Calendar

Feb 8

Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)

Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


Feb 7

We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Ellen Simpson will be leading. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) **REGISTRATION CLOSED*

Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) **REGISTRATION CLOSED*


Feb 7

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

Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school and daily living environments.

The hybrid course is divided into 6 virtual classes over 4 weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory class with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour classes which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists. There is also a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, one in-person half-day group lesson, and one in-person individualized lesson.

It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the six virtual classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Class 7 is a half-day, in-person Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration at the San Francisco LightHouse Headquarters. Thereafter, participants will be eligible for an individualized, in-person Low Vision Therapy lesson.

The first 6 classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing (Zoom video skills required for all virtual classes), best viewed on a tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):

Week of January 16: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment by phone

Week 1 (Virtual Classes #1 and #2): Monday, January 22 and Wednesday, January 24 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 1 and 2

Week 2 (Virtual Classes #3 and #4): Monday, January 29 and Wednesday, January 31 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 2 and 3

Week 3 (Virtual Classes #5 and #6): Wednesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 7 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 3 and 4

Week 4 (In-person Class #7): Wednesday, February 14 at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco – Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration - 10am to 3:00pm (including 1 hour break for provided lunch, further peer interaction)

By February 28, 2024 (In-person Class #8): individualized follow-up low vision skills lesson tailored to the unique needs of each participant

If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.

The registration for this course is currently closed. All interested parties need to have a Low Vision Evaluation completed within one year prior to the start of any low vision course. Please contact Esmerelda Soto at 415-694-7323 or by email at ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org for any questions and planning for a LH Services Orientation and Assessment day. Any appropriate Low Vision course referrals will then be placed on our waitlist for the next available class (dates TBA).

Limited Series: Seated Tai Chi for the Blind and Visually Impaired (online)

Limited Series: Seated Tai Chi for the Blind and Visually Impaired (online)


Feb 7

This is a BORP Adaptive Sports program in partnership with Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Join Sifu Ralf Somack for this free, 6-week online class specifically designed for the blind and low vision community. This is a pilot program and participant feedback is important. This 45-minute class will be taught seated. Tai Chi is a set of slow, gentle exercises and a form of moving meditation practiced for relaxation, health, exercise, and self -defense. In this program, you will learn the first 24 movements of the Sun style system. Sun Style is particularly well suited for people new to Tai Chi as it is easy to perform and it contains powerful Qigong influences that calm the mind and promote deep breathing.

RSVP online for Seated Tai Chi or email cynthia@borp.org.

Gratitude VIBES (online)

Gratitude VIBES (online)


Feb 7

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.

February 7: This Little Light of Mine: bring a non-flammable light source such as a battery-operated candle, lamp, or flashlight.
February 14: Comfort Food for Valentines
February 21: Sounds of Appreciation - Let the melodies of gratitude play!
February 28: The Four Agreements: # 4, “Always Do Your Best”

RSVP online to Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

A Conversation with Author, Hanna Fairbairn (online)

A Conversation with Author, Hanna Fairbairn (online)


Feb 7

Join us for a special event as we welcome author Hannah Fairbairn for an insightful author's talk about her transformative book, 'When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery’.

Then join us again on March 4th when we resume, Vision a LightHouse solutions-based, peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-session cycle of topics based on Hannah’s 2019 book. We discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. Reading is not required. However, if you want topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book available on BARD (DBC11619). Please note these peer-led support groups will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays beginning again in March.

About the Author, Hannah Fairbairn. Hannah was born in the UK with partial sight. She began her working life as the chef of a popular London bistro. At 33 she lost nearly all her sight overnight and discovered that soups were the only food she could confidently cook. Her cookbook, "Soups," won the prestigious Andre Simon award. She continued writing about food for the New Statesman and contributing weekly to “In Touch” the BBC radio program for blind and visually impaired people. When she moved to Massachusetts, Hannah joined the staff of the Carroll Center for the Blind, where she taught home and personal management for 18 years, pioneering interpersonal skills groups to help clients manage successful interactions with the public and their families.

RSVP online for A Conversation with Author, Hanna Fairbairn or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607

 

Goalball with BORP (in-person)

Goalball with BORP (in-person)


Feb 7

Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

EHC Virtual Campfire (online)

EHC Virtual Campfire (online)


Feb 7

These fun-filled evenings will consist of Enchanted Hills Camp updates, songs, alumni check-ins and LightHouse information and resources. All are welcome to join.

RSVP to Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

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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