The week's events

SunSunday MonMonday TueTuesday WedWednesday ThuThursday FriFriday SatSaturday
May 7
May 8(3 events)

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)

9:30 am: The Business of Blindness: Coffee with Mike (online)


May 8

What does it mean to be blind or low vision? Mike Cole, a veteran of all things blindness, leads this call-in forum to discuss the many day-to-day ins and outs of blindness—from daily living in your home environment to navigating the vast expanse of bureaucracies.

 

RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together **Registration Closed**

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together **Registration Closed**


May 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 6 classes over 4 weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory class with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour classes which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.  There is also a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, one in-person half-day group lesson, and one individualized lesson.

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 6 virtual classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Class 7 is a half-day, in-person Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration at the San Francisco LightHouse Headquarters. Thereafter, participants will be eligible for an individualized Low Vision Therapy class.

The first 6 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 Daylight Time):

Week of April 17: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment

Week 1 (Classes #1 and #2): Monday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 26– 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 1 and 2

Week 2 (Classes #3 and #4): Monday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 3 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3 (Classes #5 and #6): Wednesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 10 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 3 and 4

Week 4 (Class #7): Wednesday, May 17 at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco – 10am to 3:00 pm (including 1 hour break for lunch, further peer interaction)

Before June 14, 2023 (Class #8): individualized follow-up class tailored to the unique needs of each participant (scheduling preferred within 1-2 weeks from the group Class #7)

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). Please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 for an intake and referral

5:00 pm: Toastmasters: LightHouse Visionaries (online)

5:00 pm: Toastmasters: LightHouse Visionaries (online)


May 8

We did it! We are an official Toastmasters Chapter and are supported by experienced Toastmasters mentors! This is a safe and fun place to develop skills of self-empowerment. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.
RSVP for Toastmasters: LightHouse Visionaries to get the Zoom link or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
May 9(3 events)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: May 2023 (online)

2:00 pm: Tech Together: May 2023 (online)


May 9

Join the Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times.

May 9: Gadget Grab Bag
Join the Access Technology team for an informal discussion about our favorite gadgets and accessories. Feel free to come prepared to shout out a favorite gadget of your own!

RSVP online for Gadget Grab Bag or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

May 16: Accessibility Advocacy for Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Did you know this Thursday is Global Accessibility Awareness Day We’ll talk about how this day is observed, and discuss how to advocate for digital accessibility and universal usability!

RSVP online for Accessibility Advocacy for Global Accessibility Awareness Day or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

May 23: Braille, On Display
Join the Access Technology team for a discussion on the intersection of tech and Braille. From Braille displays and notetakers, to Braille input methods on our favorite devices, we will highlight and celebrate all that is technical and tactile!

RSVP online for Braille, On Display or leave a voicemail at 415-694-7684.

6:00 pm: National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)

6:00 pm: National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)


May 9

The National Federation of the Blind is a nationwide community of members that believe blind people can live the lives they want. We meet online via Zoom with the following schedule:

6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Happy (Half) Hour
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Chapter Meeting

To RSVP, contact President Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or 336-988-6375.

7:00 pm: College Spaces from Different Places: A Conversation on Accessing Fitness and Fun (online)

7:00 pm: College Spaces from Different Places: A Conversation on Accessing Fitness and Fun (online)


May 9

Summer is here with its long, sunny days, and with the changing season comes the end of many students’ school years. Beyond the bustle of summer classes, and internships, many students are hoping to spend some of their upcoming break from papers and projects enjoying the outdoors and partaking in many of the quintessential summertime activities.

This month, we will be joined by Jeshua Aveno, current Living Skills Instructor with the Hatlen Center, and fitness and travel enthusiast. Come with any questions you have about making recreation fitness activities and travel accessible, and hear from Jeshua about his experiences, blindness-centered fitness programs, and ways to make any activity or adventure accessible to you.

We hope you all can join us for our final College Spaces meeting of the school year! You can send questions and RSVP by May 5 to Daisy Soto at 415-694-7328 or DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org.

College Spaces from Different Places is a peer led student organization which cultivates connections and community for all undergraduate college students. College Spaces from Different Places is a group 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!

May 10(4 events)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)

9:30 am: Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


May 10

We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for 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.

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together **Registration Closed**

9:45 am: Low Vision Skills: Putting It All Together **Registration Closed**


May 10

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 6 classes over 4 weeks: a 2.5-hour introductory class with a Low Vision Optometrist, Social Worker, and two Certified Low Vision Therapists, followed by five, 2.5-hour classes which will include practical skills taught by the Certified Low Vision Therapists.  There is also a pre-course assessment one week prior to the start of the course, ongoing support during the course, one in-person half-day group lesson, and one individualized lesson.

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 6 virtual classes, participants can expect to feel more confident in using their vision and making changes in their environment for independent daily living skills. Class 7 is a half-day, in-person Group Adaptive Devices and Strategies Demonstration at the San Francisco LightHouse Headquarters. Thereafter, participants will be eligible for an individualized Low Vision Therapy class.

The first 6 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 Daylight Time):

Week of April 17: Course Introduction and Pre-Course Assessment

Week 1 (Classes #1 and #2): Monday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 26– 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 1 and 2

Week 2 (Classes #3 and #4): Monday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 3 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Week 3 (Classes #5 and #6): Wednesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 10 – 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Class Support between Weeks 3 and 4

Week 4 (Class #7): Wednesday, May 17 at LightHouse Headquarters in San Francisco – 10am to 3:00 pm (including 1 hour break for lunch, further peer interaction)

Before June 14, 2023 (Class #8): individualized follow-up class tailored to the unique needs of each participant (scheduling preferred within 1-2 weeks from the group Class #7)

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). Please contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 for an intake and referral

1:00 pm: Gratitude-VIBES: May 2023 (online)

1:00 pm: Gratitude-VIBES: May 2023 (online)


May 10

Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Experience weekly presentations that motivate and rejuvenate as students share what Energizes them. Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to boost morale and build connections, even when meeting virtually. Individual check-ins and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

May’s Theme: Resilience
May 3: (Song) What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger
May 10: Finding My Peace
May 17: I Don’t Fear the Darkness
May 24: No class
May 31: Acupuncture

RSVP online for Gratitude-VIBES: May 2023 or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)

6:30 pm: Goalball with BORP (in-person)


May 10

Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

May 11(3 events)

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)

9:30 am: Little Learners Playgroup (online)


May 11

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!

11:00 am: Create In Community: Art Class (in person)

11:00 am: Create In Community: Art Class (in person)


May 11

Let's gather together in the 11th floor art space at LightHouse San Francisco at 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 May, the junk journal continues as we gather memorabilia from home, collect ephemera from our journeys and collect offerings to share among peers. From there, we will make journal cards, create and stuff secret pockets, stitch together tactile treasures and experiment with techniques that make a handmade book a veritable tactile treat.

RSVP to Maia Scott at Mscott@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7608.

1:30 pm: Latitude High School Invention Showcase (in person)

1:30 pm: Latitude High School Invention Showcase (in person)


May 11

Come join us as Computer Science and Design students from Latitude High School in Oakland showcase inventions they've created, each with a specific function to assist the blind and low vision community in daily living skills.

If you want to check out these student-designed prototypes, give your feedback, and help aid and guide these future designers and engineers, come to LightHouse San Francisco at 1155 Market Street on May 11. Your feedback is needed for them to make the necessary improvements that could forge the next most-wanted gadget in the Adaptations Store! Space is limited, so RSVP by May 10 to Sheri Albers at SAlbers@lighthouse-sf.org, or call 415-694-7331.

May 12(1 event)

8:00 pm: Reel Escape Audio Description Club for Youth: The Last of Us (online)

8:00 pm: Reel Escape Audio Description Club for Youth: The Last of Us (online)


May 12

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 LightHouse and EHC friends.

After the Daredevil and Wednesday series, the club has chosen to watch The Last of Us.

Watch The Last of Us trailer.

***Parents Please Note*** The Last of Us is rated TV-MA and may not be suitable for children under 17 years old. IMDB has a parental guide that goes into greater detail about why the show received this rating.

IMDB The Last of Us content guide

Zoom meeting information will be shared with those that RSVP by 5:00 pm the day before the program. RSVP to Jamey Gump at JGump@lighthouse-sf.org  or 415-694-7372.

May 13

Return to calendar Print