Congratulations to Jordan Lopez and the agency he represents, Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS), who is our 1000th Twitter follower (so we awarded him a stylish LightHouse t-shirt). Jordan, we’re so glad you could join the conversation. To follow us on Twitter go to: https://twitter.com/lighthouse_sf.
How many times have you wanted to watch a YouTube video that has gone viral, that hilarious cat or dog video or the one showing the crazy things that kids do at dinner time or a preview of that movie you’ve been anxiously waiting for. Or were you required to view a YouTube video for class only to find it wasn’t described?
In collaboration with the Smith-Kettlewell Video Description Research and Development Center, the LightHouse can add audio description of YouTube videos at your request. The new technology making this easy and quick is called YouDescribe, and it was invented by LightHouse Board President, Dr. Josh Miele. YouDescribe allows anybody, anywhere to contribute description of an existing YouTube video, and when the video is played with YouDescribe, the descriptions are played back with the video giving blind viewers better access to the content.
“Clients have long sent in a wide range of print material not available elsewhere for LightHouse volunteers to record,” says Greg Kehret, LightHouse Director of Access to Information Services. “Given the ubiquity of YouTube in our culture, the sheer volume of videos out there, this is a tremendous opportunity for people who are blind to say to the LightHouse ‘Can you describe such-n-such for me?’, as well as for those on tight budgets to make their outreach and marketing videos accessible. Using their voice talents, time and recording equipment, LightHouse volunteers can now make this information accessible too.”
This new LightHouse service is free to individuals who are blind, and provided at reasonable cost to commercial customers. If you are interested in having a YouTube video described contact Greg Kehret at 415-694-7349 or gkehret@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Other LightHouse Information and Description Services
From braille, tactile maps and audio products to access consulting, the LightHouse is pleased to assist businesses and individuals in making needed information accessible. For more information on how the LightHouse can help with providing accessibility call Greg Kehret at 415-694-7349 or gkehret@old.lighthouse-sf.org
Since 2012 the LightHouse has been the California agency leading the statewide Deaf-Blind Telecommunication Project supported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The goal of this project is to help deaf-blind individuals from all over California communicate more effectively with their friends, family and service providers. As the lead agency of the project, the LightHouse has distributed accessible telecommunication equipment such as smartphones, computers and braille displays to eligible clients. Critical technology and braille training are also offered to help clients gain the skills to use the devices effectively.
The impact of this grant has been life changing. Our team, consisting of Deaf-Blind Specialist Sook Hee Choi, Access Technology Specialist Shen Kuan and Helen Keller Southwest Regional Rep Cathy Kirscher, plus several deaf and deaf-blind technology trainers, has assessed, supplied with equipment and trained more than 170 people who are deaf-blind.
For example, Teresa Lambert has grown up deaf-blind and due to Usher Syndrome I her visual field has been narrowing significantly. Through the LightHouse Teresa received an iPhone and a portable Focus 14 braille display that allows her to access it. For the first time, she can email and text effectively, allowing her to be more independent and to connect with friends, family members, doctors and businesses, without asking for help.
Sisters Amanda and Cynthia Lee have also benefited from the grant and training through the LightHouse. Both of them are deaf-blind, also due to Usher Syndrome I. For much of their lives they had no way to contact family or paratransit and had to rely on others to make these calls. Though neither of them knew braille they knew this skill was necessary in order to take their independence to the next level. They began braille training and after furious practice over a month’s time they learned enough braille to be able to use iPhones and Focus 14 braille displays. Now they are confidently keeping their own schedules independently.
Sook Hee said, “Through this grant, we’ve discovered many people who have been isolated for a long time. They’ve never heard the word, “Wi-Fi”, let alone understood the concept. The response from people who are deaf-blind, blind and hard of hearing and those who are deaf and low vision (legally blind) has been tremendous.”
If you are a deaf-blind Californian (age 15 and over), and low income, you may qualify for this pilot program (eligibility is established by the FCC). Please email dbepinfo@old.lighthouse-sf.org to receive an application. Expect a 1-2 month wait to process new applications, complete equipment assessments and finally receive equipment. We look forward to hearing from you!
In collaboration with Westat Inc. and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco will be hosting a Tactile Acuity Study. The Tactile Acuity Study is a federally funded project aimed at furthering the research and development of creating tactile currency in the United States. LightHouse is scheduling interviews for the last week in January at our San Francisco Headquarters.
The interview will take between 30 to 45 minutes and pay $45 for those who are selected and complete the interview. There are a limited number of spots available.
Though we can’t guarantee that the $45 paid to participants will be accessible, we hope that the group will help the Treasury implement accessible currency that makes sense for all users. If you are interested in participating, please contact Beth Berenson at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Justine Harris-Richburgh has been working with Program Leader Kate Williams for almost six months as the Employment Immersion Program Coordinator. Recently she’s taken the lead with some of our classes and has been integral in helping our students who have been hired in achieving combined salaries of $1,250,000.
Justine has a rich background in Human Resources with a focus on employment and has worked for several agencies including Goodwill Industries, Lincoln Child Center and Trust for Public Land. She’s brought her professionalism as well as her warmth, compassion and sense of humor to the Employment Immersion program with her personal mission of helping individuals reach their full potential and independence through employment.
Justine told us, “I love what I do and where I work, and I want all my students in the Employment Immersion Program to experience the same kind of fun and challenge I do in the workplace.”
Are you ready to find a great job and earn enough to support yourself? Or are you looking for work for the first time? The next Employment Immersion class begins on March 18. It’s a small investment of time – just eight weeks will get you up-to-speed with the latest job-search methods, plus one-on-one counseling and interview practice in a warm, encouraging environment. For more information, call Justine Harris-Richburgh at 415-694-7320 or volunteer@old.lighthouse-sf.org. You’re also welcome to contact Kate Williams at 415-694-7324 or kwilliams@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Planning your estate can help you live worry free. Learn what’s afoot in the economy and about tax law changes, and how to best manage your finances for the future while helping the LightHouse provide vital and life-invigorating programs for the blind. Our guest speaker is Gary Rothstein, an expert in the field. He has been advising clients on advanced estate-planning techniques since 1993.
You are Invited:
What: It’s 2014, the Tax Laws are Changing – How do I Achieve My Goals and Do Some Good Along the Way?
When: Friday, February 21, 10:30 a.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Complimentary lunch to follow
RSVP By February 19th to: Lisamaria Martinez at 415-431-1481 or info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. To learn more about planned giving opportunities or receive a copy of LightHouse’s new planned giving guide, please contact Jennifer at 451-694-7333 or jsachs@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
The LightHouse is putting together a Blind Bowlers League that will begin play in January 2014 and we invite blind and low vision individuals of all ages and experience to join us.
Our goal is to form four teams comprised of 3-4 bowlers. Individuals and self-formed teams are encouraged to apply. Each team shall have no more than (1) sighted person. However, that person will be required to wear a sleep shade (occluded) throughout play. Self-formed teams are encouraged to submit a predetermined team name.
League play will initially take place every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Albany Bowl, which is located just three short blocks from the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. The cost is $10.00 per person per week. This fee covers bowling shoe rental and unlimited bowling for three hours. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Albany Bowl.
Once league play commences, a structured tournament schedule will be established and distributed. Lane bumpers are optional. A handicap will be determined for those choosing to utilize lane bumpers.
Spare no time, and strike it big by signing up today! For more information, or to sign up, please contact Molly Irish at mpearson@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.
Are you newly losing vision and want to know how successful blind people deal with it? Or have you been blind or visually impaired for a while and want to be brought up to speed with an intensive connected introduction to the latest in skills and gadgets? Would you like to take part in an opportunity to learn new skills while enjoying the fresh air, tall redwoods and delicious, healthy meals at Enchanted Hills?
Throughout 2014 we are offering the following Changing Vision, Changing Life Immersion sessions:
• Sunday, January 26 through Friday, January 31, 2014
• Sunday, March 30 through Friday, April 4, 2014
• Sunday, June 8 through Friday, June 13, 2014
• Sunday, September 7 through Friday, September 12, 2014
Transportation is provided from LightHouse offices in San Francisco, Berkeley and the North Coast.
We also offer training in our San Francisco, Marin and North Coast offices. To learn more about trainings in Napa and in San Francisco, contact Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org. For training in San Rafael, contact Jeff Carlson, Social Worker at 415-258-8496 or jcarlson@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Del Norte and Humboldt county residents may call Janet Pomerantz at 707-268-5646 and e-mail jpomerantz@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Our special sessions are part of what makes EHC the place to be in 2014. In January we will publish on our website dates for all the kids, family, teen and adult sessions we’ll have available as well as how to apply. (Watch for our announcement.) See you this summer at these special sessions:
Chemistry Camp: May 2nd to May 4th, 2014
Up to fifteen blind high school students, ages 14-18, will be selected to participate. Would you like to learn how blind people tackle the supposedly 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? Then the California Chemistry Camp is for you.
For Chemistry Camp program information & application please contact:
Angela Fowler
Director of Planning, Accessible Science
Email: fowlers@syix.com
Phone: 530-902-0987
There is no cost to attend.
Providers Weekend 2014: Now Free to Newcomers!
Please reserve May 16 to 18 now for an enlarged and far-ranging Provider’s Weekend at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa. For nearly 20 years the LightHouse has hosted this signature event as the one place in the Bay Area where teachers, managers, program staff and students entering the blindness field can meet and network throughout a long weekend.
When: May 16-18, 2014
Where: Enchanted Hills Retreat
Cost: $100.00 (free for first-time participants)
Summer Music Academy
We’re offering a brand new Music Academy for blind and visually impaired musicians that will rock your world. If you are a serious blind musician or are thinking of entering the profession, this academy will introduce you to new ways you can write down your own music, read the works of others, and generally gain the capacity necessary to compete for and win employment in the music field.
When: August 3 through August 9, 2014
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp
Cost for the week, all-inclusive: $300
(Limited scholarships will be made available)
For more information on Enchanted Hills sessions contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Learn to Put Style in Your Slate and Stylus – Improve Your Slating Skills Workshop
Braille aficionados say there’s nothing like the simplicity of the always-available slate and stylus to jot down an email or take class notes. Having trouble conquering the slate and stylus? Well, no need to worry because slate enthusiasts Lisamaria Martinez and Serena Olsen are here to guide you.
If you are considering taking the National Certified Literary Braille exam (see below), and you need an additional boost to your slating skills, sign up for this one night workshop designed to help you connect the dots.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
When: Wednesday January 8, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
This workshop is free.
Please RSVP to Lisamaria Martinez at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-431-1481 by Monday January 6, which incidentally is the birthday of Louis Braille.
Start January Right: Get a National Certification in Literary Braille
Stand out among teachers of the blind and visually impaired! Don’t miss this opportunity to hold this important, nationally recognized certification of literary braille proficiency. The National Certification in Literary Braille (NCLB) test will be administered by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).
When: Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
To find out more information and to register for this important test, please go to the NBPCB website: www.nbpcb.org/nclb. Deadline for registration is January 13. For questions and possible future testing opportunities, please email braille@nbpcb.org or call 318-257-4554.
Compete in the Northern California Regional Braille Challenge!
When: Saturday, March 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Deadline to register is Friday, February 7.
Northern California’s blind and low vision youth in grades 1-12 are invited to compete in a series of braille skills challenges demonstrating braille reading and comprehension; speed and accuracy; spelling; proofreading and tactile graphics. Awards will be presented to the top three participants within each of the five grade level groups. Everyone who competes is recognized. Winners may qualify to compete in the 2014 National Braille Challenge to be held at Braille Institute in Los Angeles, CA.
Register with John Liang, LightHouse Director of Community Services, at jliang@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7334.
The Braille Challenge is a National Program of Braille Institute and is hosted by LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (San Francisco), in collaboration with Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, California School for the Blind, and Braille Institute of America.
Volunteers Needed:
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Transcribers and Braillists are needed to serve as Proctors and Scorers for this exciting event. Please contact Alice McGrath at amcgrath@vistacenter.org or 650-858-0202, ext. 130.
