Calendar

Events in February 2023

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31(1 event)

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.

Feb 1
Feb 2(1 event)

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.

Feb 3(2 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.

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.

Feb 5(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.

Feb 6(2 events)

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


Feb 6

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.

9:45 am: The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online) - Registration Closed


Feb 6

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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, 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 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

Feb 7(1 event)

7:00 pm: College Spaces from Different Places (online)


Feb 7

Is getting involved in your community and volunteering some of your time a New Year’s resolution you’ve been considering? Have you been part of a memorable volunteering experience, or do you want to get some ideas about how to get more involved?  Join us this February for our first meeting of 2023, where we’ll be talking about all things volunteerism. Bring some stories to share, a friend, and questions for your peers!

College Spaces from Different Places is a peer-led student organization which cultivates connections and community for all undergraduate college students. This group is designed by and for low vision and blind students to have fun, build community, and share in our struggles and accomplishments. Many undergrads are currently missing out on forming social connections on their own college campus. Therefore, joining College Spaces from Different Places will give you an opportunity to come together with others from across the state. Leave your books and syllabi behind and join us!

To RSVP, ask questions or to be part of future College Spaces from Different Places gatherings, contact Daisy Soto DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7328 to learn more.

Please RSVP by February 3, 2023 to receive the Zoom link.

NOTE: The Zoom link to join will be distributed the morning of the meetup. All blind/low vision college students are welcome, and you DO NOT need any authorizations from the DOR to join.

Feb 8(1 event)

9:45 am: The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online) - Registration Closed


Feb 8

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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, 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 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

Feb 9(1 event)

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


Feb 9

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.

Feb 10(1 event)

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


Feb 10

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 11
Feb 12
Feb 13(2 events)

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


Feb 13

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.

9:45 am: The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online) - Registration Closed


Feb 13

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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, 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 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

Feb 14
Feb 15(1 event)

9:45 am: The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online) - Registration Closed


Feb 15

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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, 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 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

Feb 16(1 event)

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


Feb 16

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.

Feb 17(1 event)

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


Feb 17

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 18(1 event)

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


Feb 18

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 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.

February's event takes place at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater @ Lake Merritt in Oakland, near the intersection of Lake Merritt Blvd and 11th St.

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, February 17.

Feb 19
Feb 20(1 event)

(All day): Presidents' Day Holiday (LightHouse closed)

(All day)
Feb 20

Feb 21
Feb 22(2 events)

9:45 am: The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online) - Registration Closed


Feb 22

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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, 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 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

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


Feb 22

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.

Feb 23(1 event)

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


Feb 23

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.

Feb 24(1 event)

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


Feb 24

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 25
Feb 26
Feb 27(2 events)

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


Feb 27

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.

9:45 am: The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online) - Registration Closed


Feb 27

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 virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.

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 virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.

The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, 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 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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.

Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

Feb 28
Mar 1
Mar 2(1 event)

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


Mar 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.

Mar 3(2 events)

(All day): YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)

(All day)
Mar 3 Mar 5

When: Friday March 3 at 3:00 pm to Sunday, March 5 at noon

Where: LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco

Who: Blind and low-vision students between the ages of 16 and 22

How do blind and low vision students access reading materials for both work and leisure? How does accessing reading materials tie into pre-employment preparedness skillsets? Join us this March for a workshop focused on all things literacy. Students who attend will not only gain resources and knowledge through exciting group activities, but will have the opportunity to assist with this year’s Northern California Braille Challenge, happening that weekend at LightHouse Headquarters. 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.

Objectives:

  • Students will have opportunities to network and practice work-readiness skills while volunteering during this year’s Braille Challenge event.
  • Participants will discuss literature access resources, and hear from peers and professionals on valuable suggestions and strategies.
  • Students will gain team-building and collaborative skillsets essential for workplace success during intergenerational group activities.
  • 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 March YES Weekend Workshop, please:

  1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
  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 DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org. Note: space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.

YES programs are, and will continue to be, in strict accordance with local, state and Center for Disease Control recommendations and guidelines.

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


Mar 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.

Mar 4(1 event)

(All day): YES Weekend Workshop (in-person)

(All day)
Mar 3 Mar 5

When: Friday March 3 at 3:00 pm to Sunday, March 5 at noon

Where: LightHouse for the Blind Headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco

Who: Blind and low-vision students between the ages of 16 and 22

How do blind and low vision students access reading materials for both work and leisure? How does accessing reading materials tie into pre-employment preparedness skillsets? Join us this March for a workshop focused on all things literacy. Students who attend will not only gain resources and knowledge through exciting group activities, but will have the opportunity to assist with this year’s Northern California Braille Challenge, happening that weekend at LightHouse Headquarters. 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.

Objectives:

  • Students will have opportunities to network and practice work-readiness skills while volunteering during this year’s Braille Challenge event.
  • Participants will discuss literature access resources, and hear from peers and professionals on valuable suggestions and strategies.
  • Students will gain team-building and collaborative skillsets essential for workplace success during intergenerational group activities.
  • 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 March YES Weekend Workshop, please:

  1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
  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 DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org. Note: space for this program is limited and workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.

YES programs are, and will continue to be, in strict accordance with local, state and Center for Disease Control recommendations and guidelines.

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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