Calendar

The week's events

  • LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)

    LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)


    Mar 20

    LightHouse is again 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 Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.

    Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 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/MsNHzhK3Hc

    This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco 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. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you

    COVID-19 Requirements:

    Masks must be worn at all times.

    Out of Scope:

    If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

    • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
    • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
    • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
    • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
    • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
    •  If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
    • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
    • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
    • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
    • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

    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.

    The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole (online)

    The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole (online)


    Mar 20

    What does it really mean to be a person who is blind or who has low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, will lead this call-in 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 make a cup of coffee (or tea), sit in your favorite chair, and call in to chat about the business of blindness.

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

    SFMTA Collaborates on San Francisco Active Communities Plan (online)

    SFMTA Collaborates on San Francisco Active Communities Plan (online)


    Mar 20

    The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is seeking input and feedback from LightHouse community members on how biking, scooting and rolling should develop in San Francisco, and how these modes of transit can be an asset to people with disabilities. This online forum will be facilitated by Christopher Kidd, Transportation Planner of Complete Streets, and other members of SFMTA and is part of the San Francisco Active Communities Plan which seeks to expand transit options in a way that benefits underserved populations.

    Learn more about the SFMTA Active Communities Plan.

    To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP to Sheri Albers, Community Outreach Specialist, at SAlbers@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331

    Vison: Peer-Led Support Group (online)

    Vison: Peer-Led Support Group (online)


    Mar 20

    March dates: March 6 & 20

    Vision is a solutions-based and peer-led support group. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, we discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision.

    RSVP online for Vision Peer-Led Support Group or call 415-694-7607.

  • 30% & Growing (in-person)

    30% & Growing (in-person)


    Mar 21

    30% & Growing heads over the Bay Bridge into Berkeley! This month we will be gathering for drinks and socializing at Triple Rock Brewing (1920 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704), a local Berkeley classic. Come out and enjoy food, drinks and comradery with others who are blind and low vision in different stages of their career. For those interested, there will be a group meeting at Lighthouse and traveling to Triple Rock together. Contact Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642 for more details.

  • Meet You At The House (online)

    Meet You At The House (online)


    Mar 22

    Pull 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.

    RSVP to Sheri Albers at SAlbers@LightHouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331.

  • LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)

    LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)


    Mar 23

    LightHouse is again 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 Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.

    Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 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/MsNHzhK3Hc

    This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco 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. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you

    COVID-19 Requirements:

    Masks must be worn at all times.

    Out of Scope:

    If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.

    • If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
    • If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
    • If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
    • If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
    • If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
    •  If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
    • If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
    • If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
    • If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return.  You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
    • If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.

    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.

    Introductory Tactile Map Workshop (in-person)

    Introductory Tactile Map Workshop (in-person)


    Mar 23

    LightHouse’s Rehabilitation Services and Media and Accessible Design departments are teaming up to present this free course on learning to read tactile maps.

    This workshop takes place at LightHouse East Bay in the Osher Conference Room. The address is Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, 94703. 

    What will you learn?

    • The value of tactile maps for route planning and awareness of environmental features.
    • Systematic strategies in your approach to exploration of tactile maps.
    • How symbols, line types, labels, and distance, direction, and environmental features are used in interpreting maps.
    • Tactile discrimination techniques for map reading.
    • Greater orientation to new environments.
    • How to order more maps.
    • In addition to the training, each student will take home free TMAPs of their residential area and of the LightHouse East Bay neighborhood at 3075 Adeline, as well as a tactile map of the Ashby BART Station and a tactile BART system map.

    Prerequisites:

    • Functional use of intermediate braille is required.
    • Students must be aged 16 or up.

    LightHouse Braille Instructor, Divina Carlson; Senior Accessible Media and Braille Specialist, Frank Welte; Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Sarah McIntyre and tactile map aficionado, Jerry Kuns, will be facilitating this introductory training in the practical use of TMAP, tactile maps and tactile BART maps for Bay Area travelers. It must be noted that Jerry states he isn’t happier than when he has a good cappuccino in one hand and a tactile map in the other!

    Come join us in learning the language of tactile maps. To attend, please contact Briana Kusuma, at BKusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335 no later than Friday, March 17. In your email, please provide Briana your full name, phone number and your residential address, so that we can produce your home map prior to the training.

    Space is limited to 15 participants. Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list. We will consider scheduling an additional session if there is sufficient interest. Students may attend with their TVI or O&M teacher. Because this is an in-person activity, we are requesting that you provide proof of vaccination upon entry and wear a mask during the event.

    This course is made possible thanks to a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration.

    Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)

    Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)


    Mar 23

    Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space at LightHouse San Francisco (1155 Market) to explore a different art process, style or media each moth while connecting with fellow creatives. These are exploratory, process-oriented classes that invite you to work at whatever level you are, be it first timer to expert.

    This March, we will create a variety of painted and textured papers that we will later use as collage materials to create colorful and tactile artworks.

    RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

  • Inclusive Innovations: The Future of Accessible Work (hybrid)

    Inclusive Innovations: The Future of Accessible Work (hybrid)


    Mar 24

    A black background with the words "Inclusive Innovations: / The Future of Accessible Work / Friday, March 24, 2023/ Register now/ InIn" in white and yellow text. The Envision logo and the LightHouse logo appear at the bottom of the image

    LightHouse is pleased to partner with Envision for Inclusive Innovations, a free disruptive tech event at LightHouse San Francisco headquarters on March 24.

    Disruptive technology is an innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate, bringing about major changes in people’s lives. Inclusive Innovations was created to focus attention and understanding on the future of workplace accessibility for employees who are blind or who have low vision.

    Representatives from across industry, technology, and employees who are blind and who have low vision, will come together to discuss ideas and share insights on the latest technology trends, new workplace practices, and the role of Inclusive Innovation in shaping the future of workplace accessibility, inclusivity and happiness.

    Guests will also be able to meet innovators and try out the next generation of assistive technologies firsthand.

    The event includes introductory remarks, a panel discussion, audience Q&A, a tech fair and networking drinks and bites.

    Speakers include:

    Vanessa Vigar - Chief Marketing Officer, Envision
    Sharon Giovinazzo - CEO, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
    Mike May - Chief Evangelist GoodMaps, Sendero Group Founder and author
    Karthik Kannan - Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Envision
    Iolanda Antunes - Enterprise Product Manager, LinkedIn
    Hoby Wedler, - Ph. D. Blind Entrepreneur, chemist, sensory expert and educator
    John Gassman - Guest Reservations, Walt Disney
    Hunter Benedict - Product Manager at Google

    There will be 5-minute demos from the following innovators:

    Be My Eyes
    Goodmaps
    Aira
    Rebokeh
    Envision

    What: Inclusive Innovations: Creating Workplace Accessibility and Happiness
    When: Friday, March 24, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Pacific
    Where: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1155 Market St. San Francisco (Directions to LightHouse San Francisco)
    RSVP: Register for Inclusive Innovations for free

    Can’t make it in person? You may register for the Inclusive Innovations webinar to hear the panel.

    Don’t miss your chance to connect and network with some of the greatest minds in assistive technology!

    Creators' Space - Accessible Comics with Rachel Lanzerotti (in-person)

    Creators' Space - Accessible Comics with Rachel Lanzerotti (in-person)


    Mar 24

    Creators' Space welcomes Rachel “Rae” Lanzerotti to share their accessible comic work in progress.  After vision loss in 2020, Rae started making audio-graphic memoirs, and their autobiographical comics received awards in the 2022 Accessible Comics Competition. Rae shares their story, “Embodied,” which uses image, sound, and texture. Come listen, read, discuss and be part of an exploratory practice of making your own simple comic, no experience needed!

    RSVP by March 23 to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608

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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