Calendar

Events in June 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30(2 events)

10:00 am: Knitting


May 30

Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.

For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

1:00 pm: Reading Roundup


May 30

Reading Roundup

The pleasure and power of reading cannot be overstated. Whether you are drifting off to a beloved story from childhood, studying a new and fascinating subject, keeping up with the latest political news or on the edge of your seat while trying to determine “Whodunit,” books and reading free you to explore whole new realities. In the past, Blind people have found that their options for accessing books, newspapers and magazines were quite limited. However, recently our options have increased exponentially, and now offer us much greater access to the entire Rainbow of Reading materials.

Join us from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on May 30th at the LightHouse Headquarters to explore your options. We will discuss both accessible mainstream content, as well as options from long-time providers of books to the blind and print disabled. Following the discussion, we will be available to assist you in accessing the services that suit your needs.

Topics will include:
• Bookshare
• OverDrive/Public Library books
• Library of Congress BARD
• Kindle
• Newsline
• VitalSource Bookshelf
• Audible
• And more!

The workshop is open to all, but an RSVP is required. To RSVP email ahogan@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7343. This class is free to participants through support from the City of San Francisco’s SF Connected program.

May 31
Jun 1
Jun 2(1 event)

(All day): Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)

(All day)
Jun 2 Jun 7

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.

What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.

What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.

Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.

The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!

Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 20 – 25, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa location

Please note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org

Jun 3(1 event)

(All day): Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)

(All day)
Jun 2 Jun 7

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.

What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.

What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.

Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.

The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!

Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 20 – 25, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa location

Please note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org

Jun 4(1 event)

(All day): Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)

(All day)
Jun 2 Jun 7

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.

What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.

What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.

Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.

The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!

Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 20 – 25, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa location

Please note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org

Jun 5(1 event)

(All day): Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)

(All day)
Jun 2 Jun 7

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.

What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.

What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.

Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.

The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!

Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 20 – 25, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa location

Please note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org

Jun 6(3 events)

(All day): Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)

(All day)
Jun 2 Jun 7

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.

What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.

What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.

Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.

The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!

Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 20 – 25, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa location

Please note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org

10:00 am: Knitting


Jun 6

Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.

For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

6:00 pm: Accessible Documents- What are they, and how do I get one?


Jun 6

Accessible Documents- What are they, and how do I get one?
June 6, 2019 6-8 p.m. at LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco

Whether it’s a memo from the boss, a bill from the utility company, a meeting agenda, or the menu for your favorite restaurant, you must interact with many different documents every single week. We all can agree that it is nice when they are accessible and easy for us to use, but we don’t always agree on what makes a document accessible, or what to do if we’re unable to get one in time to be relevant.
Access to information is our right and we should be provided with documents we can most effectively use. However, many of the people who provide us with these documents do not understand what makes a document accessible.

Therefore, in this session, we will cover the following:
- What does an accessible document look like?
-Accessible vs. Usable?
-Which type of file is easiest for me to use?
-What is this, and how do I read it? (unfamiliar file types explained).
=What can you do if you receive a document you can’t use
-OCR (what is it and how do I use it?)
-Reader options
-Changing file types
-Giving the creator feedback they can use to create accessible documents.
-How to create your own accessible documents.
-Benefits to you as the creator
-Simple methods of increasing the accessibility of your documents.
-Other helpful information to consider.

An RSVP is required for this class, and space is limited. To register, call 415.694.7343 or email ahogan@lighthouse-sf.org

This class is free to participants through support from the City of San Francisco’s SF Connected program.

Jun 7(3 events)

(All day): Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL)

(All day)
Jun 2 Jun 7

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training In March, June and October of 2019, the week-long Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open for registration. This 6-day/5 night Immersion Training has returned to Enchanted Hills Retreat Center in Napa.

What is this Immersion all about? Truly, it is about bringing peers together for learning, support, encouragement and moving forward. Each training brings together over a dozen adults ranging in age from mid-20’s to 90’s from all over northern California and the Central Valley who are new to low vision or blindness and have not had the opportunity to begin to embrace their journey of developing key foundational blind and low vision skills and, become acquainted with the information, resources and vibrant and supportive peer community. Over the past seven years CVCL has provided a venue and opportunity for over 250 students to jump-start the life they want to lead with confidence and competence. Each Immersion Week is purposefully planned for no more than 16 students so that small group learning and personal discovery can take place.

What skills and learning takes place? CVCL is a gateway for understanding the journey of skill and personal development students need to return to work, school and life. While we know that everything cannot be learned in 6-days, CVCL provides each student a full week of ‘learning appetizers which feature developing foundational skills and information in the areas of home management (cooking basics, organization and labeling skills), mobility, access technology, accessing print and most of all, peer support. Over the years we have listened to our students. Many students don’t know what choices they have, but also what decisions and commitments they will need to make as they desire to be successful in work, school and daily life. During the Immersion week we hope to provide each student the choices for jumping on a path to confidence, competence and independence. While gaining basic skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults who are low vision or blind to learn or relearn skills, remains the most pivotal impact of the week long experience.

Successful immersion learning is the consequential participation of learning or re-learning skills in everyday-life situations, simply put, learning and thinking by doing. Throughout the week students are introduced to skills, strategies and tools that can transfer from home to school to work, from sun up to sundown. Each day is full. All learning happens in small and large groups from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for those who want to get started even earlier, every morning starts with Yoga for All Abilities at 7:30am.

The majority of our teachers, facilitators and mentors are blind/low vision, and all have over 10 years personal and/or teaching experience with blindness. Our expectations are that each student has come to immerse themselves in learning new ways to accomplish familiar life activities with like-minded peers. It is an experience which is supportive, motivational, and fun! We are transparent though, the week is very active and can also feel overwhelming, intense and somewhat rigorous, because for many, much of the training and concepts are new. We are there to support you. And throughout the week, ‘time-out’ is provided for students to share their personal experiences with each other, gaining insight, perspective and support for moving forward. This week is for blind and low vision people who want to return to work, school and engage in life. The upcoming CVCL Weeks are developed to give students this focus. Specifically, the March and October CVCL Immersion weeks will be geared to persons who have the goal of employment. While many of the foundational skills will be introduced, students will also have the opportunity to meet students who have been successful in training and securing employment. Our June Immersion, will be open to all adults who are new to blindness and low vision, your goal is simply to want to jump back into life equipped with foundational skills and information!

Here are the upcoming 2019 Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion dates:
Session #1: March 24 – 29, Last day to register, March 18. Employment focused students only – Napa location
Session #2: June 2 – 7, Last day to register, May 24. Napa location
Session #3: October 20 – 25, Last day to register, October 14. Employment focused students only – Napa location

Please note, Sessions will be cancelled if registration falls below 10 students.
What is the fee for the week? The cost for the week is $1300 and $100 for transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael or Eureka. In addition to all of the learning and connection that takes place, the cost includes shared accommodations and three healthy and delicious meals/day. A pre-registration deposit of $100 is due at the time of acceptance to the Immersion Training. This deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made within 5 days of the start date of training. Limited scholarships will be made available to students who are not consumers with the Department of Rehailitation or the VA and are 55 years and older living in the counties of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and San Mateo.
To Register? All students must complete a Registration Intake and Assessment to ensure this training program is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Questions and Referrals from the California State Department of Rehabilitation or the Veterans Administration can be made directly to one of the staff listed below. We do request that all interested students are in good health and have the overall stamina to participate in full days of training walking throughout our Napa site which includes walking short grades and small hills.
Contact one of our staff in your area to start the registration process:
Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor, San Francisco Headquarters: 415-694-7357 or dbacon@lighthouse-sf.org
Jeff Carlson, Social Worker, LightHouse of Marin: 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@lighthouse-sf.org
Janet Pomerantz, Social Worker, LightHouse of the North Coast, Eureka: 707-268-5646 or jpomerantz@lighthouse-sf.org

1:00 pm: Talking Titles


Jun 7

Talking Titles
Second Fridays monthly, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ed Roberts Campus/ADA Cafe
3075 Adeline, Berkeley

Calling all book worms and word nerds! Let's talk titles, talking titles, that is. We're grabbing great titles from the National Library Services, devouring great reads in our preferred format, and gathering on the monthly to share all the feels, the highlights, the low-lights, and dissect with reckless abandon. Keep reading for more details on NLS if you are new to the alternative format book game, and contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316 to suggest titles, submit queries or simply RSVP.

About NLS:
The National Library Service (NLS) grants access to blind and print disabled individuals to alternative formats of tens of thousands of books and magazines for free in braille or audio formats, delivered to your door or instantly downloadable to a variety of devices. To learn more about NLS, visit their Frequently Asked Questions website.  To apply, visit the application website or call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) to find your local NLS partner library.

Read more: Talking Titles

5:00 pm: Art Opening: Textile Artist Claire Spector


Jun 7

Celebrate the opening of Claire Spector’s textile show, Blind Stitching: Vis-AbilityTM.
Claire Spector is a legally blind contemporary textile artist. She sews by feel. An artist all her life, the exhibition explores different textile techniques and follows Claire’s journey of stepping out into a wider world after becoming blind suddenly and without warning. Through the medium of contemporary textile art, the exhibition highlights everything from Claire’s first collaborative touch sewing projects in 2005 to more recent independent explorations.

The event begins at 5 p.m. in the LightHouse for the Blind Gallery (in the first floor lobby) showcasing Claire Spector’s work, and ends with a reception (starting at 6 p.m., on the 10th floor) with refreshments. included in this program will be a presentation where Claire will speak about her work, as well as opportunities for a guided tactile experience of the art with the artist.

In addition during this evening, introductions of the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition judges will be announced. The judges are coming to San Francisco to select the winners of the 2020 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition with over 110 competitors from as far as Barbados, and are an impressive group of accomplished blind professionals. There will be ample time for a meet and greet with the reception ending at 7 p.m. RSVP to avecchione@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7311.

Jun 8(1 event)

2:00 pm: Museum Meanderings: Blind Stitching: Vis-Ability @ LH Gallery


Jun 8

Museum Meanderings: Blind Stitching: Vis-Ability @ LH Gallery
Saturday, June 8, 2-4 p.m.
LightHouse for the Blind Gallery
1155 Market St., Ground Floor FREE

We are meandering only as far as our in-house gallery in June, where the new exhibit features Claire Spector, a legally blind contemporary textile artist. She sews by feel. The exhibition explores different textile techniques and follows Claire’s journey of stepping out into a wider world after becoming blind suddenly and without warning. Through the medium of contemporary textile art, the exhibition highlights everything from Claire’s first collaborative touch sewing projects in 2005 to more recent independent explorations.

We are thrilled to have Claire herself as our docent for this very personal edition of Museum Meanderings. RSVP to Serena Olsen, Adult Program Coordinator, at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694 – 7316.

From Claire's Artist's Statement:
“I am a legally blind contemporary textile artist. Since 2005, my near vision is multiple, misaligned and unstable. I am very sensitive to light, motion and geometric patterns. I walk with a red and white cane and use assistive technology.
When I was quite young, my artist mother Barbara taught me to sew by hand, to knit, draw and make prints. Hand-sewing teaches patience. Piecing-by-hand is a meditation…a sense memory of visual close work now guided by touch. My fingers reference edges, seams and tactile embroidery spirals I sew following a flow. Work progresses organically, a bit at a time.
I sew with cotton, linen, wool and silk scraps, remnants and deconstructed clothing using good cotton thread, short #10 quilting and big-eyed Sashiko needles, Perle cotton 8 embroidery thread, sharp cuticle scissors, glass-head pins and a treasured Japanese pin cushion.
The reassuring click of a Clover needle threader and the quiet of hand-sewing is a welcome break from synthesized assistive technology voices and the sewing machine. Sharing art created in this fashion opens dialogues and opportunities to explore new possibilities, learn about resources and discover creative workarounds for a more vibrant life.
The show is inspired by conversations about blind identity, art-making, and accessibility, with Anthony Tusler, Georgina Kleege, Karen Berniker, Cecile Puretz, Dr. Stanley Yarnell, MD, Jennifer Sachs, Greg Kehret.
This art show is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California Los Angeles.
The show is dedicated to the memory Claire’s dear friend, the artist Reese Thornton."

Jun 9
Jun 10
Jun 11
Jun 12
Jun 13(2 events)

10:00 am: Knitting


Jun 13

Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.

For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

5:30 pm: Queer Poetry Slam


Jun 13

Join LightHouse when we go to SF LGBT Center’s Poetry Slam, known as Queer Slam. This is an inter-generational, inter-sectional event focusing on original poems and stories by Queer identified folks in the LGBTQ community. We are gathering a blind contingent which will be walking from LightHouse to the LGBT Center (a little under a mile) and/or taking public transit as a group. All are welcome to join us and enjoy a fun evening of poetry at the LGBT Center! You can RSVP to attend with LightHouse with Serena at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694 – 7316. If you identify as LGBTQ and would like to share an original poem, you can do that! There are even cash prizes available.

Jun 14
Jun 15
Jun 16
Jun 17(1 event)

9:30 am: Sensory Development for Independent Travel


Jun 17

Sensory Development for Independent Travel

On June 17, 2019, the LightHouse Training Department will host a new class: Sensory Development for Independent Travel. The class facilitator, Sarah McIntyre, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist, will focus on auditory development and exploration of different types of canes and cane tips. What will you learn? Sarah will introduce auditory training, including sound identification, localization, and alignment; judging distances using sound; and beginning echolocation. These skills are vital to confident and efficient travel as an individual who is blind or low vision, especially in unfamiliar environments. Students wanting to develop the confidence and efficiency in transitioning from a visually-dependent traveler to an independent traveler applying additional sensory skills for travel are encouraged to register.

The class will be held at the LightHouse Headquarters Fitness Room, 1155 Market Street from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be a one hour break for lunch, wherein students should plan to bring their own lunch. To ensure effective student-to-instructor ratio, attendance is limited.

Participation Eligibility Criteria: This class is specifically designed for students who have been totally (or near totally) blind from birth (or a very young age) and, who have had a minimum of 6 hours of O&M training (please bring your cane with you). Students with known or suspected hearing loss are eligible and may benefit substantially from the program.

The cost of the class is $150.00. DOR, VA and Regional Center Counselors who are interested in referring a consumer, please send authorizations to the LightHouse at 1referral@lighthouse-sf.org. Partial scholarship funding may be available for non-Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)/ Veterans Administration VIST Program/Regional Center students age 55+ (living in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa or Marin). For those eligible, there is a $20 fee that must be paid prior to the class, this fee is only refundable with a 48-hour cancellation prior to the class start.

Please contact Briana Kusuma to sign up for the class and let her know if you will be receiving an authorization from your counselor to participate, or you are seeking eligibility for partial scholarship. You can contact Briana at bkusuma@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7335.

If you are unable to attend this workshop, upcoming workshop dates for 2019 include: August 13, and October 21.

Jun 18
Jun 19
Jun 20(2 events)

10:00 am: ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts


Jun 20

ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to Noon
Summer Semester: June 20 - August 1

Join our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

10:00 am: Knitting


Jun 20

Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.

For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

Jun 21(1 event)

4:00 pm: Dinner and Bingo


Jun 21

Dinner and Bingo

Enjoy a community dinner and lots of rollicking bingo fun on the third Friday of each month at the LightHouse. RSVP by noon on the Tuesday prior and $7 covers your dinner (RSVP later or not at all and your dinner is $10). Braille and large print bingo cards make bingo accessible for everyone.   Bring a handful or two of coins for small-change competitiveness … we play a couple of nickel games, several dimes games, and after dessert, one quarter gets you three games – good company – good food – good fun! To RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27(2 events)

10:00 am: ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts


Jun 27

ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to Noon
Summer Semester: June 20 - August 1

Join our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

10:00 am: Knitting


Jun 27

Every week, our knitters gather to share their purls of wisdom and get in the loop on each other’s latest project, and usually end up in stitches spinning yarns. Whether you knit for pleasure, distraction or just practical economics, or you’ve never done it before and want to give it a try, there’s always room for another loom. Learn, refine, or teach a skill that makes your gift-giving budget lighter weight or support a student-led altruistic project like knitting chemo caps, beanies for babies, lap blankets or other creative applications.

For more info, needle Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

Jun 28
Jun 29
Jun 30
Jul 1
Jul 2
Jul 3
Jul 4(1 event)

10:00 am: ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts


Jul 4

ASL/VIP Tactile Expressive Arts Thursdays weekly, 10 a.m. to Noon
Summer Semester: June 20 - August 1

Join our community of Deaf and blind/low vision adults and enjoy specialized sensory activities, gardening, cooking, exercise, music, cultural arts and more, all led by instructors fluent in ASL and trained to ensure you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. This exciting program is brought to you in proud partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. For more info or to RSVP, contact Adult Program Coordinator Serena Olsen at solsen@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7316.

Jul 5
Jul 6

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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