The week's events
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Rafting and Overnight Camp-Out with ETC
Rafting and Overnight Camp-Out with ETC
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Sep 10 – Sep 11As we make are way into fall, the LightHouse invites students of all ages to join us for our next adventure with Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC). This time we head east to the South Fork of the American River for an overnight camp-out and whitewater rafting adventure with your blind and low vision friends.
Our trip will depart from the Ed Roberts Campus Saturday, September 10 at 1:00 pm when we will head up to the ETC Camp in Lotus, California where we will make dinner as a group and enjoy an evening under the stars. The next morning, after we make breakfast, our day long paddle will begin. After a fun day on the water lead by our experienced ETC Guides, our group will make the trip back to Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley in the evening. This trip is open for youth and adults ages 14 and up and is $150.00 per participant. This includes, rafting equipment, overnight camp-out, transportation to the rafting site, and meals throughout the adventure.
Who: Youth and Adults who are blind or have low vision (ages 14 and up)
What: Whitewater Rafting and Overnight Camp-out
When: Depart from the Ed Roberts Campus at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 10 and return to the same space 8:30 pm Sunday, September 11
Where: South Fork of the American River and ETC’s Overnight Camp located in Lotus, CA
Waiver: Each participant must complete and submit both a LightHouse and Environmental Travel Companions form
Cost: The cost of the event is $150.00 per participant. This fee includes, rafting equipment, overnight camp-out, transportation to the rafting site, meals and snacks throughout the adventure. Spots will only be reserved once payment and the two signed waivers are received.
Transportation: Round trip shuttle for this outing from the Ed Roberts Campus is available for those who request a space when they RSVP. Individuals who do not need transportation from the Bay Area may arrange transportation to meet us at the River Camp.
RSVP: Contact Jamey Gump By September 3rd. Please note – Space is limited and one’s spot will not be confirmed until all payment and paperwork for this trip is submitted. Please also confirm your transportation needs when RSVP’ing.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact Youth Services Coordinator Jamey Gump no later than September 3 by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.
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Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online)
Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online)
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Sep 12The 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 of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session 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 course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.
It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.
The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a 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 1: Monday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 14 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 2: September 19 and Wednesday, September 21 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 3: September 26 and Wednesday, September 28 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
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.
Please RSVP by Monday, August 29 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, September 12. To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students; once the class limit is reached, or for referrals received after August 29, 2022, students may be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).
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Tech Together - September 2022 (online)
Tech Together - September 2022 (online)
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Sep 13Join the 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. Our Access Technology Specialists and Trainers share their expertise, tips, and handy resources on each week’s topic. Afterward, there is time for our students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.
RSVP online using the links below or by voicemail at 415-694-7618.
September 6: Open Forum
Do you have a favorite tech tip or trick to share? Do you have questions about your tech setup? Do you have ideas about future Tech Together events? Join the Access Technology team for a fun and freeform discussion where we can all nerd out and learn about tech, together!
September 13: Smart Speakers - Setup and Basics
If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's discuss completing tasks by talking to them! We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant and share some ways all three virtual assistants can help you get things done.
RSVP for Smart Speakers - Setup and Basics
September 20: Smart Speakers - Next Steps
After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each assistant's skills. We'll share the tasks that each assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?
RSVP for Smart Speakers - Next Steps
September 27: Let's Label It
From the file cabinet to the kitchen pantry, from low-tech to high-tech, join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss ways you can label anything and everything in your life.
National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)
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Sep 13The 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:
6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Happy (Half) Hour
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Chapter MeetingTo RSVP, contact President Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or 336-988-6375.
College Spaces From Different Places (online)College Spaces From Different Places (online)
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Sep 13New semester schedules, conflicting assignment deadlines and extracurricular activities, and time with friends – how do you find balance? Join us this September to talk all about it with your College Spaces peers. We want to share our advice and hear yours as well, so come with some good questions, thoughts, or stories to share— we want to hear it all!
College Spaces from Different Places is a peer-led student organization which cultivates connections and community for all undergraduate college students. College Spaces from Different Places is a group designed by and for low vision and blind students to have fun, build community, and share in our struggles and accomplishments. Many undergrads are currently missing out on forming social connections on their own college campus. Therefore, joining College Spaces from Different Places will give you an opportunity to come together with others from across the state. Leave your books and syllabi behind and join us!
What: Virtual gathering of blind and low-vision undergraduate college students.
When: Tuesday September 13, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Where: via Zoom
RSVP: Please contact Daisy Soto at dsoto@LightHouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328. Please RSVP by Friday September 9 to ensure you receive the Zoom link!NOTE: The Zoom link to join will be distributed the morning of the meetup. All blind and low vision college students are welcome, and you DO NOT need any authorizations from the DOR to join.
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Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online)
Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together (online)
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Sep 14The 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 of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session 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 course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.
It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.
The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a 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 1: Monday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 14 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 2: September 19 and Wednesday, September 21 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 3: September 26 and Wednesday, September 28 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
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.
Please RSVP by Monday, August 29 to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, September 12. To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students; once the class limit is reached, or for referrals received after August 29, 2022, students may be placed on a waitlist for the next available class (date TBA).
G-Vibes Gratitude Sessions (online)G-Vibes Gratitude Sessions (online)
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Sep 14G-Vibes are Gratitude Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gather online and share what you feel grateful for in a safe and welcoming space and hear what others share as well. These mid-week sessions can help you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.
RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-760
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Create in Community (in-person)
Create in Community (in-person)
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Sep 15Get your creative juices flowing every week in the LightHouse Craft Room. We’ll explore a variety of different arts media and prompts that will change each month. Let loose your curiosity and sense of play in a supportive space where you are welcome to experiment with the current LightHouse projects, or bring your own craft to work on alongside friends. No experience is necessary. Wear or bring something you don't mind getting dirty.
This September, we will create and decorate a unique selection of book structures from tunnel books to one-page zines, pamphlet stitched bindings and more.
RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.
Introduction to AT Session 2 (online)Introduction to AT Session 2 (online)
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Sep 15An 8 week course that introduces access technology concepts, terminology, and options on smartphones and computers in a group setting. The goal for this group introductory course is to help students not only learn about the basics of access technology but to also learn alongside a community. With our knowledgeable and patient AT instructors, we hope to provide a solid foundation for people who are completely new to access technology or who want to solidify their understanding of what access technology is and can do to empower them.
Disclaimer: Session 2 has been fully booked already. If you are interested in joining Session 3, which will start in October, you may email jko@lighthouse-sf.org to be added to the email campaign and put on wait list.
Tecnología para Todos (en línea)Tecnología para Todos (en línea)
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Sep 15Join the LightHouse’s monthly access Technology Spanish meeting. Tecnología para todos is a space where users share their knowledge and experience. Each month, we talk about services, applications and devices available for blind and low vision users.
This event 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: jcolon@lighthouse-sf.org or by calling 415-694-7323.
Introduction to Accessible Wayfinding (online)Introduction to Accessible Wayfinding (online)
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Sep 15Access Technology instructors Kacie Cappello, Fernando Macias, and Orientation & Mobility instructor Katt Jones are teaming up to present a virtual five-part class series on Accessible Wayfinding. Learn the ins and outs of GPS terminology, Microsoft Soundscape, Apple Maps, Google Maps, and transit apps. The class will be limited to eight students.
Students interested in the course must live in one of the following counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin or Humboldt to qualify. Students must use an iPhone, have a Apple account and be able to download apps to their iPhone, and be comfortable navigating the screen semi-independently.
Class Schedule
September 8: GPS Concepts and Terminology
In this class, we will learn the basic terminology of digital wayfinding such as POI and turn-by turn. We'll also use virtual assistants and the Compass app to obtain basic location and directional information.
September 15: Soundscape Part 1: Automatic Callouts and Markers
In this class, we will review the functions of automatic call-out applications and start to explore Soundscape's informational controls, in order to obtain information about immediate physical surroundings as well as create markers for points of interests (POIs).
September 22: Soundscape Part 2: Audio Beacons and Street Preview Mode
In this class, we will continue to use the various features and functions within Soundscape to travel virtually to new locations for route-planning purposes, and we will compare/contrast Soundscape with other automatic call-out applications.
September 27: Getting Directions with Apple Maps and Google Maps
In this class, we will review Apple Maps and Google Maps' features and functions to obtain information for local businesses and search for public transit directions to points of interests as well as for walking directions to points of interests.
September 29: Transit Applications and Review
In this last class, we will explore and use the Moovit and Transit applications to look for departure time information for nearby stops and lines and to search for directions to a point of interest. We'll also review the applications discussed during the course to mark, obtain directions for, and virtually travel to points of interests.
Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29 + Tuesday, September 27 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Please RSVP to Julie Koh at JKoh@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7684.
Building a Partnership (online)Building a Partnership (online)
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Sep 15Do you love someone who is blind or has low vision? Curious about tools they can use to get around, cook, meet their needs, and live independently? Wondering what services exist to support them? LightHouse for the Blind would like to invite you to “Building a Partnership.” In this seminar we will discuss the many ways you can support your loved one throughout their blindness journey.
Who is this seminar for?
- Anybody who is in a close relationship with a current LightHouse student over the age of 18. Close relationships include partners, children, parents, siblings and friends.
- People comfortable learning in a group setting
- People willing to actively participate in the seminar
- Those who can commit to attend the seminar in full
- Anybody who can access the Zoom platform
What Will You Do?
- Learn about LightHouse’s history, mission and clientele
- Establish appropriate expectations about your loved one’s abilities
- Learn how positively adjusting expectations can impact your partnership
- Learn about what your loved one, service providers, and yourself can take responsibility for along the student’s journey of learning
- Understand the various training areas within blindness services (orientation and mobility, access technology, independent living skills, Braille, etc.)
- Meet other people who love a person who is blind or has low vision
- Share your story of supporting your loved one
- Ask questions about blindness, LightHouse services, and any other related topics
- Walk away with a list of resources
RSVP to Debbie Bacon at DBacon@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Reel Escape Audio Description Club: Daredevils (online)
Reel Escape Audio Description Club: Daredevils (online)
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Sep 16We all need an escape sometimes, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club, you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. With the success of the first two seasons of Daredevil, we decided to continue the Marvel series into the fall semester with season three. Starting on Friday, September 9, teens, and young adults will gather to watch the Netflix series, Daredevil – a TV series about a blind attorney by day and vigilante by night. Our weekly gathering will start at 8:00 PM Friday evenings, leaving plenty of time to watch that week’s episode and connect with your EHC and LightHouse friends.
Parents Please Note: the Daredevil TV Series has adult content and is rated TV-MA and contains the following: crude indecent language (L), explicit sexual activity (S), and graphic violence (V). A more detailed parental guide can be found at here. If any youth under the age of 18 wish to join this series, they must have a parent or guardian contact a LightHouse youth team member with written permission for their child to participate.
Who: Teens and young adults who are blind or have low vision
What: Season three of Daredevil with Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom
When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 PM (seasons three starts September 9)
Where: Anywhere you can access a Zoom meeting
RSVP: Please contact Jamey Gump by email at jgump@LightHouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372. Zoom meeting information will be shared with those who RSVP by 5:00 PM of the day before the program.
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!
