Calendar

Events in March 2023

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Feb 26(2 events)

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

–
Feb 26

Discover the sport of rock-climbing with the always fun and supportive volunteers at ParaCliffHangers. There’s no better way to get moving and stay active, than hanging off the side of an indoor rock wall. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Equipment can be rented upon arriving for $10.

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.

1:00 pm: Mean Girls Audio-Described Performance (in-person)

–
Feb 26

Mean Girls is a musical that’s based off the hit 2004 film.

Summary: Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order?

The audio-described performance takes place at the Golden Gate Theatre box office at 1 Taylor St. in San Francisco.

To purchase ADA tickets, call 888-746-1799 or fax your order to 415-581-2121. For fax orders, please include the show name, number of tickets, date and time of show, credit card, and daytime contact information. Tickets may also be purchased at the Orpheum or Orpheum Theatre at 1192 Market, San Francisco.

In addition to purchasing a ticket, a headset must be reserved by requesting a headset ticket. With the reserved headset ticket, you may pick up the headset in the lobby of the theatre on the way to your seat.

Read more about Mean Girls in San Francisco.
Feb 27(4 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.

1:00 pm: Voices (online)

–
Feb 27

Would you like to collaborate with LightHouse Adult Program Coordinators to answer important questions about your past, current, and future interests? What are your favorite LightHouse programs? What would you like more of? How can we continue to improve?

RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

6:00 pm: VISION Peer-led Support Group (online)

–
Feb 27

VISION is a peer-led drop-in support group. Every other Monday, we meet to discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. This is the inaugural meeting.

RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Feb 28
Mar 1(2 events)

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

–
Mar 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: March 2023 (online)

–
Mar 1

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Each week a participant presents something that invigorates them. Gratitude is associated with greater happiness and can help you feel more positive emotions, recognize and relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Individual shares and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

March’s theme is: Welcome Spring!

March 1: Spring Music
March 8: Calligraphy kanji “flower”: symbolic of the life & death cycle
March 15: Spring Flowers: Tulips
March 22: Earth Medicine
March 29: Spring Food

RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Mar 2(3 events)

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.

11:00 am: Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)

–
Mar 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 March, 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)

–
Mar 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 the LightHouse’s 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.

This event will be conducted using the Zoom platform. You can connect to Zoom using a computer, an app, or by dialing in from any phone. Zoom meeting details will be provided when you rsvp by email to: JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or by calling 415-694-7323.
Mar 3(2 events)

4:00 pm: Egg-stravaganza! Easter egg decorating for the Littles (in-person)

–
Mar 3

Oh, the memories of an exciting Easter egg hunt!  Now's the chance to spread the fun. To help our Little Learners Program prepare for a beeping and tactile egg hunt later in March, we are hosting an egg decorating egg-stravaganza.  Join us in the craft room to bling a hundred eggs with all manner of tactile and sparkly things then fill them with Easter treats.

As we channel our inner Faberge volunteering to bring joy to the littles, we may enjoy a little friendly competition and some treats of our own.

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

5:00 pm: EHC Virtual Campfire (online)

–
Mar 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.
Mar 4(2 events)

8:30 am: 2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge (in-person)

–
Mar 4

Each year, blind and low vision students, families, teachers, and community members from all over northern California gather for a day dedicated to braille literacy through the Northern California Regional Braille Challenge. At this gathering, blind and low vision youth demonstrate their braille skills in a series of contests ranging from reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading, and tactile graphics. We’re pleased to announce that this year’s Northern California Regional Braille Challenge will be held in person at our LightHouse San Francisco headquarters.

In addition to students showing their braille brilliance and competing with their peers, students will get the chance to learn from and meet blind and low vision mentors and role models such as our keynote speaker, Rachel Grider, a past Regional Braille Challenge winner who now teaches music to blind and low vision students.

While students take part in this year’s challenge, parents will get the chance to learn about many different resources that can help their child along the path of independence, from experienced educators and blind and low vision mentors. Topics for parent workshops will include living skills, tech demonstrations, and a workshop hosted by staff and students dedicated to sharing information and addressing parents’ concerns about overnight and summer camp programs for blind and low vision youth. In addition to all the lessons and connections that will take place, the brand-new Bop It Button will be making an appearance and there will be a bop-off for students with prizes.

Learn more about the Braille Challenge from the Braille Institute website.

Who: Blind and low vision youth from Northern California in grades K-12, as well as their family and educators
What: The 2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge
When: Saturday, March 4, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 1155 Market St., San Francisco – directions to LightHouse San Francisco headquarters

Register a student for the 2023 Northern California Regional Braille Challenge by March 1.

For general information about the event, or to get involved, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

This year’s 2023 Northern California Braille Challenge will be hosted by the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, in collaboration with Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, California School for the Blind and Braille Institute of America.

7:30 pm: Simply Sinatra Concert to Benefit Enchanted Hills Camp (in-person)

–
Mar 4

After unfortunately having to cancel the January 7 performance, we’re thrilled to announce the rescheduling of the Simply Sinatra concert to benefit Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) on Saturday March 4!

These concerts are organized by Nancy and Steve Gill to support EHC. In 1997 their daughter, Anne, was in a car accident that caused blindness and a traumatic brain injury. Nancy and Steve were frustrated with the lack of programs that served people with multiple disabilities until they found out that EHC holds a yearly camp session for adults with developmental disabilities. Anne enjoyed her first time at EHC and has returned as a camper over the years. In 1999 Nancy and Steve organized the first concert to benefit EHC.

The theme for the 2023 concert is “Simply Sinatra: The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Singer” and features Alex Perez and Steve Gill.

Alex Perez has worked professionally with TheatreWorks as a choreographer, actor, and director. He has also performed and directed at Foothill College, San Jose Stage, Broadway by the Bay and the Globe Theatre in La Jolla.

Steve Gill has performed professionally with American Musical Theater, TheatreWorks, San Jose Stage and West Bay Opera.

Both Alex and Steve directed theatre at Menlo School.

The concert takes place on Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at the Martin Family Hall at the Menlo School located at 50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton, 94027. A donation of $20 is requested.

COVID-19 Safety & More Info

All audience members are requested to wear masks and provide contact information in case the concert is cancelled.

For more information about the concert, please contact Nancy Gill at gillnancyg@gmail.com or 650-948-4648.

Get tickets to the Simply Sinatra Concert to benefit EHC. 
Mar 5
Mar 6(3 events)

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

–
Mar 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.

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

–
Mar 6

What does it really mean to be a person who is blind or who has low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, will lead this call-in forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins and outs of blindness, from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so make a cup of coffee (or tea), sit in your favorite chair, and call in to chat about the business of blindness.

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

6:00 pm: Vison: Peer-Led Support Group (online)

–
Mar 6

March dates: March 6 & 20

Vision is a solutions-based and peer-led support group. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, we discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision.

RSVP online for Vision Peer-Led Support Group or call 415-694-7607.
Mar 7
Mar 8(2 events)

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

–
Mar 8

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: March 2023 (online)

–
Mar 8

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Each week a participant presents something that invigorates them. Gratitude is associated with greater happiness and can help you feel more positive emotions, recognize and relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Individual shares and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

March’s theme is: Welcome Spring!

March 1: Spring Music
March 8: Calligraphy kanji “flower”: symbolic of the life & death cycle
March 15: Spring Flowers: Tulips
March 22: Earth Medicine
March 29: Spring Food

RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Mar 9(2 events)

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

–
Mar 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.

11:00 am: Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)

–
Mar 9

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 March, 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.
Mar 10
Mar 11(1 event)

11:00 am: Memorial for LightHouse Volunteer Liz Klein (online)

–
Mar 11

Please join us to celebrate the life of longtime LightHouse volunteer Elizabeth Klein on Saturday, March 11 via the Zoom platform. Liz passed away in early January this year at the age of 79. We will be spending the time sharing memories from everyone on the call.

Liz was a member of the San Francisco CCB chapter for over 25 years and after retiring, she generously volunteered her time to our chapter, the East Bay Center for the Blind, the San Francisco LightHouse and numerous events.

I know there are many of you who can fill in the many years of Liz's life and we'd love to hear from you. – Frank Welte

Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023

Time: 11:00 am to noon, longer if we hadn't heard from everyone.

The Zoom room will say San Francisco Chapter Chat.

Note: When you join the Zoom meeting, you will be in a waiting room. Please be patient as we admit everyone.

Virtual doors open at 10:45 am

Join Zoom Meeting for Liz Klein Memorial. (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84292516501)

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,84292516501#

Phone: 1-669-900-6833

Meeting ID: 84292516501
Mar 12(2 events)

11:30 am: SIX the Musical Haptic Pre-Show Tour and Audio Described Performance (in-person)

–
Mar 12

Head across the street from the Lighthouse HQ to the Orpheum Theater at 1192 Market St. San Francisco, for a pre-show haptic experience and audio described matinee performance. SIX the Musical is a retelling of the stories of King Henry the VIII's six wives as a pop concert in which all six queens try to one-up each other's woes they endured with the king.

The BroadwaySF website says, "From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!"

Learn more about SIX the Musical at the BroadwaySF page.

Tickets are $55. We have a block of 20 tickets available. Please note that our seats are further back this time due to the popularity of the show and proximity of the date.

RSVP online for SIX the Musical haptic tour/audio described performance or call Maia Scott at 415-694-7608. Maia will contact you to ask for number of tickets you would like (2 max) and whether you will need a headset, plus talk about how to collect payment

5:00 pm: Lions LightHouse Concert Humanitarian Aid for Turkey and Syria (in-person)

–
Mar 12

This is a fundraiser for Humanitarian aid for earthquake victims of turkey and Syria by the Lions clubs international Foundation.

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Wine reception/finger food
6:00 pm - Concert

The donation for admission is:

$100 for VIP seats
$50 for general seats

Pay by PayPal to: svcyberlions@gmail.com or Venmo to: 415-699-9299

All proceeds will distribute through Lions Clubs International Foundation

There will be an intermission with light food and drinks

RSVP to svcyberlions@gmail.com.

Directions to LightHouse San Francisco
Mar 13(3 events)

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

–
Mar 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.

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

–
Mar 13

What does it really mean to be a person who is blind or who has low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, will lead this call-in forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins and outs of blindness, from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so make a cup of coffee (or tea), sit in your favorite chair, and call in to chat about the business of blindness.

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

5:00 pm: Toastmasters (online)

–
Mar 13

We are one month closer to officially starting our LightHouse Chapter! Supported by experienced Toastmasters mentors, we will host a meeting with two LightHouse participants as featured speakers. Toastmasters is a place to develop skills of self-empowerment. It's a place to practice public speaking, improve communication, and build leadership skills.

RSVP online for Toastmasters or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Mar 14(1 event)

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

–
Mar 14

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.
Mar 15(2 events)

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

–
Mar 15

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: March 2023 (online)

–
Mar 15

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Each week a participant presents something that invigorates them. Gratitude is associated with greater happiness and can help you feel more positive emotions, recognize and relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Individual shares and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

March’s theme is: Welcome Spring!

March 1: Spring Music
March 8: Calligraphy kanji “flower”: symbolic of the life & death cycle
March 15: Spring Flowers: Tulips
March 22: Earth Medicine
March 29: Spring Food

RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Mar 16(3 events)

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

–
Mar 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.

11:00 am: Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)

–
Mar 16

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 March, 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)

–
Mar 16

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 the LightHouse’s 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.

This event will be conducted using the Zoom platform. You can connect to Zoom using a computer, an app, or by dialing in from any phone. Zoom meeting details will be provided when you rsvp by email to: JColon@lighthouse-sf.org or by calling 415-694-7323.
Mar 17
Mar 18(1 event)

10:30 am: CCB San Francisco Chapter monthly meeting (hybrid)

–
Mar 18

The CCB San Francisco Chapter holds its regular meetings on the third Saturday of the month. In March, our meeting will start at 10:00 AM as we join a program about racial equity being presented by Inclusive Diversity of California, a statewide special interest affiliate of the California Council of the Blind, followed by our regular business meeting at 11:30 AM. This event will take place virtually on Zoom and in person at the LightHouse Multipurpose Room, 1155 Market Street, 10th floor. All are welcome.

RSVP to President Vita Zavoli at VZavoli@gmail.com or 510-846-4080.
Mar 19
Mar 20(4 events)

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

–
Mar 20

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: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole (online)

–
Mar 20

What does it really mean to be a person who is blind or who has low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, will lead this call-in forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins and outs of blindness, from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so make a cup of coffee (or tea), sit in your favorite chair, and call in to chat about the business of blindness.

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

3:30 pm: SFMTA Collaborates on San Francisco Active Communities Plan (online)

–
Mar 20

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is seeking input and feedback from LightHouse community members on how biking, scooting and rolling should develop in San Francisco, and how these modes of transit can be an asset to people with disabilities. This online forum will be facilitated by Christopher Kidd, Transportation Planner of Complete Streets, and other members of SFMTA and is part of the San Francisco Active Communities Plan which seeks to expand transit options in a way that benefits underserved populations.

Learn more about the SFMTA Active Communities Plan.

To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP to Sheri Albers, Community Outreach Specialist, at SAlbers@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331

6:00 pm: Vison: Peer-Led Support Group (online)

–
Mar 20

March dates: March 6 & 20

Vision is a solutions-based and peer-led support group. Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, we discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision.

RSVP online for Vision Peer-Led Support Group or call 415-694-7607.
Mar 21(1 event)

6:00 pm: 30% & Growing (in-person)

–
Mar 21

30% & Growing heads over the Bay Bridge into Berkeley! This month we will be gathering for drinks and socializing at Triple Rock Brewing (1920 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704), a local Berkeley classic. Come out and enjoy food, drinks and comradery with others who are blind and low vision in different stages of their career. For those interested, there will be a group meeting at Lighthouse and traveling to Triple Rock together. Contact Andrew Martinez at AMartinez@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7642 for more details.
Mar 22(3 events)

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

–
Mar 22

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: March 2023 (online)

–
Mar 22

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Each week a participant presents something that invigorates them. Gratitude is associated with greater happiness and can help you feel more positive emotions, recognize and relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Individual shares and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

March’s theme is: Welcome Spring!

March 1: Spring Music
March 8: Calligraphy kanji “flower”: symbolic of the life & death cycle
March 15: Spring Flowers: Tulips
March 22: Earth Medicine
March 29: Spring Food

RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.

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

–
Mar 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.

RSVP to Sheri Albers at SAlbers@LightHouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331.
Mar 23(3 events)

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

–
Mar 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.

10:00 am: Introductory Tactile Map Workshop (in-person)

–
Mar 23

LightHouse’s Rehabilitation Services and Media and Accessible Design departments are teaming up to present this free course on learning to read tactile maps.

This workshop takes place at LightHouse East Bay in the Osher Conference Room. The address is Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, 94703. 

What will you learn?

  • The value of tactile maps for route planning and awareness of environmental features.
  • Systematic strategies in your approach to exploration of tactile maps.
  • How symbols, line types, labels, and distance, direction, and environmental features are used in interpreting maps.
  • Tactile discrimination techniques for map reading.
  • Greater orientation to new environments.
  • How to order more maps.
  • In addition to the training, each student will take home free TMAPs of their residential area and of the LightHouse East Bay neighborhood at 3075 Adeline, as well as a tactile map of the Ashby BART Station and a tactile BART system map.

Prerequisites:

  • Functional use of intermediate braille is required.
  • Students must be aged 16 or up.

LightHouse Braille Instructor, Divina Carlson; Senior Accessible Media and Braille Specialist, Frank Welte; Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Sarah McIntyre and tactile map aficionado, Jerry Kuns, will be facilitating this introductory training in the practical use of TMAP, tactile maps and tactile BART maps for Bay Area travelers. It must be noted that Jerry states he isn’t happier than when he has a good cappuccino in one hand and a tactile map in the other!

Come join us in learning the language of tactile maps. To attend, please contact Briana Kusuma, at BKusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335 no later than Friday, March 17. In your email, please provide Briana your full name, phone number and your residential address, so that we can produce your home map prior to the training.

Space is limited to 15 participants. Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list. We will consider scheduling an additional session if there is sufficient interest. Students may attend with their TVI or O&M teacher. Because this is an in-person activity, we are requesting that you provide proof of vaccination upon entry and wear a mask during the event.

This course is made possible thanks to a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration.

11:00 am: Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)

–
Mar 23

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 March, 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.
Mar 24(2 events)

2:00 pm: Inclusive Innovations: The Future of Accessible Work (hybrid)

–
Mar 24

A black background with the words "Inclusive Innovations: / The Future of Accessible Work / Friday, March 24, 2023/ Register now/ InIn" in white and yellow text. The Envision logo and the LightHouse logo appear at the bottom of the image

LightHouse is pleased to partner with Envision for Inclusive Innovations, a free disruptive tech event at LightHouse San Francisco headquarters on March 24.

Disruptive technology is an innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate, bringing about major changes in people’s lives. Inclusive Innovations was created to focus attention and understanding on the future of workplace accessibility for employees who are blind or who have low vision.

Representatives from across industry, technology, and employees who are blind and who have low vision, will come together to discuss ideas and share insights on the latest technology trends, new workplace practices, and the role of Inclusive Innovation in shaping the future of workplace accessibility, inclusivity and happiness.

Guests will also be able to meet innovators and try out the next generation of assistive technologies firsthand.

The event includes introductory remarks, a panel discussion, audience Q&A, a tech fair and networking drinks and bites.

Speakers include:

Vanessa Vigar - Chief Marketing Officer, Envision
Sharon Giovinazzo - CEO, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Mike May - Chief Evangelist GoodMaps, Sendero Group Founder and author
Karthik Kannan - Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Envision
Iolanda Antunes - Enterprise Product Manager, LinkedIn
Hoby Wedler, - Ph. D. Blind Entrepreneur, chemist, sensory expert and educator
John Gassman - Guest Reservations, Walt Disney
Hunter Benedict - Product Manager at Google

There will be 5-minute demos from the following innovators:

Be My Eyes
Goodmaps
Aira
Rebokeh
Envision

What: Inclusive Innovations: Creating Workplace Accessibility and Happiness
When: Friday, March 24, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Pacific
Where: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1155 Market St. San Francisco (Directions to LightHouse San Francisco)
RSVP: Register for Inclusive Innovations for free

Can’t make it in person? You may register for the Inclusive Innovations webinar to hear the panel.

Don’t miss your chance to connect and network with some of the greatest minds in assistive technology!

5:00 pm: Creators' Space - Accessible Comics with Rachel Lanzerotti (in-person)

–
Mar 24

Creators' Space welcomes Rachel “Rae” Lanzerotti to share their accessible comic work in progress.  After vision loss in 2020, Rae started making audio-graphic memoirs, and their autobiographical comics received awards in the 2022 Accessible Comics Competition. Rae shares their story, “Embodied,” which uses image, sound, and texture. Come listen, read, discuss and be part of an exploratory practice of making your own simple comic, no experience needed!

RSVP by March 23 to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27(3 events)

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

–
Mar 27

Appointments for the 2023 Tax Season are full.

If you do not currently have an appointment and wish to be placed on the waiting list, you may call and leave your full name and phone number at 415 – 694 – 7648. There is no guarantee that we will be able to schedule you.

If you would like to find other free tax filing services, we recommend looking at:

While AARP’s Tax Season will close on April 13, the deadline to file both federal and state taxes has been extended to October 15, 2023.

If You have an appointment

If you have questions, please call 415 – 694 - 7648

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: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike Cole (online)

–
Mar 27

What does it really mean to be a person who is blind or who has low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, will lead this call-in forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins and outs of blindness, from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies. There's always a lively crowd sharing their own experiences, so make a cup of coffee (or tea), sit in your favorite chair, and call in to chat about the business of blindness.

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

6:00 pm: Talkin’ About Books: Braiding Sweetgrass (online)

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Mar 27

In honor of Earth Month, we will read and discuss Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. This book is on the National Library Service Braille and Audio Reading Download website. The book number is DB92274.

RSVP online for Talkin' About Books or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Mar 28
Mar 29(2 events)

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

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Mar 29

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: March 2023 (online)

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Mar 29

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Each week a participant presents something that invigorates them. Gratitude is associated with greater happiness and can help you feel more positive emotions, recognize and relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Individual shares and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

March’s theme is: Welcome Spring!

March 1: Spring Music
March 8: Calligraphy kanji “flower”: symbolic of the life & death cycle
March 15: Spring Flowers: Tulips
March 22: Earth Medicine
March 29: Spring Food

RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707.
Mar 30(2 events)

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

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Mar 30

Appointments for the 2023 Tax Season are full.

If you do not currently have an appointment and wish to be placed on the waiting list, you may call and leave your full name and phone number at 415 – 694 – 7648. There is no guarantee that we will be able to schedule you.

If you would like to find other free tax filing services, we recommend looking at:

While AARP’s Tax Season will close on April 13, the deadline to file both federal and state taxes has been extended to October 15, 2023.

If You have an appointment

If you have questions, please call 415 – 694 - 7648

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.

11:00 am: Create In Community Art Class: March 2023 (in-person)

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Mar 30

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 March, 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.
Mar 31(1 event)

7:30 pm: FANNIE: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer (in-person)

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Mar 31

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents FANNIE: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer.

Summary: “To hope is to vote!” Famed activist and civil rights hero Fannie Lou Hamer makes this impassioned rally cry, reminding us that change begins with just one voice. Tracing her steps from sharecropper to activist to political candidate, Fannie takes audiences on a gospel-filled journey of justice and self-determination, inspiring every American to rise up and fight for the vital issues of our time.

There will be three audio-described performances, courtesy of Gravity Access Services. Those performances are:

March 31 at 8:00 pm (pre-show talk at 7:30 pm)
April 1 at 8:00 pm (pre-show talk at 7:30 pm)
April 2 at 2:00 pm (pre-show talk at 1:30 pm)

(Additionally, there is an ASL performance and three performances with copen captioning.)

Performances take place at the Lucie Stern Theatre at 1305 Middlefield Rd. Palo Alto, 94301.

Purchase tickets online for FANNIE: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer.

After you purchase your ticket, you will also need to contact the box office to let them know you would like a headset for the audio-described performance at 650-463-1960 or boxoffice@theatreworks.org. There will be a talk You can also purchase your tickets this way. Pre-show talks are held 30 minutes before each performance.

Safety info: Masks are required for all attendees.

Visit the FANNIE: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer TheatreWorks webpage.
View Trailer for FANNIE: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer.
Meet FANNIE star Greta Oglesby.

 

 
Apr 1

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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