Calendar

LightHouse will be closed on Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday.

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
May 5
May 6(2 events)

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) **Registration Closed***


May 6

The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school, and daily living environments.

The virtual portion of the course is six classes over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory class with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour classes which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists. Included in the course: a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, one in-person half-day group lesson, and one individualized lesson for a total of 8 lessons.

It is a comprehensive skills training course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the 6 virtual classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Class 7 is a half-day, in-person Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration at the San Francisco LightHouse Headquarters. Thereafter, participants are eligible for Class 8, an individualized Low Vision Therapy lesson.

The six virtual classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing (independent Zoom video skills required for all virtual classes), best viewed on a large screen tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):

Week of April 29: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment by Zoom video call

Six online classes Mondays & Wednesdays: May 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 & 22, from 9:45 am to 12:15 pm

In-person class Wednesday, June 5 at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm: Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration. There will be a hour break for provided lunch and further peer interaction.

By June 26: In-person individualized follow-up low vision skills lesson tailored to the unique needs of each participant

If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.

The registration for this course is currently closed. All interested parties need to have a Low Vision Evaluation completed within one year prior to the start of any low vision course. Please contact Esmerelda Soto at 415-694-7323 or by email at ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org for any questions and planning for a LightHouse Services Orientation and Assessment day. Any appropriate Low Vision course referrals will then be placed on our waitlist for the next available class (dates TBA).

6:00 pm: Vision, Peer-led Support Group (online)


May 6

Vision runs on a 12-week cycle of topics based on Hannah Fairbairn’s 2019 book, When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery. We discuss different topics and share experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. Each week the topics are independent, so you can join the group at any week. Reading is not required. However, if you would like topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book which is available on Braille and Audio Reading Download (DBC11619).

May 6: Chapter 4 delves into the emotional challenges of grief, anger, fear, and denial experienced by individuals coping with vision loss, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and seeking support to facilitate healing and adaptation.

May 20: Chapter 5 guides individuals through accepting and adapting to vision loss, emphasizing the importance of vision rehabilitation training for regaining independence. It covers timing for training, available options, and essential skills such as communication, home management, orientation and mobility, and social interactions.

RSVP online for Vision Peer-Led Support Group to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

May 7(1 event)

11:00 am: Tap Dance at Earle Baum (hybrid)


May 7

This class is $40 a month.

This is a beginning and intermediate tap dance class. The instructor verbally describes each movement, demonstrates the sounds the taps make, and works with each person individually to insure their understanding of the step or combination. The focus is balance AND spatial awareness, knowledge of the tap steps, while in a fun supportive environment. Facilitated by Denise.

For more info call 707-523-3222.

May 8(4 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)


May 8

We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction for beginners and advanced practitioners. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial into Zoom, find a comfortable position. Instructor Ellen Simpson has 50 years of meditation experience. After raising a family and retiring from a career in women's health, she became a resident at San Francisco Zen Center.

RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (hybrid) **Registration Closed***


May 8

The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school, and daily living environments.

The virtual portion of the course is six classes over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory class with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour classes which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists. Included in the course: a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, one in-person half-day group lesson, and one individualized lesson for a total of 8 lessons.

It is a comprehensive skills training course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the 6 virtual classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Class 7 is a half-day, in-person Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration at the San Francisco LightHouse Headquarters. Thereafter, participants are eligible for Class 8, an individualized Low Vision Therapy lesson.

The six virtual classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing (independent Zoom video skills required for all virtual classes), best viewed on a large screen tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):

Week of April 29: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment by Zoom video call

Six online classes Mondays & Wednesdays: May 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 & 22, from 9:45 am to 12:15 pm

In-person class Wednesday, June 5 at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm: Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration. There will be a hour break for provided lunch and further peer interaction.

By June 26: In-person individualized follow-up low vision skills lesson tailored to the unique needs of each participant

If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.

The registration for this course is currently closed. All interested parties need to have a Low Vision Evaluation completed within one year prior to the start of any low vision course. Please contact Esmerelda Soto at 415-694-7323 or by email at ESoto@lighthouse-sf.org for any questions and planning for a LightHouse Services Orientation and Assessment day. Any appropriate Low Vision course referrals will then be placed on our waitlist for the next available class (dates TBA).

1:00 pm: Gratitude VIBES: May 2024 (online)


May 8

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.

May 8: Do you have a cherished saying from your childhood in any language? Share it with us in our upcoming gathering as we reminisce about the wisdom and nostalgia encapsulated in these treasured phrases. Let's celebrate the diverse linguistic tapestry of our memories together.

May 15: Legacy of Caesar Chavez. Join us as we explore his life, achievements, and enduring influence on social justice movements.

May 22: It's Music Appreciation Week, where we celebrate the power of music to evoke gratitude. Share your special song and the reasons behind your gratitude as we elevate spirits in our Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions.

May 29: We'll dive into the characters of the 1977 movie, "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" and reflect on people in our lives who share similar traits. From the wisdom of Owl to the bravery of Christopher Robin, we'll celebrate the diverse qualities that enrich our relationships. Let’s cultivate gratitude for the special individuals who bring joy to our adventures.

RSVP online to Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)


May 8

Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

May 9
May 10(1 event)

12:00 pm: Meet Me in the Kitchen (in-person)


May 10

“Meet me in the kitchen,” is a five-week course designed to empower LightHouse students with the non-visual techniques needed to prepare and present delicious meals independently. This course is created and taught by Bobbi Pompey, a Independent Living Skills Specialist with a passion for cooking and teaching. Each week you will learn non-visual kitchen skills, general cooking tips and tricks, and prepare a snack or meal.

Skills You Will Learn Include:

  • Organizing, labeling, and preparing your kitchen and work space
  • Measuring wet and dry ingredients
    Using knives, kitchen appliances, blindness/low vision gadgets and other “tools of the trade”
  • Understanding how to build flavor profiles, decipher lingo used in recipes, and determine the doneness of food
  • Serving, garnishing, and presenting meals with multiple dishes to friends and family, and other guests

    Course Schedule:

  • Session 1: May 10 - Welcome and Course Overview
    This session will include staff/student introductions, a course overview, a tour of the kitchen, and an introduction to basic techniques for navigating a kitchen. Class will conclude with a lesson on pouring and spreading and the preparation of a snack.
  • Session 2, May 17 - Cracking the Code
    By the end of this session, you will understand how to decipher common recipe lingo, develop delicious flavor profiles with spices stock a pantry with basic staples, and shop for groceries independently. Techniques for measuring will be used to create a spice rub and/or basic sauce.
  • Session 3: May 24 - Getting the Job Done
    Knife skills are the main focus of this session. Students will make a simple one-pot soup and learn to determine when food is done.
  • Session 4: May 31 - Learning to Spin All the Plates
    This class marks the transition into the more advanced portion of the course. Labeling, organizing, blindness devices, kitchen gadgets, and the use of small appliances will be covered as ways to add efficiency to meal preparation. You will prepare a three part meal during this session.
  •  No class June 7
  • Session 5: June 14 - Putting On the Finishing Touches
    Taking all the skills of previous classes you will learn to; serve yourself, serve others, set a table, and decorate and/or garnish a meal.

Spots in this fun and educational course are limited, so secure your participation by contacting Bobbi Pompey, BPompey@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7613 by April 26.

May 11

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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