(All day)
Feb 3 – Feb 5
Where: LightHouse Headquarters (1155 Market Street in San Francisco)
February 3 at 4:00 pm through February 5 at noon
Whether it’s for work, recreation, or a multitude of other reasons, independent travel is a significant part of the transition student experience. Join us this February for a weekend all about the importance of travel, filled with conversations with mentors and professionals, and plenty of opportunities to try out your independent navigation skills throughout San Francisco.
Youth Employment Services (YES) Workshops are monthly weekend-long learning experiences for youth and young adults who are enthusiastic about realizing their dream careers, emphasizing the vocational enrichment of low vision and blind youth, providing access to a multifaceted array of mentorship, employment readiness skills, and alternative accessible techniques. Each YES workshop focuses on a specific theme and offers an array of self-advocacy, assistive technology, living skills, and soft skills curricula empowering students to strive toward future employment or post-secondary educational success. The weekend is spent learning from blind and low vision mentors, connecting with blind and low vision peers, and engaging in creative hands-on activities which further support youth to explore and achieve their individualized and professional goals.
Things to Bring:
If you are interested in participating in the February YES Weekend Workshop, please:
Please note: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 plus boosters when applicable is required to join this event.
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Feb 6
LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Masks must be worn at all times.
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
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Feb 6
The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.
Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school, and daily living environments.
The virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.
It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.
The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):
Week 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.
Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org The class is limited to ten students.
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Feb 7
Join the Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times.
February 7: The World of Accessible Reading
Winter is the perfect season to curl up with a good book. Whether you like nonfiction or novels, join the access technology team, and we'll discuss the applications and tools you can use to read, as well as what's new in the world of accessible reading.
RSVP online for The World of Accessible Reading or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
February 14: Exploring eReaders
The National Library Service has developed digital Braille EReaders for use by library patrons, and these are now available in the state of California. Join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss and explore these devices. Braille-readers and book-lovers won't want to miss this one!
RSVP online for Exploring eReaders or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
February 28: Virtual Meeting Platforms
Join the Access Technology team as we explore and discuss the accessibility and usability of popular meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
RSVP online for Virtual Meeting Platforms or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7618.
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Feb 7
Is getting involved in your community and volunteering some of your time a New Year’s resolution you’ve been considering? Have you been part of a memorable volunteering experience, or do you want to get some ideas about how to get more involved? Join us this February for our first meeting of 2023, where we’ll be talking about all things volunteerism. Bring some stories to share, a friend, and questions for your peers!
College Spaces from Different Places is a peer-led student organization which cultivates connections and community for all undergraduate college students. This group is designed by and for low vision and blind students to have fun, build community, and share in our struggles and accomplishments. Many undergrads are currently missing out on forming social connections on their own college campus. Therefore, joining College Spaces from Different Places will give you an opportunity to come together with others from across the state. Leave your books and syllabi behind and join us!
To RSVP, ask questions or to be part of future College Spaces from Different Places gatherings, contact Daisy Soto DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org 415-694-7328 to learn more.
Please RSVP by February 3, 2023 to receive the Zoom link.
NOTE: The Zoom link to join will be distributed the morning of the meetup. All blind/low vision college students are welcome, and you DO NOT need any authorizations from the DOR to join.
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Feb 8
Each Wednesday morning we offer a series of short, meditation-based practices for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.
RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
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Feb 8
The Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together course is composed of essential topics recommended for all participants who are new to low vision.
Adults 55 and older, in addition to adult clients of all ages being served by the California Department of Rehabilitation, are invited to participate in a virtual six-session course geared towards learning about their changes in vision. Participants will learn practical ways to maximize successful, independent living skills in work, school, and daily living environments.
The virtual course is divided into six lessons over three weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory lesson with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour lessons which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.
It is a comprehensive skills training distance course introducing participants to foundational low vision concepts, skills, and current technologies for maximizing successful, independent daily living skills. After the virtual six-session course, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Thereafter, participants can be eligible for individualized Low Vision Therapy lessons.
The classes will be taught via Zoom Video Conferencing, best viewed on a tablet, laptop, or computer (phone is not recommended for participation in this course due to small screen size for viewing class materials and resource options) at the following dates and times (Pacific Standard Time):
Week 1: Monday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 8 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 2: Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 15 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Week 3: Wednesday, February 22 and Monday, February 27 (due to the President’s Day Holiday observance Monday, February 20) – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
If you are not with the California Department of Rehabilitation, and if you are age 55 and older, living in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity, there may be partial scholarship funding for training and course materials. For adults working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, please contact your Rehabilitation Counselor directly to discuss participation and referral.
Currently this course registration is closed, however we are accepting referrals for our waitlist for our next available class (dates TBA). To register please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or Certified Low Vision Therapist, Gina di Grazia at gdigrazia@lighthouse-sf.org The class is limited to ten students.
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Feb 8
Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. This solutions-based group can help you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. Previous sessions included demonstrations of poetry, music, drumming, visualization, Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, self-care, gardening, and employment journeys. These are followed by individual check-ins.
Our February 2023 theme is Relationships. Students will present on the following topics:
February 1: Relationships between animals and people
February 8: Relationships with friends
February 15: Relationships with people we have not met yet
February 22: Relationships and love
RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-6707
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Feb 9
LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2 – April 13, 2023.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing this form: https://forms.office.com/r/MsNHzhK3Hc
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we can only complete tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in March). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Masks must be worn at all times.
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648. Thank you.
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Feb 9
Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!
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Feb 9
Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space at LightHouse San Francisco (1155 Market) to explore a different art process, style or media each moth while connecting with fellow creatives. These are exploratory, process-oriented classes that invite you to work at whatever level you are, be it first timer to expert.
This month we will create a variety of painted and textured papers that we will later use as collage materials to create colorful and tactile artworks.
RSVP to Maia Scott at MScott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.
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Feb 10
We all need an escape at times, and with the Real Escape Audio Description Club you can do just that with your blind and low vision friends. Our weekly gathering takes place Friday evenings at 8:00 pm., where we watch the next episode of our series and connect with your LightHouse and EHC friends. Now that we’ve watched all that we could from the world of Daredevil, our club will be switching things up and will start watching the new series, Wednesday, in early February. For those unfamiliar with the show, check out the trailer.
***Parents Please Note*** Wednesday is rated TV-14 for fear, language, and violence which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 14. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating. Read the Parent Guide for Wednesday.
Who: teens and young adults who are blind or are low vision
What: Wednesday with the Reel Escape Audio Description Club via Zoom
When: Friday evenings @ 8:00 pm
Where: anywhere you can access a zoom meeting
RSVP: Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program
If you are interested in signing up or have any questions about the Reel Escape Audio Description Club, please contact Jamey Gump by email at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7372.