Calendar

The week's events

  • Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop

    Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop


    Sep 21

    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.

    The Business of Blindness Phone Chat: Make Coffee and Call Mike Cole

    The Business of Blindness Phone Chat: Make Coffee and Call Mike Cole


    Sep 21

    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.

     

    Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II

    Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II


    Sep 21

    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.

  • Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop

    Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop


    Sep 22

    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.

    Safe and Confident Movement for O & M Travel (Online) for Adults 55 and over

    Safe and Confident Movement for O & M Travel (Online) for Adults 55 and over


    Sep 22

    A course focusing on building balance and stability to allow for more confident movement.

    Adults 55 and over are invited to participate in a six-session course geared towards improving safety in movement for indoor and outdoor activities. Exercises performed during class will help students feel more sure-footed when navigating stairs, walking over uneven sidewalks, and moving around obstacles while using a white cane or dog guide. Exercises designed to ease the transition between sit-to-stand movements will also be incorporated.

    In addition to completing simple and dual task activities, participants will learn how to conduct an at home safety assessment, evaluate elements that improve footwear stability, and develop a personalized balance program. After the six-session course, participants can expect to feel more self-assured in personal movement patterns and less anxious about falling.

    The classes will be taught via Zoom or phone at the following dates and times:

    Week 1: Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
    Week 2: Tuesday, September 29 and Thursday, October 1 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
    Week 3: Tuesday, October 6 and Thursday, October 8 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    There are no costs associated with this course for adults 55 and over living in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity. For those adults living outside the noted counties, the course is 150.00, plus materials.

    To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or O&M Specialist, Marie Trudelle, at MTrudelle@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students.

    Tech Together Online: Understanding Web Elements

    Tech Together Online: Understanding Web Elements


    Sep 22

    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.

  • Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop

    Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop


    Sep 23

    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.

    Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II

    Get Moving: O&M for independent travel: Session II


    Sep 23

    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.

  • Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop

    Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop


    Sep 24

    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.

    Safe and Confident Movement for O & M Travel (Online) for Adults 55 and over

    Safe and Confident Movement for O & M Travel (Online) for Adults 55 and over


    Sep 24

    A course focusing on building balance and stability to allow for more confident movement.

    Adults 55 and over are invited to participate in a six-session course geared towards improving safety in movement for indoor and outdoor activities. Exercises performed during class will help students feel more sure-footed when navigating stairs, walking over uneven sidewalks, and moving around obstacles while using a white cane or dog guide. Exercises designed to ease the transition between sit-to-stand movements will also be incorporated.

    In addition to completing simple and dual task activities, participants will learn how to conduct an at home safety assessment, evaluate elements that improve footwear stability, and develop a personalized balance program. After the six-session course, participants can expect to feel more self-assured in personal movement patterns and less anxious about falling.

    The classes will be taught via Zoom or phone at the following dates and times:

    Week 1: Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
    Week 2: Tuesday, September 29 and Thursday, October 1 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
    Week 3: Tuesday, October 6 and Thursday, October 8 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    There are no costs associated with this course for adults 55 and over living in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity. For those adults living outside the noted counties, the course is 150.00, plus materials.

    To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or O&M Specialist, Marie Trudelle, at MTrudelle@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students.

    Webinar: TMAP: Building Environmental Literacy at a Distance

    Webinar: TMAP: Building Environmental Literacy at a Distance


    Sep 24

    Presented by Greg Kehret, Jennifer Huey, Sarah McIntyre and Steve Lowry. This session extolls the virtues of Tactile Maps Automated Production (TMAP) - a project promoting independent travel and tactile map literacy for blind people, that has timely applications for O&M instruction in a time of distance learning.

    Participants will be able to briefly describe the history and development of TMAP software; know the steps to create a TMAP street map; identify implications for use of TMAP in O&M instruction (including route preview, environmental literacy and special awareness); and identify strategies to teach map-reading readiness skills. NOTE: Continuing education credits are only available to members of AER.

    For information on AER membership, please visit this link
    (these sessions are only for members of AER).

    To Register(for free!) please use this link.

    Disaster Preparedness Class for Berkeley Residents (online)

    Disaster Preparedness Class for Berkeley Residents (online)


    Sep 24

    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.

  • Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop

    Employment Immersion September Virtual Workshop


    Sep 25

    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.

    Estate Planning 101 – Fulfilling your philanthropic goals with Trusts and Estates Attorney, Kevan Warren(Online)

    Estate Planning 101 – Fulfilling your philanthropic goals with Trusts and Estates Attorney, Kevan Warren(Online)


    Sep 25

    Now is a great time to plan your estate, and feel satisfied that you have made your intentions clear. Mr. Warren is a Trusts and Estates Attorney in Albany, California. He specializes in tailoring comprehensive estate planning documents for clients and advises trustees and executors on the administration of a decedent’s estate in compliance with California law. Join Kevan and LightHouse via ZOOM remote access to get started on your own legacy giving plan from an expert.

    To receive your personal ZOOM remote access link to the workshop, please RSVP by Wednesday, September 23 to Paul Blaney, Manager of Individual Giving, at pblaney@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7313.

    En Communidad (In Community)

    En Communidad (In Community)


    Sep 25

    En Comunidad

    Cuándo: Septiembre 25, 2020 de 7:00 a 8:00 PM

    Dónde: Zoom, plataforma virtual (en cualquier lugar se puede acceder a alguna reunión de Zoom. Puede unirse usando su teléfono, tableta, o computadora. La información de Zoomserá compartida con los que se registren antes del evento.)

    Quen: Familias de estudiantes ciegos o con baja visión de 14 a 20 años de edad

    Que: Todos son bienvenidos! En comunidad es un programa diseñado para traer recursos e información relevante a estudiantes y sus familias, en español. Vengan a aprender, hacer preguntas, A construir comunidades con otras familias de estudiantes ciegos o con baja visión, y A conocer mentores.

    Acompáñennos para nuestro primer instalamiento de En Comunidad, donde platicaremos sobre todo que ver con estudios y aprendizaje en este nuevo tiempo de distancia miento. Mientras el mundo se adapta a esta nueva forma de aprendizaje, muchos encuentran que tienen preguntas Y buscan información accesible. Traigan a sus familias, sus preguntas, y Acompáñenos por una hora donde daremos consejos Útiles, y donde escucharemos cuentas personales de un panel de estudiantes
    ciegos.

    Para preguntas o para reservar, por favor de contactar a Daisy Soto a: Dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org, (805)657-7138.

    * Aceptamos donaciones*

    In Community

    When: September 25, 2020, 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.

    Where: Via Zoom (Zoom can be accessed almost anywhere. Join us by using your phone, tablet, or computer. Zoom information will be shared prior to the event with those who RSVP.)

    Who: Families of youth ages 14-20 and their blind and low vision child or student.

    What: All are welcome! En Communidad is a program designed to bring students and their families valuable resources and relevant information, in Spanish. Come to learn, ask questions, build connections with fellow families of blind and low vision students, and meet blind mentors!

    Come join us for our first Instalment of En Communidad, where we will be discussing all things distance learning. As the world adapts to this new way of learning, many people find themselves having questions and wondering where to find accessible information. Bring your families, your questions and spend an hour getting some tips and hearing first-hand advice from a panel of blind college students.

    For any questions and to RSVP, please contact Daisy Soto at:
    Dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org, (805)-657-7138.

    *Donations Encouraged*

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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