Tag Archive

white cane

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.

 

Your Cane Can Dress Up for Halloween, Too

Your Cane Can Dress Up for Halloween, Too

As many may know, October is a month of many things. It is World Blindness Awareness Month, we celebrate the honorable White Cane Day on October 15, and of course, it is the start of “Spooky Season,” leading up to Halloween on the 31st. With the holiday just around the corner, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your costumes and get ready to strut your stuff across the screen of all this year’s virtual festivities! The tradition of dressing up in creative costumes—whether you prefer cute, crazy, or creepy—is a Halloween favorite. And the creativity doesn’t have to stop at your outfit! As blind and low vision cane users, there are dozens of fun ways to incorporate your cane into your overall look for the night.

Going for a witchy look this year? Nothing goes better with the striped stockings and pointy hat than a spell-casted broomstick! You can use many different materials to create broom bristles, construction paper, straw, or even dried corn husks. Bunch your preferred material around the last joint of your cane and fasten it together with a rubber band and there you have it—the perfect broomstick for the spookiest of witches!

Perhaps you are going for a more enchanting look? Take a spool of ribbon in your favorite color, glitter and sparkles always add a dash of dazzle, and carefully wrap the ribbon around your cane, winding it up from the bottom to the top. Fasten each end with sturdy tape and you’ve just transformed a plain white cane into a magical wand, charming and elegant for any fairy princess. Attaching flowers, feathers, or jewels can add an extra polished finish to your wand.

Perhaps you’re disguising yourself as your favorite character. Whether you’re dressing as Batman or Bart Simpson, every character has a memorable catchphrase! Take a large piece of cardboard and carefully cut out the shape of a “speech balloon” (the little word bubbles seen in comic strips and cartoons). Write your character’s most memorable phrase or a silly saying on the cardboard and use tape to attach the speech balloon to your cane. Pose with the speech balloon pointed towards you and you will capture the spirit of your character perfectly! If you have a Braille writing or embossing device in your possession, add Braille to the speech balloon and make your catchphrase accessible!

There are so many ways to make your cane a fantastic addition to your costume. Whether the character you’re portraying has a handheld accessory or not, your cane can be the shining star of any look. With paper, tape, glitter, ribbons, or other simple household materials, you can transform your white cane into a fancy or scary costume accent. And the best part of it all? You never have to sacrifice independent travel for Halloween fashion. Let the Halloween holiday inspire you to get crafty. Tag LightHouse in your social media posts and show us your cane costumes. We can’t wait to see your creations! Happy Halloween, everyone!

And don’t forget, you’ll get until October 31 to get 10% off white canes and accessories online at our Adaptations Store, or by calling 1-888-400-8933, or by accessing LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired under specialized help on the Be My Eyes ap

LightHouse Satellite Offices

At LightHouse’s satellite locations, we are often training in the community, so please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Our satellite offices offer most services as our headquarters, and we’re always happy to refer you to the proper service and support. Below you’ll find a listing of services and locations.

Low Vision and Blindness training/support include:

  • Providing local, State and National Resources and Information
  • Counseling and Support Groups
  • Living Skills Assessment and Training  
  • Access Technology Assessment and Training
  • Orientation and Mobility Assessment and Training
  • Maximizing low vision through magnification, lighting and glare reduction strategies
  • Equipment Loan Program

LightHouse East Bay

Ed Roberts Campus
3075 Adeline, Suite 110
Berkeley, CA 94703
LIGHTHOUSE ERC RECEPTION : 415-694-7675
ED ROBERTS FRONT DESK: 415-694-7675 ext. 7770 
FAX: 510-845-8705
VIDEO PHONE: 510-356-0018
TTY: 510-845-8703
EMAIL: info@lighthouse-sf.org

Deaf-Blind Specialist: deaf-blind@lighthouse-sf.org

LightHouse North Coast

Grove Building 317 3rd St 
Box 3
Eureka, CA 95501
TEL: 707-268-5646
FAX: 707-268-5647
TTY: 707-268-5655
EMAIL: northcoast@lighthouse-sf.org

On our North Coast Resources page, you’ll find a listing of resources for people experiencing changing vision, people who are blind or who have low vision and senior citizens. 

October 15 is White Cane Day, so we’re giving you a 10 percent discount on White Canes

October 15 is White Cane Day, so we’re giving you a 10 percent discount on White Canes

Blind people have used white canes as a tool to navigate throughout the world for hundreds of years. Since 1964, Americans have commemorated this symbol of freedom and independence by recognizing October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. In 2011, White Cane Safety Day was also named Blind Americans Equality Day by President Barack Obama.

During the week beginning October 15, the Adaptations Store will celebrate White Cane Safety by taking 10 percent off of all of the canes we have in stock to commemorate this invaluable tool.

You may think one long, white cane is just like another, but think again. Canes can be as unique as the people who carry them, which is why we offer such a plethora of options for you to choose from. Our canes range from lightweight to heavy, from rigid, solid canes comprised of a single piece of material, to canes that collapse into 5, 6 or 7 sections. We also offer telescoping canes in a myriad of styles with customizable grips and tips for you to make the selection that fits you best. Our cane tips range from the standard pencil to a rolling marshmallow, from steel to ceramic, so you can outfit your cane to suit your preferred amount of feedback and detection.

Our new line-up includes two telescoping canes, one from Ambutech, which adjusts and can be locked at the length you prefer between 31 and 69 inches. Another is a 9-section, light-weight mini telescoping cane available in 6 lengths, ranging from 51 to 61 inches. It collapses into its handle, making the entire cane only about 12 inches when completely collapsed. This cane

is so small it fits in your pocket, and makes a great backup cane so you won’t find yourself stuck without a cane. These small, compact canes are made by Chris Park, the manufacturer of both our rigid, lightweight canes as well as our 7-section folding canes. It is a wonderful solution for those who travel with dog guides, just in case your dog gets sick and you find yourself in a pinch. Take this versatile cane with you when you go out to see a movie or attend an event at a crowded venue.

If your cane is beginning to show its age, we can make it shine with a new coat of reflective tape, a new tip to give it a completely different feel, or perhaps a new denim or leather holster for hands free carrying.

During the week of October 15, to kick off White Cane Safety, we’ll give you 10 percent off of the cane of your choice if you call the Adaptations Store between Monday, October 16 and Friday, October 20. Canes are essential to the health, well-being and safety of blind people and visually impaired people, from beginners to veteran travelers alike. Don’t deprive yourself of this basic right to travel when and where you wish! Picking up a cane for yourself or a friend today.

Call our staff at 1-888-400-8933 to inquire about item pick up and mail orders or email us at adaptations@lighthouse-sf.org.

 

Blind & Low Vision Skills Training

Our team of teachers and specialists (many of whom are blind or have low vision themselves) are highly trained and experienced in teaching low vision and nonvisual techniques and strategies.

Our goal is to teach skills and strategies that you can apply throughout your life  to help maintain your independence. From learning essential safe travel skills in your home and community to accessing your mail or favorite book, the LightHouse strives to meet the needs of any individual seeking to improve their quality of life and self-reliance.

Each person has their own journey and pace for learning new skills, and our  teachers will meet you at your level of readiness and will encourage your growth. If you are open to learning how to do something in a new way with your changing vision, we are ready to provide the training and support you need.

For those who are new to low vision or blindness or have a recent change in their vision, we recommend our flagship program, Changing Vision, Changing Life.

Immersion Training: Changing Vision, Changing Life 

Changing Vision, Changing Life (CVCL) is an introductory immersion program for adults who are newly blind or have experienced a change in vision. The week-long program introduces basic and essential skills to live confidently at home and in the community. Topics include organizational skills and labeling, navigating safely, introduction to adaptive aids and technology, and discussions on adjustment to changing vision.

While CVCL introduces students to invaluable blindness or low vision training and techniques, the bigger purpose is to bring people together to learn and share experiences in a supportive environment. The instruction is designed to motivate students to learn more and to envision all the possibilities. Many students who attend CVCL return to leading full, active lives while remaining enthusiastically engaged with the LightHouse.

Students do not need to live in the Bay Area to attend CVCL. Our facilities in Napa and San Francisco are equipped with lodging and provide meals to keep you comfortable and nourished throughout the training.

Read about CVCL in the New York Times!

In addition to CVCL, listed below are the core learning opportunities in which you can participate as a student. All these skills can be learned from our headquarters in San Francisco and most of them from our satellite offices:  LightHouse East Bay, and LightHouse of the North Coast,

Orientation and Mobility (O&M)

The ability to move about independently with confidence and grace is an essential step towards self-confidence, independence and living a full life, and the goal of O&M Training.

“Orientation” refers to the ability to know where you are and where you want to go, whether you’re moving from one room to another, walking a route from your home to downtown, taking a bus from one place to another or ‘orienting’ to a new worksite or school campus.

“Mobility” refers to the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another. This means walking confidently without tripping or falling, crossing streets, and using public transportation. Mobility training includes learning to use essential tools like a cane or a monocular telescope for those with low vision, and strategies, such as listening for traffic patterns when crossing the street or using accessible pedestrian signals.

LightHouse O&M Specialists recognize that traveling ‘independently’ is different for everyone; in addition to learning basic skills, students can  learn alternate systems for travel such as Human Guide or using community Paratransit. Additionally, they provide training in GPS navigation systems using smartphone apps, tactile map reading skills, spatial awareness, and other sensory skills.

O&M Training is available to individuals, and to small groups through our O&M: Get Moving class and other workshops.

Essential Living Skills

Essential living skills, often called Independent Living Skills or Daily Living Skills, are the essential skills you use in your daily life. Your approach to these skills can change if your vision changes. Our teachers provide you the tips, strategies, simple modifications, and tools to continue your routine at home, school or work. The emphasis is on teaching transferable skills, where individual skills can be applied to many activities.

Here are some of the specific areas we address:

  • Organization and labeling (visual and non-visual)
  • Sensory Skills (non-visual and low vision)
  • Environmental modification
  • Adaptive Devices and Technology (blind and low vision)
  • Food Preparation and Cooking Skills
  • Clothing Care and wardrobe management
  • Paper Management (bills, correspondence)
  • Household Management and housekeeping
  • Personal Hygiene Care
  • Record Keeping and managing financial/household documents
  • Time and Calendaring Management Tools
  • Shopping (from on-line to in-store shopping)
  • Social and Recreational Involvement – getting back to a routine of fun!
  • Smartphone training and relevant apps

ILS training is available to individuals, and to small groups through our Low Vision Skills: Putting it All Together class, Language of Listening class, and other workshops.

Braille

Braille, an accessible tactile reading and writing system, is essential to blind literacy. It is also crucial in pursuing education and employment.

The LightHouse is dedicated to teaching Braille and offers individual sessions every day of the week. Our programs support businesses, schools, and community agencies with the aim of providing and maintaining access to Braille.

Adult students of all ages can benefit from learning Braille at various levels:

  • To produce simple labels
  • To write notes or shopping lists
  • To play cards with friends and family
  • To learn contracted braille for note-taking, reading textbooks or documents, or using refreshable Braille displays with computers or smartphones

To receive low vision or blind skills training, contact:

To find out more and to get started receiving services, please call us at 415 -694 -7323 or email us at info@lighthouse-sf.org

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.