Calendar

LightHouse offices are closed for in-person services through July 1, 2021. Check the calendar below for our offering of online classes.

2021 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition applications are now open.

The week's events
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
Sep 8, '20 9:00 am: Cup of Cardio: Virtual Morning Workout w/ Amber Sep 8 9:00 am – 10:00 am Map Start your morning with an invigorating workout that gets your heart rate pumping, strengthens your body, and keeps you fit and fierce. Get ready for jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, and more. If you want to sweat, this is the class for you! All activity levels are welcome (you gotta start somewhere). You will get the most out of this class if you commit and make it a part of your daily routine. Are you ready? Let's do this! Email Amber at ASherrard@lighthouse-sf.org for the Zoom and call-in details. More 9:00 am: Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop Sep 8 9:00 am – 3:00 pm September's workshop runs weekdays from September 8 through October 2. There IS a job market! Job seekers who are blind and have low vision are in demand to work remotely. Let LightHouse support you on your pathway to employment in these challenging times. Our award-winning Employment Immersion program is now available virtually. Now is the time to join us via the Zoom conferencing platform. The program begins the first Monday of every month and runs each weekday. This comprehensive month-long training is specifically designed for people who are blind and have low vision. We are committed to providing group and individual guidance from the fundamentals of job search, to the complexities of disclosure of one’s disability with pride and confidence, to instruction on job search techniques, to honing interview skills. Most importantly, this program focuses on the participant’s individual job goals. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact the team through email: EIteam@lighthouse-sf.org. More 2:00 pm: Tech Together Online: What About Google? Sep 8 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Join the LightHouse Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times. Tech Together is a chance to share your knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other blind technology users. LightHouse Access Technology staff share tips and resources on each week’s topic. Then there is time for LightHouse students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other. Topics are decided on a rolling basis as our community’s needs evolve during shelter in place. Here are the topics for September: September 1: 100 things to say to Alexa Are you making the most of your Amazon smart speaker? We’ll cover a wide variety of things you can ask Alexa without having to enable third party skills. September 8: What About Google? If you have a Google smart speaker, we’ll cover a range of tips and tricks for how to make the most of everything it can do. September 15 Apps for Exploring Your World We’ll share apps that can provide information on streets, route planning, and transit schedules. September 22: Understanding Web Elements If you are a screen reader user, you likely hear about headings, links, landmarks, tables and more, every time you venture on to the world wide web. We’ll share an overview of what these elements do, and how they can make your web browsing experience more efficient. This workshop 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: AT@lighthouse-sf.org or by leaving a voicemail at: 415-694-7343 Please note that we need your email address to invite you to the Zoom meeting, so RSVP via email is preferred. More 6:00 pm: National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online) Sep 8 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Map 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: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Connections, a semi-structured time to get to know chapter members 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 Christina Daniels at ms.christina.daniels@gmail.com. *Please note, this group is not afflicted with LightHouse. Read more: National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online) More 7:00 pm: Not So Bored Game Night (online) Sep 8 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Each week students from the Lighthouse Youth Program gather for our virtual Not So Bored Game Night. A weekly evening of fun and games for Blind and low vision youth from all over. Games start at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evenings and will include trivia contests, scavenger hunts and other interactive games that will have youth making friends. In addition, the LightHouse staff each week’s games will be led by a guest mentor that will also share insight into their education, career and life as a person who is blind or has low vision. Who: students under 18 that are blind or have low vision What: weekly game night and guest mentor spotlight via zoom When: Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Where: Anywhere you can access a Zoom meeting RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program Parents & Guardians: we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually. If you are interested in signing up for the Not So Bored Game Night, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372. More	Sep 9, '20 9:00 am: Cup of Cardio: Virtual Morning Workout w/ Amber Sep 9 9:00 am – 10:00 am Map Start your morning with an invigorating workout that gets your heart rate pumping, strengthens your body, and keeps you fit and fierce. Get ready for jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, and more. If you want to sweat, this is the class for you! All activity levels are welcome (you gotta start somewhere). You will get the most out of this class if you commit and make it a part of your daily routine. Are you ready? Let's do this! Email Amber at ASherrard@lighthouse-sf.org for the Zoom and call-in details. More 9:00 am: Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop Sep 9 9:00 am – 3:00 pm September's workshop runs weekdays from September 8 through October 2. There IS a job market! Job seekers who are blind and have low vision are in demand to work remotely. Let LightHouse support you on your pathway to employment in these challenging times. Our award-winning Employment Immersion program is now available virtually. Now is the time to join us via the Zoom conferencing platform. The program begins the first Monday of every month and runs each weekday. This comprehensive month-long training is specifically designed for people who are blind and have low vision. We are committed to providing group and individual guidance from the fundamentals of job search, to the complexities of disclosure of one’s disability with pride and confidence, to instruction on job search techniques, to honing interview skills. Most importantly, this program focuses on the participant’s individual job goals. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact the team through email: EIteam@lighthouse-sf.org. More 10:00 am: Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II Sep 9 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Are you new to cane travel? Want to learn more about tactile maps and GPS? We’re offering a comprehensive six-week online course in Orientation & Mobility (O&M) to help you travel independently. Courses are taught by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists. There will be two sessions: Session I: For those working with their state’s vocational rehabilitation department or commission for the blind (available in all 50 states). When: July 28 through September 3, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to noon Pacific. Instructors: Robert Alminana, Jennifer Huey Session II: For those who are 55 and over, who aren’t in a vocational rehabilitation plan and living in Northern California. When: Date: August 17 through September 28, Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to noon Pacific. No class on Labor Day, September 7. Instructors: Danette Davis and Chris Williams Who qualifies for this course? Session I State Department of Rehabilitation or Commission for the Blind Consumers in all 50 states. Session II Department of Veteran Affairs consumers People 55 and over What do you need to take this course? Solid internet access and be able to access Zoom via phone and/or video and have computer skills to receive and read articles, watch videos and/or listen to podcasts. What is this course about? This is a comprehensive six-week, twelve-class course using the Zoom conferencing platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel. Participants will meet twice a week for a total instruction time of 24 hours. The course covers O&M fundamentals including the benefits of O&M skills for travel and employment; sensory, spatial and environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics and TMAP; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis, public transit and trip planning, introduction to electronic travel devices and GPS and wayfinding techniques. Who would benefit from the course? People who are blind or have low vision who are new to O&M. People who have had a recent change in vision. People who haven’t used their O&M skills in a while. People looking for an O&M refresher. How will participants benefit? Participants will acquire strong foundational skills that are critical for safe, independent travel that will help them gain and retain employment. Participants will receive structured, organized instruction that will prepare them for subsequent individualized training with a certified O&M specialist. How does the course fit in with consumer’s overall O&M training program? This will be the first of two parts in a combined O&M training curriculum. The second part will be an individualized, face-to-face, hands-on learning and practice instruction program when public safety mandates allow. (Available to consumers in the LightHouse training area only.) What is the cost of this course? Session I: $1,165.00 (990.00 for the course + $175.00 for materials Session II: Course is provided at no charge to people living in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties. If you live outside those areas, the cost is $990.00. Scholarships are available. Course materials for the 12 weeks are $50 and may be waived based on scholarship availability. What materials will be used during the course? Bump dots, mixed Tactile Maps (TMAP) Intersection map set Wikki Stix Additional materials supplied by LightHouse for The Blind: tactile activity sheets; rubber bands; signature guide; Kanga-Pak; sleep shade. How to register for one of these courses? Session I: Robert Alminana at ralminana@lighthouse-sf.org or Jennifer Huey at jhuey@lighthouse-sf.org. Session II: Danette Davis at ddavis@lighthouse-sf.org or Chris Williams at cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. More 10:00 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation Goes Virtual Sep 9 10:00 am – 11:00 am Stress Reduction & Meditation Goes Virtual Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PST For dial in information, contact Jaclyne Atoigue (contact information below). 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. For more information contact Jaclyne Atoigue at jatoigue@lighthouse-sf.org or call 510-925-2943. More 12:30 pm: Better Health 101 with Amber (Online) Sep 9 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Let's get better health together! Tune in to Better Health with Amber every Wednesday at 12:30 PM to deepen your knowledge on subjects such as personal development, improving sleep, nutrition, physical health, emotional health, and more. You will also have the opportunity to share, build community, and make new friends! Email Amber at ASherrard@lighthouse-sf.org for the Zoom and call-in details. More	Sep 10, '20 9:00 am: Cup of Cardio: Virtual Morning Workout w/ Amber Sep 10 9:00 am – 10:00 am Map Start your morning with an invigorating workout that gets your heart rate pumping, strengthens your body, and keeps you fit and fierce. Get ready for jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, and more. If you want to sweat, this is the class for you! All activity levels are welcome (you gotta start somewhere). You will get the most out of this class if you commit and make it a part of your daily routine. Are you ready? Let's do this! Email Amber at ASherrard@lighthouse-sf.org for the Zoom and call-in details. More 9:00 am: Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop Sep 10 9:00 am – 3:00 pm September's workshop runs weekdays from September 8 through October 2. There IS a job market! Job seekers who are blind and have low vision are in demand to work remotely. Let LightHouse support you on your pathway to employment in these challenging times. Our award-winning Employment Immersion program is now available virtually. Now is the time to join us via the Zoom conferencing platform. The program begins the first Monday of every month and runs each weekday. This comprehensive month-long training is specifically designed for people who are blind and have low vision. We are committed to providing group and individual guidance from the fundamentals of job search, to the complexities of disclosure of one’s disability with pride and confidence, to instruction on job search techniques, to honing interview skills. Most importantly, this program focuses on the participant’s individual job goals. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact the team through email: EIteam@lighthouse-sf.org. More 12:30 pm: Using Tactile Graphics for Remote O&M Instruction Sep 10 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Calling all O&M Instructors! Join Sarah McIntyre, COMS, for a free webinar on “Using Tactile Graphics for Remote O&M Instruction.” Learn how to use high-quality tactile graphics while working remotely with O&M students of all ages. As a participant in this webinar, you will: Get lesson plan ideas for using tactile graphics products that are available for purchase, such as Tactile Intersection Diagrams and TMAPs Get access to free tactile graphics files aimed at developing spatial awareness, along with ideas for how to use these graphics to get your students actively mapping their home environments Learn how to create high-quality custom tactile graphics for your students using a free software program Learn what hardware is required to translate those graphics into tactile images Lighthouse is partnering with the Northern Chapter of the California Association of Orientation and Mobility Specialists (N-CAOMS) in order to make ACVREP CEUs available to participants. 2 ACVREP Credits will be provided at no charge for current CAOMS members, and at $30 for non-CAOMS members. Participants interested in CEUs for this webinar should complete the CAOMS ACVREP CEU Registration Form. N-CAOMS membership is only $30 annually and is open to professionals across the nation. To learn more about N-CAOMS Membership: Visit www.caoms.org. View the new N-CAOMS Membership Google Form for details Email the N-CAOMS Membership Chair at ncaomsmembership@gmail.com. More 1:30 pm: Virtual Tours at Legion of Honor Sep 10 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Thursday, August 13, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Connections Thursday, September 10, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - What's the Story? Thursday, October 8, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Works in Three dimensions The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is offering three highly descriptive Zoom tours led by docent Jim Kohn. Jim will kick off his three-lecture series on August 13 at 1:00 p.m. Stanley Yarnell of the Blind Posse previewed Jim’s presentation and said, "He had me in the palm of his hand the whole time." Jim is extraordinarily articulate and has significant experience describing art for the blind and low vision community. Thursday, August 13, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Connections This tour of objects from the permanent collection at the de Young will connect traditional native cultures with contemporary American art. Art from Africa will be compared with art from African American artists, Art from Asia will be connected to works by Asian American artists, and art from native American people will be compared and connected with art produced in contemporary times in North America. Thursday, September 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. What's the Story? In this tour, participants will be introduced to narratives present in several works from the permanent collection at the Legion of Honor, including stories from the classical era, the Old and New Testaments, and from the artists’ imaginations. Thursday, October 8, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Works in Three dimensions This tour will include sculptures from the collection at the Legion of Honor and will span the history of art from earliest times, 5000 years ago or more, up to the twentieth century. Sculpture in stone and bronze as well as ceramics and porcelain are included. For Zoom access details, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. More 4:00 pm: Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club Sep 10 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm To help you break up the routine and escape for some fun, join your friends for our weekly Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club. This weekly remote social gathering of blind and low vision youth takes place over zoom on Thursday afternoons at 4:00 pm. Films will be family-friendly and have audio descriptions enabled. Join us each week to help choose future films. Past films have included: Toy Story, Frozen, Inside out, Minions, Lion King and many other classics. Who: Students under 18 that are Blind or have Low Vision What: Audio Description Movie Club via Zoom When: Thursday afternoons @ 4:00 pm Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program Parents & Guardians, we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually. If you are interested in signing up for the Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372. More 4:00 pm: Reel Escape: Audio-Described Movie Club Sep 10 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm To help you break up the routine and escape for some fun, join your friends for our weekly Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club. This weekly remote social gathering of blind and low vision youth takes place over zoom on Thursday afternoons at 4:00 pm. Films will be family-friendly and have audio descriptions enabled. Join us each week to help choose future films. Past films have included: Toy Story, Frozen, Inside out, Minions, Lion King and many other classics. Who: Students under 18 that are Blind or have Low Vision What: Audio Description Movie Club via Zoom When: Thursday afternoons @ 4:00 pm Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm of the day before the program Parents & Guardians, we’d love your help getting your children connected to our virtual program, however, once they have joined, we ask that you please give them the space to participate individually. If you are interested in signing up for the Reel Escape Audio Description Movie Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372. More	Sep 11, '20 9:00 am: Cup of Cardio: Virtual Morning Workout w/ Amber Sep 11 9:00 am – 10:00 am Map Start your morning with an invigorating workout that gets your heart rate pumping, strengthens your body, and keeps you fit and fierce. Get ready for jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, and more. If you want to sweat, this is the class for you! All activity levels are welcome (you gotta start somewhere). You will get the most out of this class if you commit and make it a part of your daily routine. Are you ready? Let's do this! Email Amber at ASherrard@lighthouse-sf.org for the Zoom and call-in details. More 9:00 am: Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop Sep 11 9:00 am – 3:00 pm September's workshop runs weekdays from September 8 through October 2. There IS a job market! Job seekers who are blind and have low vision are in demand to work remotely. Let LightHouse support you on your pathway to employment in these challenging times. Our award-winning Employment Immersion program is now available virtually. Now is the time to join us via the Zoom conferencing platform. The program begins the first Monday of every month and runs each weekday. This comprehensive month-long training is specifically designed for people who are blind and have low vision. We are committed to providing group and individual guidance from the fundamentals of job search, to the complexities of disclosure of one’s disability with pride and confidence, to instruction on job search techniques, to honing interview skills. Most importantly, this program focuses on the participant’s individual job goals. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact the team through email: EIteam@lighthouse-sf.org. More 12:30 pm: The Weekly Wind-Down with Amber (online) Sep 11 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Click or call in to our virtual Weekly Windown every Friday at 12:30 p.m. for a guided meditation, mindfulness discussion and a chance to build community with our LightHouse family. All are welcome. Please email or call Amber Sherrard to sign up at asherrard@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7353. More	Sep 12, '20 1:00 pm: LightHouse Krafters Korner Hangout: DIY No-Sew Mask Workshop Sep 12 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, three recommendations remain constant: wash your hands frequently, maintain physical distance from those who do not share your household with as much as possible, and wear a mask over your mouth and nose to minimize potential viral transmission via vapor and droplets produced when you breathe, cough, or sneeze. We’re going to cover your options for DIY no-sew masks made from items you already have around your house that you can fall back on in an unexpected maskless moment. Here’s what you’ll need: Scissors A clear flat work surface Mask 1: a lightweight cotton t-shirt; long sleeve is preferred, short sleeve may also work. Mask 2: an odd cotton sock you don’t mind cutting. Mask 3: a short sleeved, cotton t-shirt you don’t mind cutting up. Note that these are not masks taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. If you are a blind stitcher and/or would like to do some extra credit, you can access the CDC’s sew and no-sew homemade mask alternatives. For a deep dive on the who, what, when, where, how, and why of cloth masks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, visit COVID-19: Considerations for Wearing Masks at the CDC website. To RSVP and for Zoom access info, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at SOlsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. More
Sep 13, '20	Sep 14, '20 9:00 am: Cup of Cardio: Virtual Morning Workout w/ Amber Sep 14 9:00 am – 10:00 am Map Start your morning with an invigorating workout that gets your heart rate pumping, strengthens your body, and keeps you fit and fierce. Get ready for jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, and more. If you want to sweat, this is the class for you! All activity levels are welcome (you gotta start somewhere). You will get the most out of this class if you commit and make it a part of your daily routine. Are you ready? Let's do this! Email Amber at ASherrard@lighthouse-sf.org for the Zoom and call-in details. More 9:00 am: Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop Sep 14 9:00 am – 3:00 pm September's workshop runs weekdays from September 8 through October 2. There IS a job market! Job seekers who are blind and have low vision are in demand to work remotely. Let LightHouse support you on your pathway to employment in these challenging times. Our award-winning Employment Immersion program is now available virtually. Now is the time to join us via the Zoom conferencing platform. The program begins the first Monday of every month and runs each weekday. This comprehensive month-long training is specifically designed for people who are blind and have low vision. We are committed to providing group and individual guidance from the fundamentals of job search, to the complexities of disclosure of one’s disability with pride and confidence, to instruction on job search techniques, to honing interview skills. Most importantly, this program focuses on the participant’s individual job goals. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact the team through email: EIteam@lighthouse-sf.org. More 9:00 am: Yoga: Alignment Flow - Online Class Sep 14 9:00 am – 10:00 am Map Yoga: Alignment Flow, Mondays 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. LightHouse yoga instructor Kimm Ropicky knows that now, more than ever, it’s vital to our health and wellbeing to get some movement into our lives. Kimm is extending her online class offerings via her private practice to the LightHouse community per the following instructions. Some knowledge of yoga is helpful, though not necessary. Joining the Zoom meeting with your video enabled allows Kimm to provide more detailed feedback, particularly in the event you ask for clarification. What You Need to Know: • Be Early--Please join the class 10-15 minutes prior to allow time to resolve technical issues. • Duration--All classes are 60 minutes in length. • Donations--Class is donation-based. Please pay what you can. No one will be turned away for a lack of funds. Recommended donations $10-$20. Please consider showing your support via one of these platforms: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=31997465 Venmo: Kimberly-Ropicky PayPal: kimberlyropicky@gmail.com A password Required--In order to create a safe space for connection with our community, a password for each meeting is required. To obtain, please do either of the following: Email: Kimmropickyyoga@gmail.com or Follow/DM on Instagram: @yogawithkimm • Registration will end one hour prior to class. Any messages up to an hour before class will receive response after class. • Consult your Doctor--Please consult with your doctor before practicing, to be mindful of any conditions you may have and how this practice may impact you. • Class Description--Yoga: Alignment Flow Monday's and Friday's from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This class is recommended for beginners. • Props strongly recommended: 2 Blocks or 1 chair, a strap or a hand towel and a blanket (like a throw blanket) and 1-2 balls, like tennis balls or lacrosse balls. • To join please click Meeting URL and enter password obtained by pre-registering. More 9:30 am: The Business of Blindness Phone Chat: Make Coffee and Call Mike Cole Sep 14 9:30 am – 12:00 pm What does it really mean to be blind or 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 the business of blindness. For more information including dial in details, contact Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316. More 10:00 am: Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II Sep 14 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Are you new to cane travel? Want to learn more about tactile maps and GPS? We’re offering a comprehensive six-week online course in Orientation & Mobility (O&M) to help you travel independently. Courses are taught by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists. There will be two sessions: Session I: For those working with their state’s vocational rehabilitation department or commission for the blind (available in all 50 states). When: July 28 through September 3, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to noon Pacific. Instructors: Robert Alminana, Jennifer Huey Session II: For those who are 55 and over, who aren’t in a vocational rehabilitation plan and living in Northern California. When: Date: August 17 through September 28, Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to noon Pacific. No class on Labor Day, September 7. Instructors: Danette Davis and Chris Williams Who qualifies for this course? Session I State Department of Rehabilitation or Commission for the Blind Consumers in all 50 states. Session II Department of Veteran Affairs consumers People 55 and over What do you need to take this course? Solid internet access and be able to access Zoom via phone and/or video and have computer skills to receive and read articles, watch videos and/or listen to podcasts. What is this course about? This is a comprehensive six-week, twelve-class course using the Zoom conferencing platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel. Participants will meet twice a week for a total instruction time of 24 hours. The course covers O&M fundamentals including the benefits of O&M skills for travel and employment; sensory, spatial and environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics and TMAP; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis, public transit and trip planning, introduction to electronic travel devices and GPS and wayfinding techniques. Who would benefit from the course? People who are blind or have low vision who are new to O&M. People who have had a recent change in vision. People who haven’t used their O&M skills in a while. People looking for an O&M refresher. How will participants benefit? Participants will acquire strong foundational skills that are critical for safe, independent travel that will help them gain and retain employment. Participants will receive structured, organized instruction that will prepare them for subsequent individualized training with a certified O&M specialist. How does the course fit in with consumer’s overall O&M training program? This will be the first of two parts in a combined O&M training curriculum. The second part will be an individualized, face-to-face, hands-on learning and practice instruction program when public safety mandates allow. (Available to consumers in the LightHouse training area only.) What is the cost of this course? Session I: $1,165.00 (990.00 for the course + $175.00 for materials Session II: Course is provided at no charge to people living in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties. If you live outside those areas, the cost is $990.00. Scholarships are available. Course materials for the 12 weeks are $50 and may be waived based on scholarship availability. What materials will be used during the course? Bump dots, mixed Tactile Maps (TMAP) Intersection map set Wikki Stix Additional materials supplied by LightHouse for The Blind: tactile activity sheets; rubber bands; signature guide; Kanga-Pak; sleep shade. How to register for one of these courses? Session I: Robert Alminana at ralminana@lighthouse-sf.org or Jennifer Huey at jhuey@lighthouse-sf.org. Session II: Danette Davis at ddavis@lighthouse-sf.org or Chris Williams at cwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org. More 7:00 pm: Monthly Mentor Mondays: Your Virtual Technology Toolbox Sep 14 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Second Monday of the month: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This fall, LightHouse’s Youth Program is excited to offer a new series for our youth that are blind or have low vision. In this new monthly series, Lighthouse staff will lead the panel of young blind leaders through a conversation about topics important to the success of youth. Each month will have new mentors sharing their thoughts, stories and advice about that month’s topic. Students that attend will also have ample time to ask questions to that month’s mentors. Topics of our monthly panel will include subjects such as advocacy, career exploration, social interaction, self-determination, accessible technology and recreation and leisure, with a focus on the additional challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has given all of us. Upcoming Topics October 12 - Your Virtual Technology Toolbox For our October Monthly Mentor Monday, youth will learn about all sorts of high and low-tech gear that that other blind and low vision youth use to be successful. Whether it’s a simple slate and stylus or a quick note, the latest braille display, or software that can help you access for class materials or things in other aspects of life. November 9: Making connections as a blind or low vision student December 14: TBD If you have any questions or would like to RSVP to Monthly Mentor Mondays, please contact, Jamey Gump at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372. RSVP by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before each event. More

The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling (415)694-7325.
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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.