Calendar

Events in October 2021

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sep 26
Sep 27
Sep 28(1 event)

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online


Sep 28

September 14: Mac Vs. PC, Operating Systems and Productivity Apps
In the first of our September showdowns, we’ll begin with Mac Vs. PC. If you’ve ever wondered how different operating systems stack up in terms of accessibility and productivity, we’re here with a task by task comparison. This week we’ll cover operating system and screen reader basics, word processing, file management, and spreadsheets.

RSVP to Mac vs. PC, Operating Systems and Productivity

September 21: Mac Vs. PC, Communication and Information
In the second of our September showdowns, we’ll continue with Mac Vs. PC. If you’ve ever wondered how different operating systems stack up in terms of accessibility and productivity, we’re here with a task by task comparison. This week we’ll cover email, calendars, web browsing, and multimedia.

RSVP to Mac vs. PC, Communication and Information 

September 28: iPhone vs. Android
In our final September showdown, we’ll compare iPhone and Android operating systems from an accessibility perspective. If you’re wondering whether Android accessibility has caught up to iOS, come put the 2 to a side by side test with us. We’ll focus on built in accessibility features, web browsing, apps available for blindness and low vision related tasks, and location and way finding.

RSVP to iPhone vs. Android

 

Sep 29
Sep 30
Oct 1(1 event)

10:00 am: Post-CVCL Meetup


Oct 1

Changing Vision Changing Life (CVCL) is for those who are new to blindness or having low vision and want to get a full overview of the essential training that will be beneficial for work, home, school and life. Students will be with a cohort of up to ten peers. CVCL starts with a day of thinking and grows into a week of learning, connecting and doing. This one-week course runs every day with all classes on Zoom.

In addition to the week of training, there will be an Orientation Session Friday, September 17 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and a follow-up meetup on Friday October 1, from 10:00 am to noon after the conclusion of the course. During the training week of September 20 to 24, there are three, two-hour learning sessions every day. Each day of training begins at 10:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm with breaks for lunch and dinner. The exception is Friday, September 24 which begins at 9:30 am and ends at 1:00 pm. Time for student discussion and other relevant topics will be facilitated Monday through Thursday after each afternoon class. Optional chair yoga will be available Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 9:45 am to get your day started.

This week-long course is designed for adults who desire a deep introduction to independent living through travel (Orientation & Mobility), Access Technology, and Independent Living Skills and who also want a venue to have rich discussion with peers and our professional staff about the opportunity and choices that are ahead. Everyone will receive a packet of materials to enhance learning throughout the week and we will end the week with a morning cooking session (in students’ own kitchens) and lunch together.

Because one of the main purposes of this course is to connect with others who are new to being blind or having low vision, we request that all students make a commitment to participate in all sessions including the CVCL Orientation and CVCL Post-Course Meetup. Please note, you do not have to have a computer to participate via Zoom, but you must have a reliable speaker phone (smart phone or landline) to participate and call in. Our tech trainer will provide training before the course to make the Zoom experience smooth.

Cost

The fee to participate in this training is $825 and $140 for course materials that will be sent to you prior to September 20. Here are options to pay for the course if you are a consumer of Vocational Rehabilitation or 55 or older.

If you are a consumer of Vocational Rehabilitation, in California or any other state, you will need an authorization from your Rehabilitation Counselor to participate in CVCL.

If you are not with Vocational Rehabilitation and you are age 55 and older, and living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte or Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials.

CVCL Full Schedule

CVCL Orientation Session: Friday, September 17 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
CVCL: Monday, September 20 through Thursday September 23 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday, September 24 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
CVCL Optional Morning Chair Yoga: Tuesday, September 21 through Thursday, September 23 from 9:00 am top 9:45 am
Post-CVCL Meetup: Friday October 1, from 10:00 am to noon

Registration is required and the deadline to register is Tuesday, September 14, 2021. To register, please contact Debbie Bacon at DBacon@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357 or Janet Pomerantz (Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte residents) at JPomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org or 707-268-5646.

Oct 2
Oct 3
Oct 4
Oct 5(2 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 5

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online


Oct 5

October 5: Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics
If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's talk about talking to smart speakers. We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, and share some ways all three can help you get things done.

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics

October 12: Smart Speakers: Next Steps
After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each smart speaker’s skills. We'll share the tasks that each virtual assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Next Steps

October 19: Intro to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you.We’ll demonstrate how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Intro to Access Technology

October 26: Meet the Access Technology Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, let’s take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Technology Team

Oct 6
Oct 7(1 event)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 7

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

Oct 8
Oct 9
Oct 10
Oct 11(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


Oct 11

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, October 11 and Wednesday, October 13 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27 – 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.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 27 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 11. 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; once the class limit is reached, all other students will be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

Oct 12(2 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 12

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online


Oct 12

October 5: Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics
If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's talk about talking to smart speakers. We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, and share some ways all three can help you get things done.

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics

October 12: Smart Speakers: Next Steps
After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each smart speaker’s skills. We'll share the tasks that each virtual assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Next Steps

October 19: Intro to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you.We’ll demonstrate how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Intro to Access Technology

October 26: Meet the Access Technology Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, let’s take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Technology Team

Oct 13(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


Oct 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, October 11 and Wednesday, October 13 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27 – 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.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 27 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 11. 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; once the class limit is reached, all other students will be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

Oct 14(1 event)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 14

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

Oct 15(2 events)

11:00 am: White Cane Day Celebration with LightHouse & Mission: AstroAccess


Oct 15

You are cordially invited to a LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired – San Francisco event: “Will There Be Space for White Canes in Space?"

As part of the White Cane Awareness Day celebrations taking place around the world, LightHouse is hosting a discussion focusing on the future of travel with white canes.

We are proud to present the first public seminar by the four people who are blind who have been selected as the first blind researchers into the accessibility of 0 gravity. These "AstroAccess Ambassadors" will experience weightlessness and carry out lunar gravity, Martian gravity, and zero gravity observations and experiments investigating how the physical environment aboard space vessels should be modified so that all astronauts and explorers, regardless of disability on Earth, can live, work, and thrive in space. They will be speaking to us from Long Beach, California, from where they will be undertaking this groundbreaking flight forty-eight hours later. Mission: AstroAccess, a nonprofit and volunteer task force is providing support for this flight, to which LightHouse is a proud contributor. One of the goals of this research is to explore what mobility and orientation will look like for blind astronauts in the future. Will our traditional white canes be a thing of the past? Or, will they morph into something like a Star Wars light saber?

Come along and hear This handpicked team of blind ambassadors talk about their expectations of this first research flight, the access features that will be in place for the flight and their own White Cane wish-lists.

We’d love you to come with your own ideas of how cane travel might evolve in the future, and your questions for this panel.

What: Will There Be Space for White Canes in Space?
Date: Friday October 15
Time: 11.00 AM – 12.00 PM Pacific Time
To RSVP: click this EventBrite link and sign up

This interesting discussion will be taking place over Zoom.

We look forward to celebrating White Cane Awareness Day 2021 with you!

5:00 pm: Virtual Bingo


Oct 15

Please join our virtual game room for all that bingo fun with Enchanted Hills Camp Assistant Director and Community Service volunteer Annalisa. Come for the bingo excitement, stay for the prize at the end. If you don't have cards, you can order them online at www.adaptations.org or by phone at 888-400-8933. A limited supply of accessible bingo cards are also available for free loan by contacting Jaclyne Atoigue at jatoigue@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415.694.7618 where you can also direct your RSVP and request for Zoom access details.

Oct 16(1 event)

1:00 pm: Your Personal Safety Workshop 3


Oct 16

Please join Katt Jones, George Freeman, and a panel of Self Defense experts from the STRIVE4You SEED program on Saturday October 16th at 1 pm pacific time for our third and final “Your Personal Safety Workshop.” This session will be all about answering your most dire safety questions to prepare you for getting back into the community. In preparation for this event, we are asking that you send your questions to kjones@lighthouse-sf.org.

We want to know what safety issues are on your mind, whether it is about products you would like to use, techniques you are curious about, or simply clarification about material we covered in our two previous classes. This workshop is all about you.

If you have any questions about this event please email jatoigue@lighthouse-sf.org or call 1-415-694-7618.

RSVP to Your Personal Safety Workshop 3

Oct 17
Oct 18(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


Oct 18

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, October 11 and Wednesday, October 13 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27 – 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.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 27 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 11. 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; once the class limit is reached, all other students will be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

Oct 19(2 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 19

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online


Oct 19

October 5: Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics
If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's talk about talking to smart speakers. We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, and share some ways all three can help you get things done.

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics

October 12: Smart Speakers: Next Steps
After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each smart speaker’s skills. We'll share the tasks that each virtual assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Next Steps

October 19: Intro to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you.We’ll demonstrate how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Intro to Access Technology

October 26: Meet the Access Technology Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, let’s take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Technology Team

Oct 20(2 events)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


Oct 20

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, October 11 and Wednesday, October 13 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27 – 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.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 27 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 11. 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; once the class limit is reached, all other students will be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

3:00 pm: East Bay Regional Park Tours


Oct 20

Thanks to the generosity of the East Bay Regional Park District, LightHouse students of all ages and from all over have been able to come together monthly virtually to learn something new about the flora and fauna of the Bay Area. If you are blind or low vision and want to learn more about nature, we invite you to join us between 3:00 and 4:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month as our naturalist from the East Bay Regional Park District, Michael, leads us in that month’s nature lesson. The October 20th gathering will have us learning about the endangered species of the East Bay. If you have any questions or would like access to the zoom link for the East Bay Regional Park Tours series, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at (415) 694-7372.

Oct 21(1 event)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 21

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

Oct 22
Oct 23
Oct 24
Oct 25(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


Oct 25

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, October 11 and Wednesday, October 13 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27 – 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.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 27 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 11. 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; once the class limit is reached, all other students will be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

Oct 26(2 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 26

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online


Oct 26

October 5: Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics
If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's talk about talking to smart speakers. We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, and share some ways all three can help you get things done.

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Setup and Basics

October 12: Smart Speakers: Next Steps
After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each smart speaker’s skills. We'll share the tasks that each virtual assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?

RSVP to Smart Speakers: Next Steps

October 19: Intro to Access Technology
What is accessible technology and how do we learn to use it? If you, a friend or family member are a person who is new to blindness or having low vision, or new to using access technology tools, this event is for you.We’ll demonstrate how you can use mainstream tools like smartphones, voice assistants, and computers, as well as a few specialized gadgets for reading books and recording information at the touch of a button. We’ll talk about what services and resources are available for learning to use these tools, and we’ll give some tips for friends and family members who want to be supportive of the learning process.

RSVP to Intro to Access Technology

October 26: Meet the Access Technology Team
Following our discussion in which we introduced access technology, let’s take a look at the people behind the machines. Each trainer will discuss their favorite device or software that they teach, their favorite productivity tool, and their favorite app for entertainment.

RSVP to Meet the Access Technology Team

Oct 27(1 event)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together


Oct 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, October 11 and Wednesday, October 13 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 2: Monday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 20 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3: Monday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 27 – 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.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 27 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 11. 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; once the class limit is reached, all other students will be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).

Oct 28(1 event)

10:00 am: Get Moving


Oct 28

Get Moving is a 4 week O&M training that consists of 8 separate classes, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays October 5 through 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM PST. This is a course that teaches foundational mobility skills and concepts for people with low vision and blindness. Each classes will be conducted by video or by phone using the Zoom Online Platform. Classes will be taught by Chris Williams and Danette Davis.

To register for this course, please contact Chris Williams at CWilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

Oct 29
Oct 30
Oct 31
Nov 1
Nov 2(2 events)

10:00 am: The Language of Listening


Nov 2

Course Description: The whistle of a teapot, or bubbles in a pot hint at tasty things to come. The whizz of cars in front of us are warnings, while those traveling beside us are protective. The dial tone that lets us know we are one step closer to speaking to a loved one. In this series of classes we will discuss the many ways we can sharpen our listening skills to make the most of what we hear. Whether your goal is to get out and travel, prepare a special meal, return to school or work, or write the great American novel, we will help you separate the useful signals from all the noise, and to level up your listening skills.

Student Criteria: Students interested in this course can be of any skill level and fall anywhere on the spectrum of blindness. They should be comfortable learning in a group setting, willing to actively participate in classes, able to commit to attend all six (6) sessions in there entirety, be able to access the Zoom platform, and be able to hear and understand spoken English and sounds of various pitches/tones.

Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday, November 2 - 18, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time

To RSVP: Please contact Briana Kusuma at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org

 

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online


Nov 2

Nov 2: What's New With iOS 15
With a new iOS version comes new features and changes to the iOS experience, but what does this mean for access technology users? What is a focus mode? What are VoiceOver quick settings? What are the bugs or fixes you should know about before or after updating your phone? We'll discuss the ups and the downs of iOS 15 and share are tips and tricks.

RSVP to What's New With iOS 15

Nov 9: Unpacking PDFs
PDF, or Portable Document Format files are some of the most commonly used types of documents. If you're an access technology user, they just might be your most common source of techno-stress! We'll discuss strategies and techniques for reading PDF files, from the fully accessible to the completely inaccessible.

RSVP to Uploading PDFs

Nov 16: Talk Shopping
We’ll be discussing the apps and services you can use to buy all your favorite things. Whether you're checking off items on a grocery list, shopping for a special occasion, or just indulging in a little retail therapy, we’ll highlight accessible ways to shop with confidence.

RSVP to Talk Shopping

Nov 23: What's Cooking!
'Tis the season for delicious dishes and festive feasts! Join the access technology team for a tasty Tech Together. We'll discuss tips and strategies for accessible recipe-finding and meal planning, as well as some accessible kitchen tools that can help you spice up your holidays.

RSVP to What's Cooking

Nov 30: No Tech Together

Nov 3
Nov 4(1 event)

10:00 am: The Language of Listening


Nov 4

Course Description: The whistle of a teapot, or bubbles in a pot hint at tasty things to come. The whizz of cars in front of us are warnings, while those traveling beside us are protective. The dial tone that lets us know we are one step closer to speaking to a loved one. In this series of classes we will discuss the many ways we can sharpen our listening skills to make the most of what we hear. Whether your goal is to get out and travel, prepare a special meal, return to school or work, or write the great American novel, we will help you separate the useful signals from all the noise, and to level up your listening skills.

Student Criteria: Students interested in this course can be of any skill level and fall anywhere on the spectrum of blindness. They should be comfortable learning in a group setting, willing to actively participate in classes, able to commit to attend all six (6) sessions in there entirety, be able to access the Zoom platform, and be able to hear and understand spoken English and sounds of various pitches/tones.

Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday, November 2 - 18, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time

To RSVP: Please contact Briana Kusuma at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org

 

Nov 5
Nov 6

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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