Tag Archive

Department of Rehabilitation

Getting Started

Getting Started

Have you or someone you know recently been diagnosed as legally blind?

LightHouse is here to support you wherever you are in your changing vision.

Am I “Blind”? Am I “Visually Impaired?”

Of the 285 million people in the world who are blind or have low vision, only a relatively small percentage have no light perception. For everyone else, blindness is a gradation. Some people see quite clearly, in certain light conditions. Others see only shapes and colors.

For some, their field of vision is complex and hard to explain. The diversity of these extra functions is what makes blindness particularly confusing to the unacquainted observer.

For those with changing vision, the daunting part is not usually the fear of darkness, but the fear of admitting that you’re different.

Who qualifies for LightHouse services?

LightHouse is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and we serve the greater Bay Area and north to the Oregon border. If you are outside of our geographic area, please still give us a call and we can connect you to a service provider in your area.

If you have a blind or visually impaired child between the ages of 0 to 3, you are eligible for LightHouse Little Learners. Little Learners serves the California Central Valley and the Greater Bay Area.
If you have both vision and hearing loss, our Deafblind program serves all of California.

What types of programs do you offer?

Access Technology

Learn how to use technology, like smart phones and computers, using accessible technology through one-on-one training.

Community Services

Throughout the year, we host outings, classes, recreational activities, and events for community members who are blind or have low vision of all ages to learn, connect, and thrive.

Deafblind Program

The Deafblind Program provides training, resources and support to persons who have both vision and hearing loss. The goal of the program is to ensure that deaf-blind individuals have access to information and the skills needed to live independent and productive lives. As part of this goal, the LightHouse operates the FCC program to ensure deaf-blind individuals receive free equipment and training to suit their needs.

Enchanted Hills Camp

Founded in 1950 by Rose Resnick, Enchanted Hills now holds not only our annual summer camp sessions, but also hosts classes, workshops, retreats and seminars in a beautiful setting high atop Napa’s Mount Veeder.

Independent Living Skills

Independent Living Skills include training in orientation and mobility, braille, cooking, and other independent living skills. Instruction methods include one-on-one, group, ongoing, and immersive options.

Little Learners

Launch in 2021, the LightHouse Little Learners program is here to help families with children aged birth to three who are blind, Deafblind have low vision, or a neurological visual impairment.

Volunteer Services

Volunteers

Youth Programs

The LightHouse offers a diverse array of outings, social events, and personal/professional development opportunities for young adult and high school-aged youth.

How do I get started?

To get started, email info@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415 – 694 – 7323.

 

Join us for a Department of Rehabilitation Info Session for Middle and High School Youth

Join us for a Department of Rehabilitation Info Session for Middle and High School Youth

Leap into Success Now: Opening the Door to Adult Life

Calling all middle and high school youth who are blind or have low vision and their families. Have you wondered what comes next after high school? Where can you get accessible training and equipment for work, college, or essential living skills? Well wonder no more and attend a presentation from Disability Rights California (DRC) and the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) on how to get a head start on your future and build on your strengths. You can also learn about programs that may be available in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation for your journey to adult life. There will be time after the presentation to speak with knowledgeable LightHouse staff and mentors who are blind or have a low vision regarding your individual situation.

What: Youth Employment Services (YES) Leap into Success Now! Opening the Door to Adult Life

When: Wednesday, November 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This is a unique opportunity to get all your questions from DOR and DRC answered including:

1. What services does DOR provide to students?
2. What is the DOR, WorkAbility, and College2Career?
3. Am I eligible to sign up with the DOR?
4. What types of supports, equipment, and training can the DOR provide for me?
5. What are my rights and responsibilities when working with different agencies such as the DOR, my school, or college?
6. If I am interested in signing up, how can I get started?

If you have any questions or would like to join us for the presentation, please contact Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Transition Program Specialist at AKwong@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone or text at 415-484-8377. RSVP by Monday, November 2.

Video: Meet Braille Skateboarding’s First Blind Employee

Video: Meet Braille Skateboarding’s First Blind Employee

In 2013, Alex Harding moved to the US from Sierra Leone, by himself, with only a $100 bill in his pocket.

Alex was young, but full of curiosity and a desire to learn and grow in the US job market. Still, as a person with low vision, Alex was at a disadvantage. As his vision changed, it became a struggle to show employers that he could work. In 2016, he signed up for the LightHouse’s Employment Immersion Program, and today he manages the facility of one of the web’s most popular skateboarding brands, Braille Skateboarding.

This is his story.

Braille Skateboarding is a tenant of LightHouse for the Blind at the Sirkin Center in San Leandro. We established a rental agreement with Braille Skateboarding because of their commitment to employ blind people like Alex.

If you’re blind, have low vision or have just experienced a change in vision and you want to gain the skills and confidence to jump back into the working world, we have a new four-week program just for you. To sign up, email Angela Denise Davis at adavis@lighthouse-sf.org or contact your local Department of Rehabilitation counselor and ask to be enrolled.

Get Ready for the School Year: Parent and Student Workshop on August 27 [postponed]

Get Ready for the School Year: Parent and Student Workshop on August 27 [postponed]

Note: this event has been postponed. For questions, contact jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Join LightHouse students, parents and teachers for a day-long workshop aimed at helping blind students and their families be more prepared for the coming school year and beyond.

The day will start with a panel of students, parents and teachers who will speak about challenges that specifically affect blind students, such as how to make sure handouts are available in accessible formats and ideas on how parents can help their children with their homework.

Next youth and adults will break into separate groups. Parents and teachers will focus on topics such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the role Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) plays in their child’s education and extra-curricular options for youth who are blind. Students will also learn about how DOR works, discuss transitioning to college, living skills and the importance of balancing work and play.

The day will wrap-up with an opportunity for families to get to know one another.

Who: Families with at least one youth under 18 and at least one family member of any age who is blind or has low vision.
When: Saturday, August 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse Building, 1155 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, 94103
Waiver: Each youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

If you would like more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org by Wednesday August 24.

Getting Started

Getting Started

Have you or someone you know recently been diagnosed as legally blind?

LightHouse is here to support you wherever you are in your changing vision.

Am I “Blind”? Am I “Visually Impaired?”

Of the 285 million people in the world who are blind or have low vision, only a relatively small percentage have no light perception. For everyone else, blindness is a gradation. Some people see quite clearly, in certain light conditions. Others see only shapes and colors.

For some, their field of vision is complex and hard to explain. The diversity of these extra functions is what makes blindness particularly confusing to the unacquainted observer.

For those with changing vision, the daunting part is not usually the fear of darkness, but the fear of admitting that you’re different.

Who qualifies for LightHouse services?

LightHouse is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and we serve the greater Bay Area and north to the Oregon border. If you are outside of our geographic area, please still give us a call and we can connect you to a service provider in your area.

If you have a blind or visually impaired child between the ages of 0 to 3, you are eligible for LightHouse Little Learners. Little Learners serves the California Central Valley and the Greater Bay Area.
If you have both vision and hearing loss, our Deafblind program serves all of California.

What types of programs do you offer?

Access Technology

Learn how to use technology, like smart phones and computers, using accessible technology through one-on-one training.

Community Services

Throughout the year, we host outings, classes, recreational activities, and events for community members who are blind or have low vision of all ages to learn, connect, and thrive.

Deafblind Program

The Deafblind Program provides training, resources and support to persons who have both vision and hearing loss. The goal of the program is to ensure that deaf-blind individuals have access to information and the skills needed to live independent and productive lives. As part of this goal, the LightHouse operates the iCanConnect program to ensure deaf-blind individuals receive free equipment and training to suit their needs.

Enchanted Hills Camp

Founded in 1950 by Rose Resnick, Enchanted Hills now holds not only our annual summer camp sessions, but also hosts classes, workshops, retreats and seminars in a beautiful setting high atop Napa’s Mount Veeder.

Independent Living Skills

Independent Living Skills include training in orientation and mobility, braille, cooking, and other independent living skills. Instruction methods include one-on-one, group, ongoing, and immersive options.

Little Learners

Launch in 2021, the LightHouse Little Learners program is here to help families with children aged birth to three who are blind, Deafblind have low vision, or a neurological visual impairment.

Volunteer Services

Volunteers

Youth Programs

The LightHouse offers a diverse array of outings, social events, and personal/professional development opportunities for young adult and high school-aged youth.

How do I get started?

To get started, email info@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415–694–7323.