Tag Archive

Youth

Feb 18 Registration Deadline Looms for Braille Challenge

When: February 27, 2016
Where: The California School for the Blind
Deadline to register is February 18, 2016

Registration is well under way for the Northern California Braille Challenge which will be held and hosted by the California School for the Blind, in collaboration of LightHouse for the Blind, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Junior Blind-Northern California and Lions Center for the Blind.

The day will include speakers who are past Braille Challenge national winners, workshops for parents and teachers and a wonderful day of braille focused events.

Parents and teachers need to complete the 2016 Permission form and return it by February 18, 2016 to CSB, Attn: Sharon Sacks, 500 Walnut Ave., Fremont, CA 94536.

If you have questions feel free to contact Alice McGrath, Community Relations Manager at amcgrath@vistacenter.org or call 650 858-0202, ext. 130.

Youth Program Improv Class

Join your friends from the Lighthouse Youth Program for our first ever Youth Improv class. Students will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of hilarious improv games and skits led by the LightHouse Youth Leadership Team.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth between the ages of 8 and 18.
What: Play fun group games and participate in improv skits.
When: Saturday, February 13, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters @ 214 Van Ness Avenue.
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form if they have not done so for a previous outing or event.
Cost: FREE for low vision and blind youth.
What to bring: A good sense of humor, at least one prop and one clothing item that participants can share during improv games and skits.

Classes will be limited to 8 participants and all participants must RSVP.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series – January through May 2016

On Saturday January 30, the LightHouse Youth Program launches its latest program for low vision and blind transition aged students. LightHouse YES is a series of day long workshops designed to help low vision or blind transition-aged students to be prepared to become successfully employed.

This informative new series will provide low vision and blind transition-aged youth with vital skills and practices that will help them become more successful in higher education and their chosen career path.

First Workshop: Exploring Career Paths
Saturday, January 30, 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Our first segment of our new LightHouse Youth Employment Series will consist of an in-depth discussion about career exploration.  Students will learn about all sorts of careers from successful low vision and blind individuals in a wide variety of fields. At the end of this workshop, students will have learned techniques and methods they can use to research career paths so that they can attempt to find the best job suited to them.

Save the Date for the February workshop: Saturday, February 20
During the next LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshop, students will learn how to appropriately assess their skills and needs in order to get the most appropriate accommodations for school, work and beyond.  A more in-depth description of February’s workshop will be available shortly.

If you would like more information or to register for the workshop please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Youth Employment Series of Workshops
Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind or low vision professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

Held at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

January 30
February 20
March 26
April 30
May 21

The workshops will teach students to:

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to smoothly transition into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.
  • And learn much more.

Who is eligible?
Low Vision and Blind youth and transition-aged students

Is there a cost?
The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $150 per student. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. DOR authorizations or alternate payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

 

 

 

High School Students — Get Ready for Reactions at Chemistry Camp 2016

Students watch a chemistry experiment during Chemistry Camp.Would you like to learn how blind people tackle the visual subject of organic chemistry successfully? Do you have a general love for science? Do you want to learn how you can do chemistry as a blind person just as successfully as your sighted peers? Are you interested in how blind professionals use science in their careers every day? If the answer to any of these is “Yes!” then the 2016 Chemistry Camp is for you.

Join the LightHouse, Accessible Science and Credo High School for an educational, exciting, and fun-filled weekend of hands-on science.

When: Friday, March 18, 2016 through Sunday, March 20, 2016.
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp, 3410 Mt Veeder Rd, Napa, CA 94558
Who: Up to twelve legally blind high school students will be selected to participate. Don’t hesitate to apply if you are in middle school or just out of high school. We do make exceptions.
Cost: There is no cost to apply for the program.
For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.accessiblescience.org/chemistrycamp.

Questions? Email Angela Fowler at angela.fowler@accessiblescience.org.

Funded in part by American Honda Foundation.

Sign Up by Tomorrow – LightHouse Youth Program, the Exploratorium and NFB Team up for a Weekend of Science this Spring

Young Tino Benneli and Andre Berardi face off during a Battle-Bot competition, part of the robotics segment of our recent TouchSTEM session at Enchanted Hills.
Note: Deadline to apply for NFB STEM2U is tomorrow, January 5, 2016.

As part of a national grant to make science museums more accessible for the blind, the LightHouse will partner with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the Exploratorium for three days of science for blind school students from around California.

To address the lack of blind youth entering technical careers, the LightHouse believes we need to start early. Earlier than previously thought possible. Parents of blind children in grades 3 to 6 may want to consider this introductory session which features fun activities and great mentorship opportunities.

The free NFB STEM2U program will provide exciting accessible STEM learning opportunities for blind students in grades 3-6. Parents will also have the opportunity to join in the fun and learning.

What: NFB STEM2U San Francisco
When: March 3-5, 2016
Where: Exploratorium, San Francisco

Learn more and apply at www.blindscience.org/nfb-stem2u. If you have questions, please contact Natalie Shaheen at STEM@nfb.org.

The LightHouse Youth Program Presents Birding with the Blind: Identifying Birds Through Sound

Tom Grey GoldfinchJoin the LightHouse Youth Program as we explore the Quarry Lake Recreation Area for our first-ever bird identification hike. During the hike students will not be using binoculars, instead we will use our ears to identify the birds by sound. With help from the Merlin Bird ID Application, we will match the sounds we hear on our hike with recorded sounds from the app.

Who: Families with at least one low vision or blind student
What: Bird Identification Hike and Picnic
When: Saturday November 21, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Quarry Lake Regional Recreation Area located at 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CA 94536
Meeting Location: We will gather at the Information Stand next to the restrooms and phone, closest to the main entrance and parking lots.
Transportation: Limited transportation from the Union City Bart Station can be made available upon request.
Cost: FREE
Waiver: Each participant must complete a LightHouse Youth Program Application, if you have not done so already.
What to bring: good walking shoes, a smart phone loaded with the Merlin Bird ID App, bag lunch, water bottle, warm layers of clothing and sunscreen.

Here’s more information about the Merlin Bird ID App. Please note that this app has some features that are not accessible with voice over.

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.

LightHouse Youth Up Their Game at CCB Convention

LightHouse Youth gather for a group photo at the CCB Banquet. From left to right; Xianna Rodrigues, Travis Erdmann, Andy Rodriguez, Martha Estrada, Jamey Gump, Carmen Contreras, Jordon Ingalls-Holloway, Olivia Merz, Joe Retherford, Annalisa DiLeonardo and Jacob ObesoLast month nine blind and low vision members of the LightHouse Youth Program traveled with program leader Jamey Gump plus two additional blind adult mentors to Los Angeles to attend the 2015 California Council of the Blind (CCB) Convention. There they experienced, some for the first time, the excitement of attending relevant seminars and workshops, exploring the exhibit hall, networking and making friends while getting a beginners course on how one “does” a convention.

Students spent most of the long days listening to experts discuss topics important to the blindness community. These included upcoming changes at the Department of Rehabilitation, homemaker cases and transition services funding, efforts being made by CCB and partners to make absentee voting accessible plus an update on laws that protect service animals and information about traveling with your guide dog internationally.

Youth Program Leader Jamey Gump told us, “Some of the most important moments during the convention happened during the down time when people were able to speak with other blind and low vision individuals. They were able to meet CCB members from across the state and hear first-hand about what CCB does. They also had opportunities to make friends with youth their own age, encouraging the building of a support network of their peers.”

Joe Retherford–one of the mentors that chaperoned the trip–added, “This was the first convention for a lot of the students and a good experience for all that were involved. Being around that many blind individuals is empowering.”

Jamey is planning future significant excursions for LightHouse Youth in 2016. Read about them first in our Youth Program Events List. To sign up, contact Jamey at 415-694-7372 or jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Bowling Competition with the LightHouse Youth Program

The LightHouse Youth Program invites blind and low vision youth to join us for our first ever bowler competition.

Registered participant will gather on the afternoon of Saturday, November 7 at Albany Bowl. Once all of the bowlers have arrived we will have two games of bowling. During our first game, students will have the chance to practice a few frames before our friendly competition during the second game. Prizes will be awarded to bowlers that have the highest and lowest scores at the end of the second game.

Who: Low vision and blind youth (ages 8 -18)
When: 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 7
Where: Albany Bowl @ 540 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706
Public Transportation: Assistance to and from the El Cerrito Plaza Bart is available upon request
Waiver: Each participant must complete a LightHouse Youth Program Application, if you have not done so already
Cost: $20:00 per person (includes; two games and bowling shoes)
RSVP: Please RSVP by November 4 to Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372.

LightHouse Youth – Bowling Competition

The LightHouse Youth Program invites low vision and blind youth to join us for our first ever bowler competition. Registered participants will gather on the afternoon of Saturday, November 7th at the Abbey Bowl. Once all of the bowlers have arrived we will have two games of bowling. The first game will be an opportunity for both experienced and new bowlers to practice a few frames before our friendly competition during the second game. Prizes will be given to bowlers that have the highest and lowest scores at the end of the second game.

Who: Low vision and blind youth (ages 8 -18)
When: Saturday, November 7, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Albany Bowl at 540 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706
Public Transportation: Assistance to and from the El Cerrito Plaza BART is available upon request.
Waiver: Each participant must complete a LightHouse Youth Program Application, if you have not done so already.
Cost: $20:00 per person (includes two games and bowling shoes)
RSVP: Please RSVP by November 4th to Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372.

Whodunnit? LightHouse Youth Program Presents: Celebrity Murder Mystery Party

Join the LightHouse Youth Program for our first ever Murder Mystery Party. Here’s the premise: Participants spend the evening role-playing as their favorite celebrity who are, of course, attending an A-list after-party at Kanye West’s Hollywood mansion. During the party Kanye is shot dead! Lead investigator Jamey Gump has been called in to assist the guests in solving the crime of the century.

Who: Low vision and blind youth (ages 14 -24)
What: Murder Mystery Party
When: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Dress Code: Show up dressed as your favorite celebrity.
Waiver: Each participant must complete a LightHouse Youth Program Application, if you have not done so already
Cost: Pizza dinner will provided for those that RSVP
RSVP: You must RSVP by October 21 to Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372