Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Feb 4(1 event)

7:00 pm: mouf//full at Grace Cathedral audio described performance with pre-show haptic tour. (in-person)


Feb 4

Where: Grace Cathedral, 100 California St. at Taylor, San Francisco

Co-directed by Gabriele Christian and Chibueze Crouch, collectively known as OYSTERKNIFE, this piece interrogates the role of the Church in personal lineage and its influences across Afro-Diasporic cultures. This immersive, participatory performance combines dance-theater, ritual masquerade, song, poetry, and video to explore how Black cultures have transformed Church into a uniquely syncretic cultural space.

Audio description and pre-performance haptic tour by Gravity Access Services. Audience members are asked to wear masks.

Tickets are $25 to $40 sliding scale.  For tickets and more information: Buy: mouf//full - Friday, February 4. Then let Maia now you will be there: Mscott@lighthouse-sf.org

Feb 5(3 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)


Feb 5

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 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

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 the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). 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 via USPS.

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 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)


Feb 5

What 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 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

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) **REGISTRATION CLOSED*


Feb 5

The 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).

Feb 6
Feb 7(6 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


Feb 7

We 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.

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) **REGISTRATION CLOSED*


Feb 7

The 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).

10:30 am: Limited Series: Seated Tai Chi for the Blind and Visually Impaired (online)


Feb 7

This is a BORP Adaptive Sports program in partnership with Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Join Sifu Ralf Somack for this free, 6-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.

RSVP online for Seated Tai Chi or email cynthia@borp.org.

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES (online)


Feb 7

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.

February 7: This Little Light of Mine: bring a non-flammable light source such as a battery-operated candle, lamp, or flashlight.
February 14: Comfort Food for Valentines
February 21: Sounds of Appreciation - Let the melodies of gratitude play!
February 28: The Four Agreements: # 4, “Always Do Your Best”

RSVP online to Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

6:00 pm: A Conversation with Author, Hanna Fairbairn (online)


Feb 7

Join us for a special event as we welcome author Hannah Fairbairn for an insightful author's talk about her transformative book, 'When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery’.

Then join us again on March 4th when we resume, Vision a LightHouse solutions-based, peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-session cycle of topics based on Hannah’s 2019 book. We discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. Reading is not required. However, if you want topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book available on BARD (DBC11619). Please note these peer-led support groups will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays beginning again in March.

About the Author, Hannah Fairbairn. Hannah was born in the UK with partial sight. She began her working life as the chef of a popular London bistro. At 33 she lost nearly all her sight overnight and discovered that soups were the only food she could confidently cook. Her cookbook, "Soups," won the prestigious Andre Simon award. She continued writing about food for the New Statesman and contributing weekly to “In Touch” the BBC radio program for blind and visually impaired people. When she moved to Massachusetts, Hannah joined the staff of the Carroll Center for the Blind, where she taught home and personal management for 18 years, pioneering interpersonal skills groups to help clients manage successful interactions with the public and their families.

RSVP online for A Conversation with Author, Hanna Fairbairn or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607

 

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)


Feb 7

Bay 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. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

Feb 8(3 events)

9:00 am: AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)


Feb 8

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 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27. 

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 the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). 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 via USPS.

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 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org

11:00 am: Create In Community Art Classes (in-person)


Feb 8

Let'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 February, let's create and paint tactile creations.  Using found materials such as rope, cardboard and foam paired with bold and metallic paints, we will create works that are both haptically and visually engaging.  As this will require multiple weeks to complete, please be prepared to attend regularly.

No RSVPs needed. For questions, contact Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

2:00 pm: LightHouse + Vision Zero: Autonomous Vehicle Forum (hybrid)


Feb 8

LightHouse is pleased to announce the rescheduling of the LightHouse + Vision Zero Autonomous Vehicle Forum. Please join LightHouse, Vision Zero SF, and our esteemed panelists for this informational discussion about pedestrian safety and the role autonomous vehicles can play in maintaining safer transit options for residents and visitors of San Francisco who are blind or have low vision.

RSVP: To RSVP, please complete this Autonomous Vehicles forum RSVP form by Thursday, February 1

Please Note: For those attending in person, the forum will be held at the LightHouse HQ located at 1155 Market Street, 10th Floor, in San Francisco. Light refreshments will be provided. (Please indicate any food allergies in the RSVP form above.) For those attending virtually, please be sure that you list the best email address to reach you – a link to access the live stream will be emailed to the address submitted in the RSVP form on Wednesday, February 7.

Meet Our Panelists
Maddy Ruvolo – Principal Transportation Planner for San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Dr. William Riggs – Professor at University of San Francisco; Leader in Urban Technology, Transport & Automation
Fernando Macias – Access Technology Specialist at LightHouse for the Blind

This forum is made possible by generous funding from the and the City and County of San Francisco.

Feb 9
Feb 10

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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