Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sep 13
Sep 14(2 events)

10:00 am: Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II


Sep 14

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.

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


Sep 14

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.

Sep 15(2 events)

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online: Apps for Exploring Your World


Sep 15

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.

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


Sep 15

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.

Sep 16(1 event)

10:00 am: Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II


Sep 16

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.

Sep 17(2 events)

3:30 pm: Disaster Preparedness Class for Berkeley Residents (online)


Sep 17

This Disaster Preparedness Class is for people who live or work in Berkeley. LightHouse is partnering with Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network to offer these classes. The classes will be taught via Zoom or phone on both September 17th and 24 at 3:30 PM. Please contact OM Specialist, Danette Davis, at DDavis@lighthouse-sf.org for more information and to sign up.

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


Sep 17

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.

Sep 18(2 events)

4:00 pm: ACCESS Success! - Taking Out the Trash: My Independent Living Toolkit from Cooking to the Closet


Sep 18

ACCESS Success!
(Attaining College or Careers to Explore Skills and Strengths) – Virtual

September 18-19
Taking Out the Trash: My Independent Living Toolkit from Cooking to the Closet

September 18: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
September 19: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The ACCESS Success (Attaining College or Careers to Explore Skills and Strengths) workshops provide a platform for youth to investigate employment and post-secondary topics in-depth both as a cohort experience and with individualized support. The 2-day long module in September will focus on independent living as we all continue to remain at home and become increasingly familiar with our living and workspaces. We will discuss everything around managing our independence from cooking and closet organization, to managing money and expenses, to discuss ways how youth can obtain additional blindness training from different skills centers. The cohort experience allows transitional age youth to support one another as they explore their strengths, identify interests, discover resources, and develop their identities to cultivate informed choice around the attainment of post-secondary outcomes.

ACCESS Success is a program designed for transition-age youth (ages 14-24) and comprises of separate 2-day monthly modules. The ACCESS Workshops provide a platform for youth to further explore a specific independent living, post-secondary, or employment topic in-depth from Friday-Saturday as well as meet new friends, blind/low vision mentors, and stay connected! The ACCESS Success pre-employment transition skills curricula and learning outcomes are intentionally designed to focus on the five (5) required pre-employment transition skills activities (DOR student services) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Youth can join using their phone, tablet, or computer. The entire weekend module is 8 hours in length and held on Friday evening and Saturday.

Learning Objectives:
1. Youth will receive counseling and opportunities for exploration and enrollment in comprehensive blindness skills centers and hear from programs around independent living.
2. Participants will practice critical work-readiness training to develop soft and independent living skills and including money management, foundational financial concepts, and spatial organization.
3. Students will receive instruction in self-advocacy refinement and increase connection to positive blind and low vision mentors doing Mentor Spotlight sessions.
4. The interactive and group-based structure nature of the ACCESS Success workshop provides opportunities for students to refine their workplace readiness soft skills including effective social and professional communication and emotional well-being all while building community with their blind and low vision peers.
5. Youth will continue to refine and receive support on around critical Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) concepts including assistive technology use and independent living skills.

If you or anyone you know is interested in joining ACCESS Success, please:
1. Contact your Department of Rehabilitation counselor to discuss workshop attendance and authorization.
2. Confirm attendance with Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist, by email at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-484-8377.

If you have any questions or would like to join the workshop, please contact youth@lighthouse-sf.org. NOTE, workshop attendance must be confirmed one week prior.

5:00 pm: Community Bingo Goes Virtual


Sep 18

Bingo is back virtually, so break out those accessible bingo cards and enter our virtual game room for all that bingo fun with Enchanted Hills Camp 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.

Sep 19

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.

X