LightHouse will be closed on Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday.
The week's events
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The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)
The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)
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Jan 22What does it mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads 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.
RSVP online for Coffee with Mike 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*
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Jan 22The 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).
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Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)
Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)
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Jan 24We 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*
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Jan 24The 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)
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Jan 24This is a Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (BORP) Adaptive Sports program, in partnership with Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Join Shifu Ralf Somack for this free, 16-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. Click the RSVP link below for more information and to register or email cynthia@borp.org.
Ralf Somack has taught Tai Chi and other Internal Chinese Martial Arts for many years at BORP and other locations throughout the Bay Area. He specializes in designing programs for seniors and the disabled community.
Gratitude VIBES (online)Gratitude VIBES (online)
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Jan 24Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.
January 3: Author, Kevin Brinckman, Courtney and Her Families
January 10: Inspired Voices: Echoing the Powerful Words of Legends
January 17: Sounds of Appreciation - Share your happy tunes with us and let the melody of gratitude play!
January 24: Friends
January 31: The Four Agreements: # 3, Don't Make AssumptionsRSVP online for Gratitude-VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Access After Hours at the Museum of Craft & Design (in-person)Access After Hours at the Museum of Craft & Design (in-person)
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Jan 24Adventure into the Dogpatch neighborhood to visit this small but mighty museum that celebrates the making of art along with the viewing of it. Currently on exhibit, “Designing Peace” explores what it means to incite a sense of peace in response to wartime and violence. Similarly, how we design spaces to create a sense of peacefulness. The museum stays open after hours to invite our community to visit for free, experience highly descriptive and haptic exploration of selected works and create projects inspired by the intentions and materials explored by the artists featured in the exhibition.
This event takes place at the Museum of Craft & Design at 2569 3rd St. in San Francisco (Between 21st & 22nd St.).
RSVP to Maia Scott at Mscott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.
Goalball with BORP (in-person)Goalball with BORP (in-person)
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Jan 24Bay 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. BerkeleyFor more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org
Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.
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Create In Community Art Class (in-person)
Create In Community Art Class (in-person)
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Jan 25Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space at LightHouse San Francisco at 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.
During the month of January, join us to learn more about making cordage, a meditative process of twisting materials together to repurpose them into beautiful and enticing jewelry and functional art. Experiment with a variety of fabrics, bring in scraps with meaning to incorporate and make them into something new.
Walk-ins are welcome. But you can also RSVP 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!
