Calendar

The week's events

  • Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over

    Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over


    Feb 8

    Back by popular demand, it’s our six-week online Orientation & Mobility course, Get Moving. This session is for Bay Area residents aged 55 and over.

    It’s a comprehensive course with two classes per week using the Zoom platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

    The lessons are: Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAP; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

    Mondays & Wednesdays: January 25 & 27; February 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24; March 1, 3 & 8 from 10:00 am to noon (no class Presidents’ Day, February 15)

    RSVP by noon on Friday, January 15 to Chris Williams at Cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.

  • Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)

    Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)


    Feb 9

    This is a comprehensive 6-week 14-class virtual course on Zoom introducing students to foundational Orientation & Mobility concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel and for gaining or retaining employment (this course is specifically for Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Consumers. Students meet twice a week for two-hour classes andparticipate in two hours of pre-class assessment, Zoom procedures and outside class support.

    To participate students must have solid internet access and be able to access Zoom via phone and/or video and have computer skills to receive and read articles, watch videos and listen to podcasts. All students should expect weekly homework to be completed prior to class.

    The essential O&M lessons cover: the benefits of O&M training for travel and employment; overview of sensory, spatial & environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; outdoor travel; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis; public transportation & trip planning; and introduction to electronic travel devices, GPS & wayfinding technologies.

    The course runs Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 19, 21, 27 & 28 and February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 & 25 from 10:00 am to noon.

    Registration deadline is January 8, 2021. To register for the course and hear about the fees and materials,  please contact Robert Alminana at ralminana@lighthouse-sf.org or Jennifer Huey at jhuey@lighthouse-sf.org and contact your DOR Counselor.

    Tech Together

    Tech Together


    Feb 9

    Join the LightHouse Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times. Tech Together is a chance to share your knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other blind technology users. LightHouse Access Technology staff share tips and resources on each week’s topic. Then there is time for LightHouse students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.

    Topics are decided on a rolling basis as our community’s needs evolve during shelter in place.

    Or leave a voicemail at 510-925-2943. Online registration is preferred.

    Upcoming Topics

    February 2

    Tech Together: Just Google It!

    If you’ve ever heard this phrase, or if you’ve ever searched online only to find yourself wading through pages of results that are not quite what you’re looking for, join us for a discussion of how to use web searches to find what you need when you need it.

    RSVP online for the February 2 Tech Together event.

    February 9

    Tech Together: Formatting is Fabulous

    Did you know that formatting your documents can not only make them easier for sighted readers to enjoy, but also make them easier for blind users to read and navigate? Join us to learn how simple formatting commands can have a big impact on the documents you create.

    RSVP online for the February 9 Tech Together event.

    February 16

    Tech Together: Proofread Like a Pro

    If you’ve ever wondered if you’re spelling a word right or wanted to check a document for stray tabs or commas, join us for this discussion of how to proofread your work while using access technology.

    RSVP online for the February 16 Tech Together event.

    February 23

    Tech Together: App Architecture

    Just as knowing how to use headings and links can make browsing the web with access technology easier, knowing some common elements to look for when you’re exploring a new app can be a helpful tool. We’ll talk about tabs, menus, pickers and more.

    RSVP online for the February 23 Tech Together event.

    National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)

    National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)


    Feb 9

    The 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:

    5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Connections, a semi-structured time to get to know chapter members
    6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Happy (Half) Hour
    6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Chapter Meeting

    To RSVP, contact Christina Daniels at ms.christina.daniels@gmail.com.

    *Please note, this group is not afflicted with LightHouse.

    Read more: National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)

  • Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over

    Get Moving: Online O&M Class for Adults 55 and over


    Feb 10

    Back by popular demand, it’s our six-week online Orientation & Mobility course, Get Moving. This session is for Bay Area residents aged 55 and over.

    It’s a comprehensive course with two classes per week using the Zoom platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

    The lessons are: Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAP; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

    Mondays & Wednesdays: January 25 & 27; February 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24; March 1, 3 & 8 from 10:00 am to noon (no class Presidents’ Day, February 15)

    RSVP by noon on Friday, January 15 to Chris Williams at Cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.

    One Step Forward: O&M Drop-In Forum for Adults 55 and Over

    One Step Forward: O&M Drop-In Forum for Adults 55 and Over


    Feb 10

    One Step Forward is a 6-week drop-in open discussion forum for students new to orientation and mobility (O&M) who have questions or fears about orientation and mobility training or are simply curious and would like to connect, learn, and converse. Each week, students will engage with each other and LightHouse Orientation & Mobility Specialists Jennifer Huey and Sarah McIntyre, developing comfort and confidence through conversation about O&M. Topics will be planned for each conversation, but this discussion group is for you, so if an O&M topic is on your mind, bring it to the group! This is an opportunity to pose your personal thoughts and questions about learning skills for independent travel.

    Who should attend? This 6-week class is for LightHouse students 55 years and older who have not received O&M training, or who have received very little and are not currently participating in O&M training but are curious, “almost ready,” or maybe are ready but are waiting to begin in-person training. This group may also appeal to you if you are looking to connect with other peers who share an interest in O&M and want to discuss the benefits of training. The best thing is, you don’t need any O&M experience to participate!

    What to expect each week: Group conversation will focus on a planned topic, but there will also be time to ask questions that are relevant to you. Because this is a drop-in class, you can commit to just one class, all six, or as many as you want. The decision is yours! Participate if the topic is of interest or if you just want to connect and listen. All we ask is that you are open-minded and are interested in taking one step toward independent travel. This forum will use the Zoom platform, but any student with access to a telephone is welcome to join by calling in. Our goal is to make this program low-tech, user-friendly and approachable. The first meeting will be held December 9, 2020 from 10:00-11:00, and the planned topic is “Exploring Covid-safe strategies for navigating the holidays.”

    Dates for upcoming meetings and planned topics for conversation:
    December 9, 2020: Covid-safe holiday strategies
    January 13, 2021: Defining training goals and priorities: New year, new you!
    January 27, 2020: Training opportunities: Understanding the differences and intersection between LightHouse services
    February 10, 2021: O&M in and around the house: movement and tactile awareness
    February 24, 2021: O&M in and around the house: sound
    March 10, 2021: What’s stopping you? Exploring the white cane and potential barriers

    Class Details:
    When: December 9, 2020 – March 10, 2021. Six Wednesday morning meetings (Dec. 9; Jan. 13 & 27; Feb. 10 & 24; March 10).
    Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
    How to Participate: Zoom, either via phone or the Zoom app
    Cost: It’s free!

    RSVP to Jennifer Huey at JHuey@lighthouse-sf.org or Sarah McIntyre at SMcIntyre@lighthouse-sf.org.

  • Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)

    Get Moving: Orientation & Mobility for Independent Travel (for DOR Consumers)


    Feb 11

    This is a comprehensive 6-week 14-class virtual course on Zoom introducing students to foundational Orientation & Mobility concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel and for gaining or retaining employment (this course is specifically for Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Consumers. Students meet twice a week for two-hour classes andparticipate in two hours of pre-class assessment, Zoom procedures and outside class support.

    To participate students must have solid internet access and be able to access Zoom via phone and/or video and have computer skills to receive and read articles, watch videos and listen to podcasts. All students should expect weekly homework to be completed prior to class.

    The essential O&M lessons cover: the benefits of O&M training for travel and employment; overview of sensory, spatial & environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; outdoor travel; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis; public transportation & trip planning; and introduction to electronic travel devices, GPS & wayfinding technologies.

    The course runs Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 19, 21, 27 & 28 and February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 & 25 from 10:00 am to noon.

    Registration deadline is January 8, 2021. To register for the course and hear about the fees and materials,  please contact Robert Alminana at ralminana@lighthouse-sf.org or Jennifer Huey at jhuey@lighthouse-sf.org and contact your DOR Counselor.

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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