Events in April 2022
-
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)
–
Apr 5Please note: The tax aide program is full.
LightHouse is partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 1 – April 15. Appointments are required and they can be made for 10 am, 11:15 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415 – 694 – 7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/GfZJ4wRnGV
Due to the “red” level of COVID-19 spread that the CDC has determined SF to be in, this will be a “same day drop off” structure. Tax payers will come to 1155 and drop off their materials with AARP tax preparers. They will then wait in MPR C or Reception while their taxes are being prepared. They may leave but it is preferred that they stay. The appointments are scheduled for one hour and fifteen minutes and most taxes will be able to be completed in that time.
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and CA state tax returns for the tax years 2021, 2020, and 2019 (note: each year requires a separate appointment). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or SF residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check
COVID-19 Requirements:
- Masks must be worn at all times. The Centers for Disease Control and the State of California are recommending that you double mask or wear an N95 mask. LightHouse will provide a second disposable mask if needed to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers.
- We will be practicing physical distancing at this location
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers, these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415 -694 -7648. Thank you.
-
Looking to the future: Opening the Door to Adult Life!
Looking to the future: Opening the Door to Adult Life!
–
Apr 6When: Wednesday, April 6 2022, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Calling all middle school, high school youth, and young adults living with blindness/low vision and their families! Have you wondered what comes next after high school? Where can you get the accessible training and equipment for work, college, or essential living skills? Well wonder no more and attend a presentation from Disability Rights California (DRC) and the California department of rehabilitation (DOR) on how to get a head start on your future and build on your strengths. You can also learn about programs that may be available in collaboration with and funded by the Department of Rehabilitation for your journey to adult life. There will be time after the presentation to speak with knowledgeable LightHouse staff and blind/low vision mentors regarding your individual situation.
This is a unique opportunity to get all your questions from DOR and DRC answered including:
- What services does DOR provide to students?
- What is the DOR, Workability, and College2Career?
- Am I eligible to sign-up with the DOR?
- What types of supports, equipment, and trainings can the DOR provide for me?
- What are my rights and responsibilities when working with different agencies such as the DOR, my school, or college?
- If I am interested in signing-up, how can I get started?
If you have any questions or would like to join us for the session, contact Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator at dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7328.
NOTE: RSVPs will need to be confirmed by Monday, April 4 and Zoom information will be distributed the morning of the presentation.
-
CTEBVI Annual Conference
CTEBVI Annual Conference
(All day)
Apr 7 – Apr 9The 62nd annual CTEBVI (California Transcribers and Educators of the Blind and Visually Impaired) conference will be held virtually April 7-9. This conference is for teachers, educators, students, and families to connect and workshop the educational and rehabilitation needs of individuals who are blind or have low vision. LightHouse staff including the team from our Adaptations store can be found in the virtual exhibit hall showcasing a variety of accessibility products. For more information about CTEBVI, you can visit the CTEBVI conference page.
Little Learners PlaygroupLittle Learners Playgroup
–
Apr 7Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or CVI. Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call (415) 694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)
–
Apr 7Please note: The tax aide program is full.
LightHouse is partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 1 – April 15. Appointments are required and they can be made for 10 am, 11:15 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415 – 694 – 7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/GfZJ4wRnGV
Due to the “red” level of COVID-19 spread that the CDC has determined SF to be in, this will be a “same day drop off” structure. Tax payers will come to 1155 and drop off their materials with AARP tax preparers. They will then wait in MPR C or Reception while their taxes are being prepared. They may leave but it is preferred that they stay. The appointments are scheduled for one hour and fifteen minutes and most taxes will be able to be completed in that time.
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and CA state tax returns for the tax years 2021, 2020, and 2019 (note: each year requires a separate appointment). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or SF residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check
COVID-19 Requirements:
- Masks must be worn at all times. The Centers for Disease Control and the State of California are recommending that you double mask or wear an N95 mask. LightHouse will provide a second disposable mask if needed to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers.
- We will be practicing physical distancing at this location
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers, these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415 -694 -7648. Thank you.
-
CTEBVI Annual Conference
CTEBVI Annual Conference
(All day)
Apr 7 – Apr 9The 62nd annual CTEBVI (California Transcribers and Educators of the Blind and Visually Impaired) conference will be held virtually April 7-9. This conference is for teachers, educators, students, and families to connect and workshop the educational and rehabilitation needs of individuals who are blind or have low vision. LightHouse staff including the team from our Adaptations store can be found in the virtual exhibit hall showcasing a variety of accessibility products. For more information about CTEBVI, you can visit the CTEBVI conference page.
-
CTEBVI Annual Conference
CTEBVI Annual Conference
(All day)
Apr 7 – Apr 9The 62nd annual CTEBVI (California Transcribers and Educators of the Blind and Visually Impaired) conference will be held virtually April 7-9. This conference is for teachers, educators, students, and families to connect and workshop the educational and rehabilitation needs of individuals who are blind or have low vision. LightHouse staff including the team from our Adaptations store can be found in the virtual exhibit hall showcasing a variety of accessibility products. For more information about CTEBVI, you can visit the CTEBVI conference page.
Polishing to Perfection (online)Polishing to Perfection (online)
–
Apr 9During the last few years of teen session at EHC, our youth have been lucky to have a group of wood workers inspire our campers to take up the hobby. In order to encourage youth to further their excitement around this craft, the LightHouse Youth Program will be hosting a monthly virtual wood polishing club. In addition to making space for EHC and LightHouse friends to connect while polishing wood into art, we will invite a woodworker who is blind or has low vision to join us and share their story and share wisdom with the next generation of artiest. Students that sign up for the program will receive the basic materials and equipment to get started with wood polishing. Those students that remain active in the program and improve their skill will become eligible for additional raw materials that they can turn into art or gifts for loved ones. The polishing party takes place on the second Saturday of the month at 7:00pm. Each gathering will have time dedicated to update others about their projects, learn a little about that month’s mentor, and most importantly have as much time as the evening will allow to hangout and polish with your blind and low vision friends.
Who: Teens and young adult students who are blind or low vision
What: Virtual gathering space for young wood workers to connect with their EHC friends and other blind and low vision woodworkers from all over
When: Second Saturday of the month at 7:00pm
Where: Anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
Students who sign up for the program at least one week in advance will receive the basic materials and equipment to get started with wood polishing. Those students that remain active in the program and improve their skill will become eligible for additional raw materials that they can turn into art or gifts for loved ones. Each gathering will have time dedicated to update others about their projects, learn a little about that month’s mentor, and most importantly have as much time as the evening will allow to hangout and polish with your friends.
RSVP to Jamey Gump at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.
-
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)
–
Apr 12Please note: The tax aide program is full.
LightHouse is partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 1 – April 15. Appointments are required and they can be made for 10 am, 11:15 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415 – 694 – 7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/GfZJ4wRnGV
Due to the “red” level of COVID-19 spread that the CDC has determined SF to be in, this will be a “same day drop off” structure. Tax payers will come to 1155 and drop off their materials with AARP tax preparers. They will then wait in MPR C or Reception while their taxes are being prepared. They may leave but it is preferred that they stay. The appointments are scheduled for one hour and fifteen minutes and most taxes will be able to be completed in that time.
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and CA state tax returns for the tax years 2021, 2020, and 2019 (note: each year requires a separate appointment). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or SF residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check
COVID-19 Requirements:
- Masks must be worn at all times. The Centers for Disease Control and the State of California are recommending that you double mask or wear an N95 mask. LightHouse will provide a second disposable mask if needed to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers.
- We will be practicing physical distancing at this location
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers, these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415 -694 -7648. Thank you.
Knowledge Unbounded Astronomy WorkshopKnowledge Unbounded Astronomy Workshop
–
Apr 12Have you ever wondered what the universe feels like? Have you ever wanted to touch galaxies, stars, and black holes? Through Knowledge Unbounded Astronomy Workshops led by Pranet Sharma, you’ll get to do just that! These workshops involve an in-depth, extensive—and most importantly, fun! —exploration of the universe and our place within it. We will be discussing topics ranging from the solar system and its mechanics to the detection of dark matter in extra-galactic space to black holes!! Taught accessibly, these workshops synthesize innovative tactile models of the cosmos with auditory instruction. They further introduce advanced techniques of astrophysics research for the visually impaired. The workshops will conclude with a discussion of pathways into accessible careers in astrophysics, and an introduction to professional astrophysics work through Pranet’s experience in the field. Show out for a good time (and to get lost among the stars!)
Monthly Session Topics
- March 8: Galactic astronomy, discussing galaxy morphology and evolution
- April 12: Extra-galactic astronomy, cosmological models, future research into astrophysics (and how you can get involved!)
Who: LightHouse students of all ages
What: Half-hour to hour long discussion about astronomy lead by Pranet Sharma
When: Second Tuesday of the month @ 5:00 pm PST
Where: Anywhere you can access a Zoom meeting
RSVP: If you wish to RSVP for this series, please contact Jamey Gump by email at jgump@LightHouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)
–
Apr 12The National Federation of the Blind is a nationwide community of members that believe blind people can live the lives they want. We meet online via Zoom with the following schedule:
6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Happy (Half) Hour
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Chapter MeetingTo RSVP, contact President Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or 336-988-6375.
College Spaces From Different PlacesCollege Spaces From Different Places
–
Apr 12College Spaces From Different Places: From Classes to Gametime – Balancing sports in college
When: April 12 2022 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Running, wrestling, and swimming are only a few of the many sports opportunities available to college students. Whether you want to compete, take up a new hobby, or just learn about how blind athletes have balanced sports and class obligations throughout college, join us this March to hear all about it! Throw on your favorite team jersey, invite a friend, and be part of what’s sure to be an exciting conversation!
College Spaces from Different Places is a peer led student organization which cultivates connections and community for all undergraduate college students. College Spaces from Different Places is a group designed by and for low vision and blind students to have fun, build community, and share in our struggles and accomplishments. Many undergrads are currently missing out on forming social connections on their own college campus. Therefore, joining College Spaces from Different Places will give you an opportunity to come together with others from across the state. Leave your books and syllabi behind and join us!
If you have any questions or would like to be part of future College Spaces from Different Places gatherings, contact Daisy Soto dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7328To learn more. Please RSVP by April 8, 2022 to receive the Zoom link.
NOTE: The Zoom link to join will be distributed the morning of the meetup. All blind/low vision college students are welcome, and you DO NOT need any authorizations from the DOR to join.
-
Little Learners Playgroup
Little Learners Playgroup
–
Apr 14Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or CVI. Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call (415) 694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!
LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (FULL)
–
Apr 14Please note: The tax aide program is full.
LightHouse is partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 1 – April 15. Appointments are required and they can be made for 10 am, 11:15 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415 – 694 – 7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/GfZJ4wRnGV
Due to the “red” level of COVID-19 spread that the CDC has determined SF to be in, this will be a “same day drop off” structure. Tax payers will come to 1155 and drop off their materials with AARP tax preparers. They will then wait in MPR C or Reception while their taxes are being prepared. They may leave but it is preferred that they stay. The appointments are scheduled for one hour and fifteen minutes and most taxes will be able to be completed in that time.
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and CA state tax returns for the tax years 2021, 2020, and 2019 (note: each year requires a separate appointment). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or SF residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check
COVID-19 Requirements:
- Masks must be worn at all times. The Centers for Disease Control and the State of California are recommending that you double mask or wear an N95 mask. LightHouse will provide a second disposable mask if needed to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers.
- We will be practicing physical distancing at this location
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers, these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415 -694 -7648. Thank you.
-
LightHouse Spring Tandem Cycling Event
LightHouse Spring Tandem Cycling Event
–
Apr 16Please join the LightHouse Youth/Transition Program in a tandem bicycle ride as we get back out into the community with our friends from Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP). This will be our first in-person gathering for youth since the summer of 2021 at Enchanted Hills Camp. The ride begins in Berkeley and we will travel to Treasure Island and back on Saturday April 16. The ride itself is a little more than 15 miles round trip and will include a picnic lunch upon completion of the ride. Students that sign up for the trip will be matched with a pilot and tandem bike for our adventure.
Who: Blind and low vision students between the ages of 14 and 26
What: Tandem bike ride and picnic lunch
When: Saturday April 16th from 10:00 am to 3:00pmWhere: the start and end point of the trip will be at BORP Adaptive Cycling Center, 80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, CA 94710, and the trip will include a stop at The Great Lawn on Treasure Island for a picnic lunch
Cost: FREE
Event specific covid policy: LightHouse will supply a rapid test for each of the participants that sign up for the event. A Negative test result on sight or within 24 hours of the event are required for all participants.
Please note space for this outing is limited and the ride will be cancelled in case of rain. Those that have questions about the program or are interested in signing up, please email Youth@LightHouse-sf.org.
-
Virtual Nature Program with East Bay Regional Park District
Virtual Nature Program with East Bay Regional Park District
–
Apr 20April 20
Join us for our monthly virtual nature program that our friends from the East Bay Regional Parks District have been so generous to lead us in. If you are blind or low vision and want to learn more about nature, we invite you to join us between 3:00 and 4:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month as our naturalist from the East Bay Regional Park District, Michael, leads us in that month’s nature lesson. Our April gathering will take place on Wednesday, April 19 and will have us learning all about Peregrine Falcons and Cooper’s Hawks! The fastest animal in the world, the peregrine falcon, almost went extinct. Now they are common in many places! Cooper’s hawks are actually the most common hawk in cities and sometimes in suburbs as well and are true flying acrobats! If you have any questions or would like access to the zoom link for the East Bay Regional Park Tours series, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.May 16
Join us for our monthly virtual nature program that our friends from the East Bay Regional Parks District have been so generous to lead us in. If you are blind or low vision and want to learn more about nature, we invite you to join us between 3:00 and 4:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month as our naturalist from the East Bay Regional Park District, Michael, leads us in that month’s nature lesson. Our May gathering will take place on Wednesday, May 18 and will have us learning all about official flora and fauna of California. You may know California’s official flower, or bird! But how about the official rock, grass, lichen, reptile, and many other things? You may be surprised on what has been voted to become something official and why. If you have any questions or would like access to the zoom link for the East Bay Regional Park Tours series, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372. -
Little Learners Playgroup
Little Learners Playgroup
–
Apr 21Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or CVI. Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call (415) 694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!
-
Meet You At The House (online)
Meet You At The House (online)
–
Apr 27Pull up a comfy chair and join Community Outreach Specialist Sheri Albers in the LightHouse virtual living room to talk about all things LightHouse! Have you been experiencing changes in your vision that have been affecting your daily life, but did not know who to talk to? LightHouse in San Francisco may have the solutions you have been looking for. This is a safe place to bring the questions that you have been wanting to ask. As always, Raqi from the Adaptations Store will be on hand to let us know what is new in the world of low vision and blindness products.
To RSVP, contact Sheri Albers at 415-694-7331, or email salbers@lighthouse-sf.org.
-
Little Learners Playgroup
Little Learners Playgroup
–
Apr 28Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or CVI. Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call (415) 694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!
College Spaces CaféCollege Spaces Café
–
Apr 28College Spaces Café: Waiting for Summer
When: April 28, 2022 from 7:00 – 8:00 PMWarmer days, a time change, and finals around the corner can only mean one thing – summer is almost here! The College Spaces Team is just as excited for it as you, and we want to hear all about what your plans are. Whether you’re travelling, working, or just taking the opportunity to sleep in, come share with us during the last Café of the year.
With questions or to RSVP contact Daisy Soto dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. Please sign up by noon the day of the event to guarantee you receive the Zoom link!
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!
