Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Oct 25
Oct 26(4 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion October Virtual Workshop


Oct 26

October's workshop runs 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays from October 5 through 30.

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.

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness Phone Chat: Make Coffee and Call Mike Cole


Oct 26

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.

 

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


Oct 26

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.

10:00 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting it All Together


Oct 26

This course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

Adults 55 and over are invited to participate in a four-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision and practical means to maximize safe and independent living skills. The course is divided into four lessons over two weeks: a 2-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by three, 2-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 safe and independent daily living skills. After the four-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 (preferred) or phone at the following dates and times:
Week 1:
Monday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Week 2:
Monday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 28 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 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.

Please RSVP by Thursday, October 8 to be able to receive class materials in time for the first class on Monday, October 19.  To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org  The class is limited to ten students.

Oct 27(4 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion October Virtual Workshop


Oct 27

October's workshop runs 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays from October 5 through 30.

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.

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


Oct 27

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: Siri Says


Oct 27

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.

October 6: The Wonder of Web Browsers
Web browsers are the software your computer and phone use to access web pages. Does it matter which web browser you use? What features of web browsers are important for those of us using access technology? What web browser features can help keep our information private when we go online? We’ll answer these questions and more.

October 13: What’s New in iOS 14
We’ll highlight what is new and what has changed in Apple’s latest operating system for iPhone users.

October 20: Victor Voyages
The Humanware Victor Stream and Victor Trek are popular tools for reading, recording, and accessing information. We’ll take a deep dive in to the features of these devices. If you have a Victor or are just wondering why that name is so often mentioned, this Tech Together is for you.

October 27: Siri Says
To round out our recent coverage of voice assistants, we’ll discuss the many things Siri can do, on both the iPhone and the Home Pod speaker

Join us for one or all these conversations. RSVP to ADecker@lighthouse-sf.org or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7343.

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


Oct 27

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.

Oct 28(3 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion October Virtual Workshop


Oct 28

October's workshop runs 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays from October 5 through 30.

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.

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


Oct 28

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.

10:00 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting it All Together


Oct 28

This course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.

Adults 55 and over are invited to participate in a four-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision and practical means to maximize safe and independent living skills. The course is divided into four lessons over two weeks: a 2-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by three, 2-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 safe and independent daily living skills. After the four-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 (preferred) or phone at the following dates and times:
Week 1:
Monday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Week 2:
Monday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 28 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 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 by Thursday, October 1, 2020, please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org. The class is limited to ten students.

Oct 29(3 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion October Virtual Workshop


Oct 29

October's workshop runs 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays from October 5 through 30.

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.

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


Oct 29

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.

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


Oct 29

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.

Oct 30(2 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion October Virtual Workshop


Oct 30

October's workshop runs 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays from October 5 through 30.

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.

7:00 pm: En Comunidad (In Community)


Oct 30

En Comunidad

Cuándo: Octubre 30, 2020 de 7:00 PM 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 22 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.

Ha estado en busca de nuevas estrategias para cocinar, limpiar, y organizar? Quiere aprender más sobre los centros de aprendizaje para jóvenes ciegos y de baja vista? Entonces traigan a sus preguntas y a sus familias, y acompáñenos en octubre para nuestra siguiente reunión de En Comunidad, dónde nos uniremos por una hora, aprendiendo y conectando con otros.

Para preguntas o para reservar, por favor de contactar a Daisy Soto a:

Dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org, (805)657-7138.

* Aceptamos donaciones*

 

En Comunidad (In Community)

When: October 30, 2020, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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 14-22 and their blind and low vision child or student.

What: All are welcome! En Comunidad 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!

Have you been looking for some good cooking, cleaning, or organizing strategies? Do you want to learn a little more about living skills blindness centers? Then bring your families, your questions, and join us for our second installment of En Comunidad, and spend an hour learning and connecting with others.

For any questions and to RSVP, please contact Daisy Soto at:

Dsoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 805-657-7138.

*Donations Encouraged*

Oct 31

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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