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Sensors, Switches, and Apps! Maker Weekend for All

In November, the LightHouse Youth Employment Series (YES) is excited to host Maker Weekend, where blind/low vision students will explore STEM and be challenged to grow professionally in hands-on activities. Participants will have the opportunity to bring an idea to life from beginning to end where they learn the concepts, elements and logic behind app design as well as be able to take the innovative tech project they create home.

YES workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences emphasizing the vocational enrichment of  visually impaired and blind youth, increasing and providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques.

The YES Workshop in November will provide students with the tools and guidance to "play" with sensors and apps as they conduct and drive a solutions-based project. Students will chart their own path through the process, as they build toward a pitch on the final day. This is an empowering weekend to not only hone your skills, but to also network and build lasting relationships with blind and visually impaired peers and STEM mentors. The weekend is spent learning from blind and visually impaired mentors and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional aspirations.

Workshop Learning Objectives:
1. The Maker Weekend will encourage students to bring an idea to life from beginning to end, practicing important work-readiness soft skills as they communicate and collaborate with their peers.
2. Youth will have the opportunity to refine their idea development process, to learn marketing and branding strategies, to build a product using sensors and apps, and to confidently pitch their tech solution.
3. Transition-age youth will also elevate their attitude and confidence from meeting with successful blind mentors and coaches as they refine their solutions-based maker project, broadening their exposure to different career fields and industries.
4. The over-night nature of the Maker Weekend provide opportunities for students to refine their workplace readiness soft skills including effective social and professional communication and independent living all while building community with their blind and low vision peers.

Prerequisites and Things to Bring:
1. Based on program learning outcomes, participants should possess basic computer/phone skills as well as be open to creative energy and the spirit of teamwork
2. A note-aking device or implement (braille note, pen, slate and stylus, phone with keyboard, laptop, etc.). You will be asked to complete activities electronically.
3. Necessities you may need such as any orientation and mobility tools to travel safely, money for transportation to and from the workshop, or personal medication.

If you are interested in participating in the November YES Weekend Workshop, please:
1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
2. Confirm attendance with Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist, by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7328.

If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in the workshop, please contact youth@lighthouse-sf.org. Please note, space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.