Calendar

Events in January 2023

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Jan 1(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Jan 1

Jan 2(1 event)

(All day): Winter Holiday Break (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Jan 2

Jan 3
Jan 4(2 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)


Jan 4

Each 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.

1:00 pm: Gratitude Vibes (online)


Jan 4

Gratitude-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.

Jan 5(4 events)

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)


Jan 5

Bring 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!

10:00 am: Meditative Movement (in-person)


Jan 5

Join 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.

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


Jan 5

Let'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.

2:00 pm: Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)


Jan 5

Tecnología para Todos, es un espacio en donde los usuarios comparten sus conocimientos y experiencias. Cada mes conversamos sobre distintos servicios, aplicaciones y dispositivos disponibles para personas ciegas y con baja visión. ¡Te esperamos!

Para registrarse, contacten a Jeffrey Colon JColon@lighthouse-sf.or o 415-694-7323.

Join our monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.

RSVP to Jeffrey Colon at JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7323.

Jan 6(3 events)

5:00 pm: EHC Virtual Campfire (online)


Jan 6

These fun-filled evenings will consist of all your favorite real campfire traditions, including camp’s traditional opening campfire ceremony rituals, special guest performances, and singalongs. Campfire attendees will also be informed of rebuild updates and all other camp related program offerings.

RSVP to Andrew Martinez at Amartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

5:30 pm: Creators' Share Space (in-person)


Jan 6

Artists, Makers, Creatives and thinkers; do we have the perfect Friday Night for you. Join together with other artists, writers, musicians, artisans and anyone who enjoys creative process to share works in progress and completed creations in a laid back and friendly vibe. Give and receive feedback about shared work if it's desired and support our community as they press forward to complete projects for festivals, shows or personal growth. Whatever you're making, bring it!

RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

8:00 pm: Reel Escape Audio Description Club: Friday Evening Daredevils (online)


Jan 6

We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. With the success of the first two seasons of Daredevil, we thought it would only be wise to continue the Marvel series with season three. Daredevil is at TV series about a blind attorney by day and vigilante by night. There will be time to watch each week’s episode and connect with your EHC and LightHouse friends.

Parents Please Note: The Daredevil TV Series has adult content and is rated TV-MA and contains the following: crude indecent language (L), explicit sexual activity (S), and graphic violence (V). Read a Parental Guide for Daredevil. If any youth under the age of 18 wish to join this program, they must have a parent or guardian contact a LightHouse youth team member with written permission for their child to participate.

RSVP to Jamey Gump at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

 

 

Jan 7
Jan 8
Jan 9
Jan 10(1 event)

6:00 pm: National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)


Jan 10

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:

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 President Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or 336-988-6375.

Jan 11(2 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)


Jan 11

Each 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.

1:00 pm: Gratitude Vibes (online)


Jan 11

Gratitude-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.

Jan 12(3 events)

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)


Jan 12

Bring 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!

10:00 am: Meditative Movement (in-person)


Jan 12

Join 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.

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


Jan 12

Let'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.

Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Jan 16(1 event)

(All day): MLK Day Holiday

(All day)
Jan 16

Jan 17(1 event)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: January 2023 (online)


Jan 17

January 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.

 

Jan 18(2 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)


Jan 18

Each 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.

1:00 pm: Gratitude Vibes (online)


Jan 18

Gratitude-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.

Jan 19(4 events)

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)


Jan 19

Bring 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!

10:00 am: Meditative Movement (in-person)


Jan 19

Join 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.

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


Jan 19

Let'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.

2:00 pm: Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)


Jan 19

Tecnología para Todos, es un espacio en donde los usuarios comparten sus conocimientos y experiencias. Cada mes conversamos sobre distintos servicios, aplicaciones y dispositivos disponibles para personas ciegas y con baja visión. ¡Te esperamos!

Para registrarse, contacten a Jeffrey Colon JColon@lighthouse-sf.or o 415-694-7323.

Join our monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.

RSVP to Jeffrey Colon at JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7323.

Jan 20(1 event)

8:00 pm: Reel Escape Audio Description Club: Friday Evening Daredevils (online)


Jan 20

We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. With the success of the first two seasons of Daredevil, we thought it would only be wise to continue the Marvel series with season three. Daredevil is at TV series about a blind attorney by day and vigilante by night. There will be time to watch each week’s episode and connect with your EHC and LightHouse friends.

Parents Please Note: The Daredevil TV Series has adult content and is rated TV-MA and contains the following: crude indecent language (L), explicit sexual activity (S), and graphic violence (V). Read a Parental Guide for Daredevil. If any youth under the age of 18 wish to join this program, they must have a parent or guardian contact a LightHouse youth team member with written permission for their child to participate.

RSVP to Jamey Gump at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

 

 

Jan 21(2 events)

10:30 am: California Council of the Blind Chapter Meeting San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)


Jan 21

The San Francisco Chapter of the California Council of the Blind meets on the third Saturday of the month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. All are invited to attend.

For more info, contact Vita Zavoli by at VZavoli@gmail.com or 510-846-4080.

1:00 pm: Polishing in the Park: LightHouse Student Woodworkers Club at LightHouse SF (in-person)


Jan 21

Polishing in the Park, a wood polishing club for youth, takes place once a month at different parks around the Bay Area. With each gathering, participants will have time dedicated to updating others about their projects and learning a little about that month’s mentor. Most importantly there will be time to polish with your blind and low vision friends. Students who sign up for the program will receive the basic materials and equipment to get started with wood polishing. Those students who remain active in the program and improve their skills will become eligible for additional raw materials that they can turn into art or gifts for loved ones.

Due to winter weather, January’s event will take place at LightHouse San Francisco at 1115 Market Street.

Saturday, January 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

RSVP to Jamey Gump at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372. Light refreshments and polishing supplies will be provided for those students who RSVP by Friday, January 20.

Jan 22(1 event)

11:00 am: Lighthouse Goes Rock Climbing (in-person)


Jan 22

Discover 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

Jan 23
Jan 24(5 events)

11:00 am: Hands-On With Two New Accessible Phones


Jan 24

Adaptations 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

11:00 am: Hands-On With Two New accessible Phones in 2023 (in-person)


Jan 24

This 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.

2:00 pm: Tech Together: January 2023 (online)


Jan 24

January 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.

 

5:15 pm: Audium: Artists in Residence Soundscape Works-in-progress (in-person)


Jan 24

Wind 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.

6:30 pm: Toastmasters Demonstration (online)


Jan 24

Toastmasters 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.

Jan 25(3 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)


Jan 25

Each 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.

1:00 pm: Gratitude Vibes (online)


Jan 25

Gratitude-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.

2:00 pm: Meet You At The House (online)


Jan 25

Pull 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.

Jan 26(3 events)

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)


Jan 26

Bring 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!

10:00 am: Meditative Movement (in-person)


Jan 26

Join 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.

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


Jan 26

Let'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.

Jan 27(3 events)

4:00 pm: LightHouse CEO Welcome Reception (in-person)


Jan 27

On 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.

6:00 pm: 30% & Growing (In person)


Jan 27

Join 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.

6:30 pm: Surpassing Sight Private Film Screening (in person)


Jan 27

On 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

Watch a trailer of Surpassing Sight with audio description.

Visit the Surpassing Sight website.

Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30(1 event)

7:00 pm: Talkin' About Books: Have Dog, Will Travel: A Poet's Journey (online)


Jan 30

In a lyrical love letter to guide dogs everywhere, a blind poet shares his delightful story of how a guide dog changed his life and helped him discover a newfound appreciation for travel and independence.

Stephen Kuusisto was born legally blind—but he was also raised in the 1950s and taught to deny his blindness in order to "pass" as sighted. Stephen attended public school, rode a bike, and read books pressed right up against his nose. As an adult, he coped with his limited vision by becoming a professor in a small college town, memorizing routes for all of the places he needed to be. Then, at the age of thirty-eight, he was laid off. With no other job opportunities in his vicinity, he would have to travel to find work.

This is how he found himself at Guiding Eyes, paired with a Labrador named Corky. In this vivid and lyrical memoir, Stephen Kuusisto recounts how an incredible partnership with a guide dog changed his life and the heart-stopping, wondrous adventure that began for him in midlife. Profound and deeply moving, this is a spiritual journey, the story of discovering that life with a guide dog is both a method and a state of mind.

RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.

Jan 31(3 events)

10:30 am: BART Safety Training (in-person)


Jan 31

Join LightHouse and the BART Accessibility Team at the Oakland 19th Street BART station, upper level, for a BART Safety Training.

Are you a regular BART commuter, or do you only use it when you absolutely have to? Have you ever thought about what would happen if you were to accidently fall into the tracks on a BART platform? Do you know how to contact the operator for help while on a BART train? What do you do if there are no seats available?

This event will give you the opportunity to inspect a full-scale model of the track with the elusive “third rail”, along with the cubby area under the platform where one can remain safe if a train were coming. We will have a hands-on experience in a BART car to check out the seating arrangements, the door to transfer to the next car, and the location of all the safety features. The LightHouse Media and Accessible Design Lab staff will also be on hand to show you the tactile BART station maps that are available for you to order.

RSVP is strongly encouraged to ensure attendees have an opportunity to access all aspects of the presentation. To RSVP or if you have additional questions, contact Sheri Albers at SAlbers@lighthouse-sf.org, or 415-694-7331.

12:00 pm: Museum of Craft & Design Descriptive & Interactive Tour (in-person)


Jan 31

Visit the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco for an exclusive tour of current exhibitions including BULL.MELATIC: Proxistant Vision which is the culmination of an innovative, art and technology research project that explores the impact of new aerial imaging technologies and their influence and power in everyday life. Staff members will take us on a descriptive tour of current exhibitions, invite us to hold and touch artifacts created by the exhibiting artists using similar techniques and walk us through an art making experience inspired by the work on display in their galleries.

Museum of Craft and Design is located at 2569 3rd Street, right on the San Francisco Muni Bus T Line with stops nearby.

RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

2:00 pm: Tech Together: January 2023 (online)


Jan 31

January 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.

 

Feb 1(3 events)

(All day): Enchanted Hills Camp Summer 2023 Sessions Registration Opens

(All day)
Feb 1

Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) is back for a full summer of camp sessions this summer! Registration will open on February 1, with more info to follow. For now, check out the different sessions that will be offered.

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life: Sunday, June 4 – Friday, June 9
  • Little Learners: Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11
  • Family Camp I: Thursday, June 15 – Sunday, June 18
  • Adult Session: Monday, June 26 – Saturday, July 1
  • Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Monday, July 3 – Saturday, July 8
  • Youth Session: Monday, July 10 – Saturday, July 15
  • Teen Session: Monday, July 17 – Saturday, July 29
  • Family Camp II: Wednesday, August 2 – Saturday, August 5
  • Music/STEM Camp:  Monday, August 7 – Sunday, August 13

9:30 am: Stress Reeducation & Meditation (Virtual)


Feb 1

Each 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.

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES (online)


Feb 1

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. This solutions-based 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, gardening, and employment journeys. These are followed by individual check-ins.

Our February 2023 theme is Relationships. Students will present on the following topics:

February 1: Relationships between animals and people
February 8: Relationships with friends
February 15: Relationships with people we have not met yet
February 22: Relationships and love

RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707

 

Feb 2(4 events)

9:30 am: LightHouse and AARP Tax Support (in-person)


Feb 2

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 2 – April 13, 2023.

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 this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc

This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). 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

COVID-19 Requirements:

Masks must be worn at all times.

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. Thank you.

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)


Feb 2

Bring 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!

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


Feb 2

Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space at LightHouse San Francisco (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.

This month we will create a variety of painted and textured papers that we will later use as collage materials to create colorful and tactile artworks.

RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

2:00 pm: Tecnologia para Todos (en línea)/Technology for All (online)


Feb 2

Tecnología para Todos, es un espacio en donde los usuarios comparten sus conocimientos y experiencias. Cada mes conversamos sobre distintos servicios, aplicaciones y dispositivos disponibles para personas ciegas y con baja visión. ¡Te esperamos!

Para registrarse, contacten a Jeffrey Colon JColon@lighthouse-sf.or o 415-694-7323.

Join our monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.

RSVP to Jeffrey Colon at JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7323

Feb 3(3 events)

(All day): YES Weekend Workshop: Let's Talk Travel (in-person)

(All day)
Feb 3 Feb 5

Where: LightHouse Headquarters (1155 Market Street in San Francisco)

February 3 at 4:00 pm through February 5 at noon

Whether it’s for work, recreation, or a multitude of other reasons, independent travel is a significant part of the transition student experience. Join us this February for a weekend all about the importance of travel, filled with conversations with mentors and professionals, and plenty of opportunities to try out your independent navigation skills throughout San Francisco.

Youth Employment Services (YES) Workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences for youth and young adults who are enthusiastic about realizing their dream careers, emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques. Each YES workshop focuses on a specific theme and offers an array of self-advocacy, assistive technology, living skills, and soft skills curricula empowering students to strive toward future employment or post-secondary educational success. The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors, connecting with blind and low vision peers, and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional goals.

  1. Hear from blind and low-vision professionals on why strong orientation and mobility skills matter, and how they have utilized them for work as well as fun. Students will get opportunities to ask questions and get advice.
  2. Students will participate in conversations about canes, dog guides, and the benefits of each. They will come away with stronger understandings on what mobility aids they might like to utilize in the future.
  3. Participants will have multiple opportunities to practice route-planning techniques, explore San Francisco’s public transit systems and get hands-on experience of navigating around one of the busiest cities, all with the support of blind and low-vision mentors and staff.
  4. The over-night nature of the YES workshop provides 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 and mentors.

Things to Bring:

  1. A notetaking device or implement (braille note, pen, slate and stylus, phone with keyboard, laptop, etc.). You may be asked to complete activities electronically.
  2. 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 February YES Weekend Workshop, please:

  1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization. The cost for this workshop is $950 and includes all activities, food, and lodging for the weekend.
  2. Confirm attendance with Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator by email at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in this workshop, contact Daisy. Note: Space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.

Please note: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 plus boosters when applicable is required to join this event.

5:00 pm: EHC Virtual Campfire (online)


Feb 3

These fun-filled evenings will consist of all your favorite real campfire traditions, including camp’s traditional opening campfire ceremony rituals, special guest performances, and singalongs. Campfire attendees will also be informed of rebuild updates and all other camp related program offerings.

RSVP to Andrew Martinez at Amartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642.

8:00 pm: Reel Escape Audio Description Club; Wednesday Netflix Series (online)


Feb 3

We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. Our weekly gathering takes place Friday evenings at 8:00 pm., where we watch the next episode of our series and connect with your LightHouse and EHC friends. Now that we’ve watched all that we could from the world of Daredevil, our club will be switching things up and will start watching the new series, Wednesday, in early February. For those unfamiliar with the show, check out the trailer.

***Parents Please Note*** Wednesday is rated TV-14 for fear, language, and violence which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 14. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating. Read the Parent Guide for Wednesday.

Who: teens and young adults who are blind or are low vision

What: Wednesday with the Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom

When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 pm

Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting

RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program

If you are interested in signing up or have any questions about the Reel Escape Audio Description Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.

Feb 4(1 event)

(All day): YES Weekend Workshop: Let's Talk Travel (in-person)

(All day)
Feb 3 Feb 5

Where: LightHouse Headquarters (1155 Market Street in San Francisco)

February 3 at 4:00 pm through February 5 at noon

Whether it’s for work, recreation, or a multitude of other reasons, independent travel is a significant part of the transition student experience. Join us this February for a weekend all about the importance of travel, filled with conversations with mentors and professionals, and plenty of opportunities to try out your independent navigation skills throughout San Francisco.

Youth Employment Services (YES) Workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences for youth and young adults who are enthusiastic about realizing their dream careers, emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques. Each YES workshop focuses on a specific theme and offers an array of self-advocacy, assistive technology, living skills, and soft skills curricula empowering students to strive toward future employment or post-secondary educational success. The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors, connecting with blind and low vision peers, and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional goals.

  1. Hear from blind and low-vision professionals on why strong orientation and mobility skills matter, and how they have utilized them for work as well as fun. Students will get opportunities to ask questions and get advice.
  2. Students will participate in conversations about canes, dog guides, and the benefits of each. They will come away with stronger understandings on what mobility aids they might like to utilize in the future.
  3. Participants will have multiple opportunities to practice route-planning techniques, explore San Francisco’s public transit systems and get hands-on experience of navigating around one of the busiest cities, all with the support of blind and low-vision mentors and staff.
  4. The over-night nature of the YES workshop provides 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 and mentors.

Things to Bring:

  1. A notetaking device or implement (braille note, pen, slate and stylus, phone with keyboard, laptop, etc.). You may be asked to complete activities electronically.
  2. 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 February YES Weekend Workshop, please:

  1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization. The cost for this workshop is $950 and includes all activities, food, and lodging for the weekend.
  2. Confirm attendance with Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator by email at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. If you have any questions or would like to pay for your participation in this workshop, contact Daisy. Note: Space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.

Please note: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 plus boosters when applicable is required to join this event.

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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