Category Archive

LightHouse News

LightHouse News, Resources in the Community

Employment Opportunity: Librarian (Digital Reference) (Vacancy #: 120125)

NLS Operations Alert

No. 12-89

DATE         :November 16, 2012

TO                :Network Libraries

FROM         :Stephen Prine, Acting Head, Reference Section

SUBJECT   :NLS vacancy announcement

NLS has posted the following vacancy announcement for a Digital Reference Librarian position:

Librarian (Digital Reference Librarian) (Vacancy #: 120125)
GS-1410-09 — Library Services (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Partnerships and Outreach Programs) — $51,630.00–$67,114.00
Opening Date: November 6, 2012
Closing Date: December 6, 2012

Details of the position and the application process are at USA Jobs at the following URL:

https://www.usajobs.gov/

For more information contact:

Stephen Prine

Acting Head, Reference Section

spri@loc.gov

LightHouse News

Disability Rights Advocates Needs to Hear from You

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is investigating complaints regarding barriers that people who are blind or low vision and people with mobility disabilities have encountered when attempting to vote in Northern California. In particular, DRA is interested in hearing about any problems that blind voters, visually impaired voters, and voters with mobility impairments may have experienced when attempting to vote. If you are legally blind or if you have a mobility disability and you encountered access barriers when attempting to vote, please contact Michael Nunez by phone at 510-665-8644 or by e-mail at mnunez@dralegal.org.

Thank you for any information you can share.

LightHouse News

The San Francisco LightHouse Red Cross Club for Bay Area Blind Youth!

In partnership with the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, the LightHouse is very proud and excited to offer membership in the newly established San Francisco LightHouse Red Cross Club for Bay Area Blind and Low Vision Youth. This will be the first-ever Red Cross Club in the United States comprised exclusively of blind and low vision youth. Although Red Cross Clubs currently exist in many schools across the country, none are dedicated exclusively to addressing the needs, interests, and accessibility of the blind community.

For those unfamiliar with Red Cross Clubs, membership is both an honor and a commitment. The standards and expectations are high, however, so are the rewards. Membership in the San Francisco LightHouse Red Cross Club will afford blind and low vision youth the opportunity to better prepare our community in times of emergency/disaster, assist the American Red Cross in expanding accessibility, educate the public on health and safety, learn invaluable leadership skills and meet many new friends and partners. Additionally, participation in the Red Cross Club will reflect strongly on any resume and/or college application.

The first San Francisco LightHouse Red Cross Club meeting is tentatively scheduled for early December. If you are interested or you would like more information, please contact Director of Community and Volunteer Services John Liang at jliang@old.lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7334.

LightHouse News

Calling All Adventurous Youth

The Global Explorers program is currently accepting applications for two leadership-focused, adventure-filled, travel expeditions. This 2012-2013 season we will be uniting 15-21 year old students who are blind, visually impaired, and sighted on two incredible Leading the Way Program expeditions. The first is the Rim to River expedition, where students will take part in engaging service and cultural immersion and then have the unique opportunity of rafting the Colorado River through the majestic Grand Canyon. The second is the Peruvian Highlands expedition, where students will experience the magic of the Quechua culture and hike through the Andes exploring Inca ruins, ending at the infamous Machu Picchu. The Leading the Way Program was developed in partnership with world-renowned blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer.

For more information and to apply click here. To nominate a student please click here.

Applications are due November 30, 2012.

LightHouse News

Up for Bid: Seven-night luxury vacations through Inspirato

Our event is coming up this Friday, November 9!

Enchanted Hills Post-Party Celebration
Friday, November 9th
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Redd Wood at North Block Hotel
6755 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599

We look forward to seeing you there. Before the event, we wanted to share with you one of our most exciting items up for bid: a number of seven-night luxury vacations through Inspirato, a private vacation club.

Pool, sun, palm trees make a tropical vacation scene

Inspirato’s iconic destinations around the world are maintained to the very highest level of standards. Inspirato has donated a number of seven-night vacations to be sold for $6,000 each. The buyers will enjoy the same benefits and service that members enjoy – in addition to an amazing vacation in one of their most unique destinations.

The Destinations
Tortola • Wine Country • South Beach • Los Cabos • Punta de Mita Newport Coast • Tahoe • Kohala Coast • Maui • Aspen Vail • Deer Valley • Beaver Creek • Jackson Hole• Snowmass Village Telluride • Naples • Anguilla • Rosemary Beach • Nantucket

The Properties
Two to six bedrooms | Six to twelve guests

See individual date restrictions by destination. Applicable blackout dates apply – see “Vacation Offer Details”.

Inspired Giving by Inspirato was created to pair exceptional travel experiences with innovative charitable giving. With Inspired Giving, donors can simultaneously benefit causes in need while experiencing a trip of a lifetime through Inspirato.

If you’re planning a family vacation, consider supporting Enchanted Hills Camp through Inspired Giving by bidding on this amazing trip. This unique opportunity to enjoy one of Inspirato’s incredible destinations benefits our organization, but it also gives you access to properties unlike any you’ve experienced.

Vacation Offer Details
Inspired Giving by Inspirato vacations are 7-nights, beginning on a Saturday or Sunday and limited to specific times of year by destination outlined above. Travel must be booked within one year of event date; however, travel may take place within two years of event date. Holiday blackout dates apply for all properties including the weeks of Christmas, New Year’s, Presidents Day, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Spring Break (last three weeks of March and the first two weeks of April). A valid credit card must be presented before booking vacation, as well as upon arrival at your destination, for incidentals. Purchaser agrees to cover any damages and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner while in residence. Prize does not include transportation to/from destination or any other auxiliary amenities (private chef, gratuity, etc.). Individual booking stay must be at least 23 years old. Resort Fees may apply. This donation allows you to travel as an Inspirato member, but does not grant a full membership to Inspirato.

 

inspirato logo

LightHouse News

How can enjoying a bowl of risotto or ravioli benefit the LightHouse?

It’s simple! Just have a delicious lunch or dinner at the Italian restaurant Caffe Delle Stelle in Hayes Valley on Tuesday, November 13. Caffé Delle Stelle is located at 395 Hayes Street in San Francisco (only two blocks from the LightHouse). Eat to your heart’s content knowing that 20% of the cost of your meal will be donated to the LightHouse. All you need to do is mention the LightHouse when you pay for your meal.

If you have any questions or you want to let us know you’re participating, please contact Lisamaria Martinez at 415-431-1481 or info@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Caffe Delle Stelle takes walk-ins but you can also make a reservation by calling
415-252-1110 or making a reservation on their website. Go to www.dellestelle.com for reservations, an online menu and directions. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. and dinner is served from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. We’ll see you there!

LightHouse News

LightHouse Launches First Annual Food and Toy Drive

1 Commenton LightHouse Launches First Annual Food and Toy Drive

Please join LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters and the blind community this holiday season in helping our needy blind and sighted neighbors as we host our First Annual LightHouse Food and Toy Drive.

From November 1 through December 15 we will be collecting canned and dried food goods for the San Francisco Food Bank, as well as toys for Bay Area blind and low vision children. New toys in original packaging are greatly appreciated. Barrels for both food and toys will be located in the downstairs lobby of LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters at 214 Van Ness Avenue.

Each donor will be registered to win a $25.00 gift certificate through Adaptations, the LightHouse store. Together we can make the holidays shine a little brighter on those in need. For more information, please contact John Liang, Director of Community Services at 415-694-7334 or jliang@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Here is a listed of suggested toys proven to be the most stimulating to young children who are blind or who have low vision. These toys can usually be found at stores such as Target, Toys ‘r Us, Amazon and others.

  • Manhattan Toy Skwish Color Burst
  • Fisher Price Little Superstar Classical Stacker
  • Edushape Sensory Balls
  • OBall:
  • OBall Rattle
  • Mozart Magic Cube
  • Any Nesting/Stacking Cups and Toys
  • Toy Gyms/Playmats

Client Dorothy Barta places Toy in Toy Drive Barrel

 

LightHouse News

Volunteers Get Enchanted Hills Ready for Winter

Representatives from California Conservation Corps, Greater Napa Kiwanis Club, BJ’s Brewhouse (Concord), and LightHouse volunteers joined together to help with landscaping, painting and fire abatement projects at Enchanted Hills Camp. The hours were well spent as the volunteers worked hard with both enthusiasm and good spirit.

Camp Director Tony Fletcher said, “It was a great team effort and we accomplished all the projects on our list. The LightHouse is so thankful to everyone for giving us their time and energy on that beautiful Saturday at camp. Special thanks to BJ’s Brewhouse for providing lunch for all the participants.”

Group photo of participants in October 20 Volunteer Day at Enchanted Hills


LightHouse News

Leave a LightHouse Legacy and Join the Park Chamberlain Heritage Society

Employment Immersion Summit participant Ramona Herriford

Through the years, the LightHouse has been fortunate to have the support of donors who give planned gifts such as a bequest, a beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy, 401(k) plan or IRA, life-income gift or other planned giving mechanisms. These donations may provide tax benefits while truly helping the LightHouse perpetuate our programs supporting the blind and visually impaired community for generations to come.

Those who remember the LightHouse or Enchanted Hills Camp through a bequest or other planned gift of any size will be recognized as a Park Chamberlain Heritage Society member. Park Chamberlain was a dedicated donor who gave to the LightHouse and Enchanted Hills Camp for many years until his passing in 2002. Soon we were grateful to learn that he left his single largest gift to Enchanted Hills Camp through a bequest.

For further information, please call our Development Department at 415-694-7365 or giving@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

New Emphasis on Small Group Learning Makes for Success and Fun

1 Commenton New Emphasis on Small Group Learning Makes for Success and Fun

The LightHouse has developed a program of Cohort-Based training for small groups of blind or low vision students so they can take the skills training journey together and stay connected when classes are done.

Webster defines “cohort” as a group of people banded together – working together as a group. LightHouse students that take classes as part of a cohort experience an atmosphere of support, learning and pure enjoyment.

Students in the cohort begin their journey with group training in the following core classes:

  • Changing Vision, Changing Life
  • Touch Typing for Technology
  • Cooking Basics

In addition, each cohort member receives personalized individual Orientation and Mobility Training.

Over a period of two to three months, cohort peers receive training from our experienced instructors and guest mentors. They also learn from and support each other – they become kindred spirits for success in learning new skills, creating a community, embracing change and moving forward.

We began developing cohort training at the LightHouse because we realized that many times people who need blind-skills training are often too busy to make the multi-month time commitment offered by residential training programs. The LightHouse’s open-style cohort training provides flexibility for those who have additional responsibilities in their lives, such as work and taking care of their families.

To learn more, contact Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Cohort meets with the librarian at the Talking Book Library (at the Main Library in San Francisco) to discuss their services – from left to right, Talking Book Library librarian, Cohort members Marie Vuong, Greg Robinson, Cyndy Herrera, Gail McGaster, Tuesday Burright

Cooking Basics instructor Dave Baioni teaches student Tuesday Burright the finer points of chopping garlic