The week's events
-
Lighthouse Goes Rock Climbing (in-person)
Lighthouse Goes Rock Climbing (in-person)
–
Jan 22Discover the sport of rock-climbing with the always fun and supportive volunteers of ParaCliffHangers. There is no better way to get moving and stay active, than hanging off the side of a rock wall. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Equipment can be rented upon arriving.
We will be meeting at Lighthouse San Francisco at 1155 Market at 11:00 am and heading over on BART as a group. The event starts at noon.
RSVP to Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642
-
Hands-On With Two New Accessible Phones
Hands-On With Two New Accessible Phones
–
Jan 24Adaptations is hosting an event in which participants will get an in-depth look at the RealSam Pocket and the BlindShell Classic 2, two uniquely different mobile phone offerings designed for those who are blind or have low vision.
Bari Azmann and his team from BlindShell USA, and Anat Nulman of Realthing.ai will present their devices, answer questions, and offer those interested, a chance to try both devices first hand to see if they might be an appropriate fit. Packed with apps and gaining new features all the time, BlindShell Classic 2 is a phone containing buttons with spoken feedback.RealSAM Pocket, on the other hand, is a phone operated exclusively by voice. It really is as easy as touch and talk.
Join us as we dive in and learn about what’s new with these devices in 2023!
To RSVP, please contact Raqi Gomez at rgomez@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7339
Hands-On With Two New accessible Phones in 2023 (in-person)Hands-On With Two New accessible Phones in 2023 (in-person)
–
Jan 24This is an in-depth look at the RealSam Pocket and the BlindShell Classic 2, two uniquely different mobile phone offerings designed for those who are blind or have low vision. Bari Azmann and his team from BlindShell USA, and Anat Nulman of realthing.ai will present their devices, answer questions, and offer those interested, a chance to try both devices first hand to see if they might be an appropriate fit. Packed with apps and gaining new features all the time, BlindShell Classic 2 is a phone containing buttons with spoken feedback.RealSAM Pocket, on the other hand, is a phone operated exclusively by voice. It really is as easy as touch and talk. Join us as we dive in and learn about what’s new with these devices in 2023.
RSVP to Raquel Gomez at RGomez@lighthouse-sf.org call 415-694-7339.
Tech Together: January 2023 (online)Tech Together: January 2023 (online)
–
Jan 24January 17: Fabulous File Storage
Whether you need to back up your files, share files with others, or keep more data than your device will hold, cloud-based file storage can be a useful tool in your toolbox. Join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss options for accessible online storage.
RSVP online for Fabulous File Storage or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
January 24: Meeting Up and Making Friends
Join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss accessible ways to find meetups, make friends, and enjoy events in a reopening world.
RSVP online for Meeting Up and Making Friends or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
January 31: Take a Ride
Join the Access Technology team, and we'll take a tour of popular rideshare applications. We'll also discuss strategies for safety and smooth sailing while you're on the road.
RSVP online for Take a Ride or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
Audium: Artists in Residence Soundscape Works-in-progress (in-person)Audium: Artists in Residence Soundscape Works-in-progress (in-person)
–
Jan 24Wind your way past immersive sound sculpture and installations, then settle in your seat amidst a dome covered in over one hundred fifty speakers, including beneath your feet. During this casual visit to the Audium in San Francisco, we will have the opportunity to hear works in progress created by their artists-in-residence. Audium provides opportunities for sound designers and musicians to push their limits by experimenting and shaping sound using Audium's incredible sound system and technology.
Our group will be treated to a montage of concepts certain to be surprising, thought provoking and a wonder to behold.
Audium is located at 1616, Bush Street in San Francisco. The nearest cross street is Franklin.
RSVP by January 19 to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.
Toastmasters Demonstration (online)Toastmasters Demonstration (online)
–
Jan 24Toastmasters is a place to practice public speaking, improve your communication and build leadership skills. It's a place to develop skills of self-empowerment. Is Toastmasters right for you? Join us as we host a demonstration meeting.
RSVP to Sabrina Boluns at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
No Longer Hiding
by Ashley Nemeth
(Copied from the Toastmasters International website.)
Before I joined Toastmasters, I was very shy around those whom I was not comfortable with—basically, anyone other than my family. I had a hard time at work and was very sensitive to anything my boss said to me. I hated going anywhere new and meeting new people.
I was always hiding a piece of me that I was embarrassed of, even though that piece was not always easy to hide. I am visually impaired. This made it awkward to meet new people because I couldn’t pick up on social cues from their facial expressions.
Shortly after joining the Indian Head Toastmasters club in 2013, I did a speech on my disability. It felt so good to have somewhere to go where I could be myself and not have to hide. I set a goal to do a speech every week and make it through all 10 projects of the Competent Communication manual.
During my journey, my vision started to deteriorate even more. Within a few months I quickly went from having fuzzy vision to not being able to see anything except for bright light. This was very hard to deal with, but with the help of Toastmasters I kept giving speeches as a way to help me cope. It made a world of difference to have that safe place to tell my story and have the support of others who never judged me.
The members of the Indian Head club continue to be there for me. When I got my first guide dog in 2014, they were some of my biggest cheerleaders. They gave me the confidence to be my own advocate. I have made a few public speaking appearances, talking about blindness and guide dogs, and have started a support group for seniors new to vision loss.
Two years ago I would have struggled to tell you my name was Ashley Nemeth.
Now I speak confidently and proudly wherever I am.
-
Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)
Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)
–
Jan 25Each Wednesday morning we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—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 to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Gratitude Vibes (online)Gratitude Vibes (online)
–
Jan 25Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. This solutions-based support group can help you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. Previous sessions included demonstrations of poetry, music, drumming, visualization, Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, self-care, and forgiveness. These are followed by individual check-ins.
Our January 2023 theme is: New Beginnings.
RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Meet You At The House (online)Meet You At The House (online)
–
Jan 25Pull 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 (online)
Little Learners Playgroup (online)
–
Jan 26Bring 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 Cortical Visual Impairment (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!
Meditative Movement (in-person)Meditative Movement (in-person)
–
Jan 26Join us in the fitness room for a merging of meditative processes, breath work, modified yoga, sounding, mantra and structured improvisation prompts to create a gentle body wisdom practice suitable for every body whether you choose to practice from a chair, on a cushion, mat or standing. Wear something comfortable. Shoes are optional.
RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.
Create in Community Art Class (in-person)Create in Community Art Class (in-person)
–
Jan 26Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space 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.
Square off for the new year with origami creations throughout January. Learn or relearn how to fold a crane, explore modular origami, make a lotus flower and more.
RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.
-
LightHouse CEO Welcome Reception (in-person)
LightHouse CEO Welcome Reception (in-person)
–
Jan 27On behalf of the Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired Board of Directors, I cordially invite you to celebrate and welcome our new CEO, Sharon Giovinazzo, at a Welcome Reception on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 4-6PM at Lighthouse Headquarters, 1155 Market Street, San Francisco, CA. I hope to see you on the 27.
Warm Regards,
Sharon Sacks, Lighthouse Board Chair
Please RSVP by January 24 to Carin Elman at CElam@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7681.
30% & Growing (In person)30% & Growing (In person)
–
Jan 27Join us as we go back into the community for good drinks, conversations, and reconnecting with good friends. 30% & Growing is a great place to gather after a long day to converse with other people who are blind or have ow vision in different stages of their career.
We will be gathering at Drake's Dealership, a brewery in Oakland, on Friday, January 27, at 6:00 PM. You can find Drake’s Dealership just a few blocks away from 19th Street BART Station. For those interested, we will be meeting at 19th Street BART and walking over as a group.
To RSVP, contact Andrew Martinez at amartinez@lighthouse-sf.org.
Surpassing Sight Private Film Screening (in person)Surpassing Sight Private Film Screening (in person)
–
Jan 27On January 27, shortly after the Welcome Reception with new LightHouse CEO Sharon Giovinazzo, LightHouse will be hosting a free private movie screening of the documentary Surpassing Sight which follows two blind men, Jack Chen and Dan Berlin, who completed the Race Across America, a road cycling race across the United States. There will be a Q&A with Jack and film writer and producer Lukas Behnken.
What: Surpassing Sight Private Film Screening with Audio Description and Q&A
When: Friday, January 27 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: LightHouse San Francisco, 1155 Market St. 10th Floor
RSVP: Get free tickets for Surpassing Sight at LightHouse San Francisco.Directions to LightHouse San Francisco
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!
