Calendar

The week's events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Aug 9
Aug 10(3 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion: August Virtual Workshop


Aug 10

August's workshop runs weekdays from August 3 to 28.

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


Aug 10

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.

 

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


Aug 10

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.

Aug 11(3 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion: August Virtual Workshop


Aug 11

August's workshop runs weekdays from August 3 to 28.

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: Session I


Aug 11

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 23, Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to noon Pacific.

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.

2:00 pm: Tech Together Online: How to Choose Your Access Technology


Aug 11

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.

August 11: How to Choose Your Access Technology

Specialists will share our approach to technology assessments, a fancy term for the decision making process of what mainstream and access technologies are best for you. If you are planning to come to our Virtual Select the Right Tech on Friday the 14, this is an excellent pre-show.

Upcoming

August 18: Tech for Entering Text

Join us for one or all of these conversations, which 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 to: ADecker@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7343 Please note that we need your email address to invite you to the Zoom meeting, so RSVP via email is preferred.

Aug 12(1 event)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion: August Virtual Workshop


Aug 12

August's workshop runs weekdays from August 3 to 28.

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.

Aug 13(3 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion: August Virtual Workshop


Aug 13

August's workshop runs weekdays from August 3 to 28.

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: Session I


Aug 13

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 23, Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to noon Pacific.

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.

1:30 pm: Virtual Tours at Legion of Honor


Aug 13

Thursday, August 13, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Connections
Thursday, September 10, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - What's the Story?
Thursday, October 8, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Works in Three dimensions

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is offering three highly descriptive Zoom tours led by docent Jim Kohn. Jim will kick off his three-lecture series on August 13 at 1:00 p.m. Stanley Yarnell of the Blind Posse previewed Jim’s presentation and said, "He had me in the palm of his hand the whole time." Jim is extraordinarily articulate and has significant experience describing art for the blind and low vision community.

Thursday, August 13, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Connections
This tour of objects from the permanent collection at the de Young will connect traditional native cultures with contemporary American art. Art from Africa will be compared with art from African American artists, Art from Asia will be connected to works by Asian American artists, and art from native American people will be compared and connected with art produced in contemporary times in North America.

Thursday, September 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What's the Story?
In this tour, participants will be introduced to narratives present in several works from the permanent collection at the Legion of Honor, including stories from the classical era, the Old and New Testaments, and from the artists’ imaginations.

Thursday, October 8, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Works in Three dimensions
This tour will include sculptures from the collection at the Legion of Honor and will span the history of art from earliest times, 5000 years ago or more, up to the twentieth century. Sculpture in stone and bronze as well as ceramics and porcelain are included.

For Zoom access details, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

Aug 14(2 events)

9:00 am: Employment Immersion: August Virtual Workshop


Aug 14

August's workshop runs weekdays from August 3 to 28.

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.

9:00 am: Select The Right Tech, Going Virtual!


Aug 14

If you're blind or visually impaired, finding the right piece of access technology can be a big, and sometimes daunting, undertaking, but knowing what options can meet your needs is the first step. Back by popular demand, here's a chance to see first hand the latest and greatest in access technology. We've invited a variety of access technology vendors to come show you magnification, Braille displays, hand held devices, apps, and more. This is your opportunity to see all the products in 1 place, hear from the experts, and ask questions. While you're here, chat with a Lighthouse technology specialist to Get tips on selecting the right technology to meet your individual needs, and learn how you can receive training on your access technology here at the Lighthouse. When: Friday, August 14, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 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: 415-694-7312.

Please note that we need your email address to invite you to the Zoom meeting, so RSVP via email is preferred. lighthouse offers space for vendors to show their products to the blind community, but vendor participation in this event does not imply Lighthouse endorsement.

Aug 15

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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