Calendar

The week's events

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Nov 8
Nov 9(2 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving: O & M For Independent Travel for Adults 55+


Nov 9

What is this Course?

It is a comprehensive 12-class O&M training distance course using the Zoom Video Conference platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

The course is divided into 12 two-hour lessons: two lessons per week over six weeks. The total instruction time for the course is 24 hours.

The 12 essential O&M lessons cover: The Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAPS; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

The course is intended for Bay Area residents who are 55 yrs and older.

Who Would Benefit From this Course?

  • Students who are blind or low vision who have little or no familiarity with O&M.
  • Students with recent vision loss or vision change.
  • Students who self-report that they have lost or have not used their O&M skills.
  • Students who self-report that they are not confident using their learned O&M skills.

This Course is not intended for independent active travelers

RSVP by October 16 to Danette Davis at DDavis@lighthouse-sf.org or Chris Williams at CW@lighthouse-sf.org.

7:00 pm: Monthly Mentor Mondays: Your Virtual Technology Toolbox


Nov 9

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.

Nov 10(4 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving: O&M for Independent Travel - a 6-week remote course


Nov 10

Tuesday and Thursdays, October 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 and November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 & 19 from 10:00 a.m. to noon   

This is a comprehensive 6-week 14-class course using Zoom to introduce consumers to foundational Orientation & Mobility concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel and for gaining or retaining employment. It’s taught by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Robert Alminana and Jennifer Huey. Participants will meet twice a week for a total instruction time of 28 hours. This total includes two hours of individual pre-class assessment and Zoom procedures, and two hours of individual outside class support.

  • To participate students must have 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 listen to podcasts. All students should expect weekly homework to be completed prior to class.
  • The 12 essential O&M lessons cover: the benefits of O&M training for travel and employment; overview of sensory, spatial & environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; outdoor travel; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis; public transportation & trip planning; and introduction to electronic travel devices, GPS & wayfinding technologies.

Who will benefit from the course?

  • Consumers who are blind or low vision who have little or no familiarity with O&M or have had recent vision loss or vision change.
  • Consumers who self-report that they have lost or have not used their O&M skills or are not confident using their learned O&M skills.
  • Consumers who would gain from developing their existing skills with an in-depth O&M training refresher.

How will participants benefit from the course?

  • Participants will acquire strong foundational skills that are critical for safe, independent travel and that a person needs to gain or 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.
  • Specific workshops and additional topical classes for in-depth learning and practical application are also available.

This class is frequently sponsored by the California Department of Rehabilitation. Please work with your counselor to arrange for enrollment.  However, if you wish to pay for the class privately, the total fee for this 6-week 14-class course with materials is $1,302.60.

What are the required materials will be needed for the course?  

Students will receive teaching materials at the start of class:

  • Intersection Map Set: $125.00
  • Mixed Bump Dots: $7.60 ($7.00 + 8.50 SF sales tax)
  • Shipping and handling: $15.00
  • Complimentary materials supplied by LightHouse for the Blind: signature guide and hands-free organizing bag called Kanga-Pak

What information should DOR authorizations contain?

  • Only one authorization for both the course and materials will be needed
  • Itemize the cost of the class and materials separately
  • For Course: “Orientation and Mobility Class (Get Moving Course): 14 @ $82.50 = $1,155.00”
  • For Materials: “Materials: $147.60”
  • Total amount: $1,302.60

To register, please have your Department of Rehabilitation Counselor send authorizations to 1Referral@lighthouse-sf.org no later than Friday, October 2

Space is limited to ten students. If you have more questions regarding this course, would like an electronic copy of the full curriculum, or if you are unsure if your Consumer is ready for this course, please contact Robert Alminana at RAlminana@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7375, or Jennifer Huey at JHuey@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7376.

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online: PC Screen Reader Showdown


Nov 10

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.

November 3: Voices and Verbosity:
With so many talking devices in our lives, learning how to control how they sound and how much they say can go a long way toward making them a useful part of our technology toolkit.

November 10: PC Screen Reader Showdown
Narrator, NVDA, and JAWS can all give you nonvisual access to a Windows PC. We’ll talk about the strengths and shortcomings of each, and why you might want to have one or more of them in your technology toolkit.

November 17: 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.

November 24: Making the Most of Magnification
We’ll take a look at the magnification features of our mobile devices and computers. Whether you use magnification every day or every once in a while, you won’t want to miss this helpful overview.

Join us for one or all these conversations. RSVP to AT@lighthouse-sf.org or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7343. RSVP by email is preferred.

4:00 pm: Navigation with Mobile GPS Apps (online)


Nov 10

The four-session GPS and Wayfinding online course will introduce consumers to foundational GPS concepts, useful app features, and problem-solving strategies. This course will help students develop independent travel skills needed for gaining or retaining employment.

When
Tuesday, November 10: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 12: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 19: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RSVP to Marie Trudelle at mtrudelle@lighthouse-sf.org.

7:00 pm: Not So Bored Game Night (online)


Nov 10

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.

Nov 11(1 event)

10:00 am: Get Moving: O & M For Independent Travel for Adults 55+


Nov 11

What is this Course?

It is a comprehensive 12-class O&M training distance course using the Zoom Video Conference platform to introduce students to foundational O&M concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe and independent travel.

The course is divided into 12 two-hour lessons: two lessons per week over six weeks. The total instruction time for the course is 24 hours.

The 12 essential O&M lessons cover: The Benefits of O&M Training; Overview of Sensory, Spatial & Environmental Awareness; Orientation Strategies and Skills; Tactile Graphics/TMAPS; Human Guide; Protective Techniques; Long Cane Basics; Outdoor Travel; Street Crossing Sequence; Intersection Analysis; Public Transportation & Trip Planning; and Introduction to Electronic Travel Devices, GPS & Wayfinding Technologies.

The course is intended for Bay Area residents who are 55 yrs and older.

Who Would Benefit From this Course?

  • Students who are blind or low vision who have little or no familiarity with O&M.
  • Students with recent vision loss or vision change.
  • Students who self-report that they have lost or have not used their O&M skills.
  • Students who self-report that they are not confident using their learned O&M skills.

This Course is not intended for independent active travelers

RSVP by October 16 to Danette Davis at DDavis@lighthouse-sf.org or Chris Williams at CW@lighthouse-sf.org.

Nov 12(5 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving: O&M for Independent Travel - a 6-week remote course


Nov 12

Tuesday and Thursdays, October 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 and November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 & 19 from 10:00 a.m. to noon   

This is a comprehensive 6-week 14-class course using Zoom to introduce consumers to foundational Orientation & Mobility concepts, skills, and current technologies for safe, independent travel and for gaining or retaining employment. It’s taught by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Robert Alminana and Jennifer Huey. Participants will meet twice a week for a total instruction time of 28 hours. This total includes two hours of individual pre-class assessment and Zoom procedures, and two hours of individual outside class support.

  • To participate students must have 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 listen to podcasts. All students should expect weekly homework to be completed prior to class.
  • The 12 essential O&M lessons cover: the benefits of O&M training for travel and employment; overview of sensory, spatial & environmental awareness; orientation strategies and skills; tactile graphics; human guide; protective techniques; long cane basics; outdoor travel; street crossing sequence; intersection analysis; public transportation & trip planning; and introduction to electronic travel devices, GPS & wayfinding technologies.

Who will benefit from the course?

  • Consumers who are blind or low vision who have little or no familiarity with O&M or have had recent vision loss or vision change.
  • Consumers who self-report that they have lost or have not used their O&M skills or are not confident using their learned O&M skills.
  • Consumers who would gain from developing their existing skills with an in-depth O&M training refresher.

How will participants benefit from the course?

  • Participants will acquire strong foundational skills that are critical for safe, independent travel and that a person needs to gain or 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.
  • Specific workshops and additional topical classes for in-depth learning and practical application are also available.

This class is frequently sponsored by the California Department of Rehabilitation. Please work with your counselor to arrange for enrollment.  However, if you wish to pay for the class privately, the total fee for this 6-week 14-class course with materials is $1,302.60.

What are the required materials will be needed for the course?  

Students will receive teaching materials at the start of class:

  • Intersection Map Set: $125.00
  • Mixed Bump Dots: $7.60 ($7.00 + 8.50 SF sales tax)
  • Shipping and handling: $15.00
  • Complimentary materials supplied by LightHouse for the Blind: signature guide and hands-free organizing bag called Kanga-Pak

What information should DOR authorizations contain?

  • Only one authorization for both the course and materials will be needed
  • Itemize the cost of the class and materials separately
  • For Course: “Orientation and Mobility Class (Get Moving Course): 14 @ $82.50 = $1,155.00”
  • For Materials: “Materials: $147.60”
  • Total amount: $1,302.60

To register, please have your Department of Rehabilitation Counselor send authorizations to 1Referral@lighthouse-sf.org no later than Friday, October 2

Space is limited to ten students. If you have more questions regarding this course, would like an electronic copy of the full curriculum, or if you are unsure if your Consumer is ready for this course, please contact Robert Alminana at RAlminana@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7375, or Jennifer Huey at JHuey@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7376.

1:30 pm: Virtual Tours at Legion of Honor: Works in Three Dimensions


Nov 12

Virtual Tours @Legion of Honor: Works in Three Dimensions
Thursday, November 12, 1:30-2:30 PM PST
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is continuing their series of highly descriptive Zoom tours led by docent Jim Kohn. Jim is extraordinarily articulate and has significant experience describing art for the blind and low vision community.

Jim reports that we will be reviewing some notable and very interesting pieces of ceramics and sculpture from the permanent collection at the Legion of Honor Museum. We’ll encounter ceramics from Ancient Greece and Rome, then move on to famous marble sculptures from the Renaissance and 18th century, and conclude with several bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin, whose work is at the heart of the Legion collection, including “The Thinker,” “The Kiss,” and “The Burghers of Calais. There will be time for your questions and comments following the tour. For Zoom access info, RSVP to Adult Program Manager Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

4:00 pm: Better Market Street Project Update (online)


Nov 12

The LightHouse is pleased to present an update via Zoom on the Better Market Street project, which has undergone some changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us at 4:00 pm Pacific on Thursday, November 12, to learn about the changes from representatives of San Francisco Public Works and the SFMTA.

Notable developments include:

  • Removal of the sidewalk level bikeway
  • All transit vehicles will use the Muni-only center lanes and there won’t be any curbside stops
  • People biking will share the curb lane with taxis, paratransit, and commercial vehicles.

These changes mean that the sidewalks will only be for people walking and transit passengers no longer have to cross the bikeway to get to the sidewalk. Transit passengers will get to and from the center boarding islands at signalized crossings.

Each of these issues will be discussed in further detail. We hope you can join us. RSVP to Scott Blanks: SBlanks@lighthouse-sf.org.

4:00 pm: Navigation with Mobile GPS Apps (online)


Nov 12

The four-session GPS and Wayfinding online course will introduce consumers to foundational GPS concepts, useful app features, and problem-solving strategies. This course will help students develop independent travel skills needed for gaining or retaining employment.

When
Tuesday, November 10: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 12: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 19: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RSVP to Marie Trudelle at mtrudelle@lighthouse-sf.org.

4:00 pm: Reel Escape: Audio-Described Movie Club


Nov 12

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.

Nov 13
Nov 14

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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