fee. For those adults living outside the noted counties, the course is $150.00, plus $40.00 materials fee.

    Please RSVP by Monday, February 1 to be able to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, February 22. To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org The class is limited to ten students.

    One Step Forward: O&M Drop-In Forum for Adults 55 and Over

    One Step Forward: O&M Drop-In Forum for Adults 55 and Over


    Mar 10

    One Step Forward is a 6-week drop-in open discussion forum for students new to orientation and mobility (O&M) who have questions or fears about orientation and mobility training or are simply curious and would like to connect, learn, and converse. Each week, students will engage with each other and LightHouse Orientation & Mobility Specialists Jennifer Huey and Sarah McIntyre, developing comfort and confidence through conversation about O&M. Topics will be planned for each conversation, but this discussion group is for you, so if an O&M topic is on your mind, bring it to the group! This is an opportunity to pose your personal thoughts and questions about learning skills for independent travel.

    Who should attend? This 6-week class is for LightHouse students 55 years and older who have not received O&M training, or who have received very little and are not currently participating in O&M training but are curious, “almost ready,” or maybe are ready but are waiting to begin in-person training. This group may also appeal to you if you are looking to connect with other peers who share an interest in O&M and want to discuss the benefits of training. The best thing is, you don’t need any O&M experience to participate!

    What to expect each week: Group conversation will focus on a planned topic, but there will also be time to ask questions that are relevant to you. Because this is a drop-in class, you can commit to just one class, all six, or as many as you want. The decision is yours! Participate if the topic is of interest or if you just want to connect and listen. All we ask is that you are open-minded and are interested in taking one step toward independent travel. This forum will use the Zoom platform, but any student with access to a telephone is welcome to join by calling in. Our goal is to make this program low-tech, user-friendly and approachable. The first meeting will be held December 9, 2020 from 10:00-11:00, and the planned topic is “Exploring Covid-safe strategies for navigating the holidays.”

    Dates for upcoming meetings and planned topics for conversation:
    December 9, 2020: Covid-safe holiday strategies
    January 13, 2021: Defining training goals and priorities: New year, new you!
    January 27, 2020: Training opportunities: Understanding the differences and intersection between LightHouse services
    February 10, 2021: O&M in and around the house: movement and tactile awareness
    February 24, 2021: O&M in and around the house: sound
    March 10, 2021: What’s stopping you? Exploring the white cane and potential barriers

    Class Details:
    When: December 9, 2020 – March 10, 2021. Six Wednesday morning meetings (Dec. 9; Jan. 13 & 27; Feb. 10 & 24; March 10).
    Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
    How to Participate: Zoom, either via phone or the Zoom app
    Cost: It’s free!

    RSVP to Jennifer Huey at JHuey@lighthouse-sf.org or Sarah McIntyre at SMcIntyre@lighthouse-sf.org.

  • Reel Escape: Audio-Described Movie Club

    Reel Escape: Audio-Described Movie Club


    Mar 11

    To help you break up the routine and escape for some fun, join your friends for our weekly Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club. This weekly remote social gathering of blind and low vision youth takes place over zoom on Thursday afternoons at 4:00 pm. Films will be family-friendly and have audio descriptions enabled. Join us each week to help choose future films. Past films have included: Toy Story, Frozen, Inside out, Minions, Lion King and many other classics.

    Who: Students under 18 that are Blind or have Low Vision
    What: Audio Description Movie Club via Zoom
    When: Thursday afternoons @ 4:00 pm Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
    RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program

    Parents & Guardians, we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually.

    If you are interested in signing up for the Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.

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

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

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

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