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Important Information for Red and Green BART Ticket Users

5 Commentson Important Information for Red and Green BART Ticket Users

BART is moving away from paper tickets to Clipper. Here’s what you need to know if you are an RTC cardholder who uses red tickets or a senior who uses green tickets:

  • Red tickets (for individuals with disabilities) and green tickets (for seniors) will continue to be sold but only at nine locations.
  • BART faregates will always accept red and green tickets.
  • Clipper is the most convenient way to pay discount fares.
  • The RTC Discount Card is also a Clipper card so if you have one you’re ready to make the move now!

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that paying by RTC/Clipper or Senior Clipper card is easier than dealing with red or green tickets. And, of course, you’ll get the 62.5% discount each time you take a trip!

Here’s how to use the RTC/Clipper and Senior Clipper card:
First, you need to load money on your RTC Discount Card or Senior Clipper card. Use cash or credit or debit card.

  • You can do this at ticket vending machines in all BART stations.
  • Or, you can call or go online to Clipper Customer Service.

Now, you’re ready to use your RTC Discount or Senior Clipper card to pay your fare.

  • As you enter and exit, touch your card to the Clipper disk on the faregate. It’s the raised round blue disk on top. If you’re using the accessible gate, you’ll find the disk to your right on the side of the faregate.
  • As you exit, check the faregate display. You’ll see the discount fare paid and your card balance.

What you’ll love best about using your RTC or Senior Clipper Card:

  • You can put money on your card in BART stations. No more searching for a vendor that sells red or green BART tickets before you make a trip.
  • You can add whatever amount works best for you instead of being limited to a set denomination red or green BART ticket. And, you can use cash or credit or debit card and order by phone or online, too.
  • You’ll never have to deal with leftover tickets again.
  • You can check the card balance at any ticket vending machine before you start the trip and add money if you don’t have enough.
  • You’ll know the true fare for each trip you take since your card will be charged the 62.5% discount fare as you exit.

You can get in-station help from a BART station agent or you can call the BART Transit Information Center (510-465-2278) or Clipper Customer Service (877-878-8883), or go online to http://bart.gov/ or https://clippercard.com.

RTC Discount Cards are issued to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Call your local transit agency for an application.

You can apply for a Senior Clipper card at one of BART’s outreach events, at the Lake Merritt BART station or at any other local transit agency.

LightHouse News

Important Information for Red and Green BART Ticket Users

5 Commentson Important Information for Red and Green BART Ticket Users

BART is moving away from paper tickets to Clipper. Here’s what you need to know if you are an RTC cardholder who uses red tickets or a senior who uses green tickets:

  • Red tickets (for individuals with disabilities) and green tickets (for seniors) will continue to be sold but only at nine locations.
  • BART faregates will always accept red and green tickets.
  • Clipper is the most convenient way to pay discount fares.
  • The RTC Discount Card is also a Clipper card so if you have one you’re ready to make the move now!

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that paying by RTC/Clipper or Senior Clipper card is easier than dealing with red or green tickets. And, of course, you’ll get the 62.5% discount each time you take a trip!

Here’s how to use the RTC/Clipper and Senior Clipper card:
First, you need to load money on your RTC Discount Card or Senior Clipper card. Use cash or credit or debit card.

  • You can do this at ticket vending machines in all BART stations.
  • Or, you can call or go online to Clipper Customer Service.

Now, you’re ready to use your RTC Discount or Senior Clipper card to pay your fare.

  • As you enter and exit, touch your card to the Clipper disk on the faregate. It’s the raised round blue disk on top. If you’re using the accessible gate, you’ll find the disk to your right on the side of the faregate.
  • As you exit, check the faregate display. You’ll see the discount fare paid and your card balance.

What you’ll love best about using your RTC or Senior Clipper Card:

  • You can put money on your card in BART stations. No more searching for a vendor that sells red or green BART tickets before you make a trip.
  • You can add whatever amount works best for you instead of being limited to a set denomination red or green BART ticket. And, you can use cash or credit or debit card and order by phone or online, too.
  • You’ll never have to deal with leftover tickets again.
  • You can check the card balance at any ticket vending machine before you start the trip and add money if you don’t have enough.
  • You’ll know the true fare for each trip you take since your card will be charged the 62.5% discount fare as you exit.

You can get in-station help from a BART station agent or you can call the BART Transit Information Center (510-465-2278) or Clipper Customer Service (877-878-8883), or go online to http://bart.gov/ or https://clippercard.com.

RTC Discount Cards are issued to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Call your local transit agency for an application.

You can apply for a Senior Clipper card at one of BART’s outreach events, at the Lake Merritt BART station or at any other local transit agency.

LightHouse News

Blind Veterans: Enter to Win a Trip to the NFB Convention

The National Association of Blind Veterans, a division of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), announced a free lottery for wounded warriors who have lost their sight during Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The winner will receive a free trip to Dallas, Texas, to attend the national convention of the NFB, which will take place from June 30 to July 5, 2012.

First prize will include airfare to the convention for the winner and a companion, hotel accommodations, the convention registration fee and a banquet ticket, and the opportunity to meet and spend time with a whole organization of blind veterans. Entry to the contest is available here.

For more information about the contest or the National Association of Blind Veterans, please visit www.nabv.org or call Dwight Sayer at 407-877-8668.

LightHouse News

Give APH Your Input – Survey Deadline Extended to Nov. 15

In 2001, the American Printing House for the Blind hosted a multiple disabilities focus group and conducted its first online survey to identify product needs for individuals who have visual and multiple impairments. The results of that survey guided APH over the last 10 years in the development of products for the visually impaired and multiply disabled population.

This year APH hosted two multiple disabilities focus groups: birth to grade 12 in March and adults in June. Each group helped create a product needs survey.

APH invites you to take the survey that addresses the specific population with whom you work or parent, or the group of which you are a member. The survey links will be available until November 15, 2011.

Children Birth to Grade 12 Product Needs Survey

Adult Product Needs Survey

LightHouse News

Global Explorers Welcomes Blind Student Applicants

Global Explorers, a nonprofit providing educational travel experiences for students, is accepting applications for its 2012 “Leading the Way” program. Program expeditions in 2012 include the Peruvian Highlands and the Grand Canyon. Blind or visually impaired students age 15 to 21 can apply at  http://www.globalexplorers.org/programs/leading_the_way/.

Peruvian Highlands: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Peru, July 8 to 17, 2012

The Peruvian highlands are an ideal landscape to experience the power of a determined human spirit and to challenge yourself as a leader. Spend the first three days experiencing culture in the city of Cusco and the breathtaking Sacred Valley and the next five days hiking through spectacular mountain vistas and ancient Inca ruins.

Rim to River: Grand Canyon, Arizona, July 20 to 31, 2012

Spend the first three days engaging in service and experiencing the vast culture of the area on the South Rim of the Canyon and the next seven days on the upper half of the world-renowned Colorado River. The team will raft exhilarating whitewater, float through calm stretches and journey by foot through slot canyons.

Full scholarships are available, including special scholarships designated for participants from Massachusetts and the Pacific Northwest.

The deadline to apply is Friday, November 18, 2011.

If you have any questions or would like more information (braille and large print materials are available), please contact Laura Portalupi at laura@globalexplorers.org or 1-877-627-1425. Learn more about Global Explorers at their site.

LightHouse News

Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder – Are You Affected?

Vanda Pharmaceuticals has been conducting research on a chronic sleep disorder that affects about 50 percent of totally blind people. To learn more about non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder and find out if you are eligible to participate in the study, visit 24sleepwake.com.

The Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind recently published an article about non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder and about improving sleep and alertness in the blind. Read it here.

LightHouse News

Enrollment Deadline Extended to This Friday! Science at the LightHouse – Workshop for Kids on November 5

Camper Fredrik Landin creates shapes with yeast-risen dough

Enroll by Friday, November 4!

Last summer we gave children attending Enchanted Hills Camp the opportunity to participate in “Science Camp”. Well we have great news! The LightHouse, in partnership with Howtosmile.org, the Lawrence Hall of Science, and CINVESTAV México is offering a special opportunity to experience two multi-sensory science classes designed especially for K12 students.

Science instructors Sherry Hsi and Cristina Reynaga, from the Lawrence Hall of Science, ran our very successful Science Camp this summer and are looking for enthusiastic kids who might be interested in participating in these classes.

When: Saturday, November 5
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon OR 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Please note: space is limited to 10 participants per workshop. Please enroll by November 4, 2011!

See below for details on each workshop.

If you are interested in having your child participate or would like to learn more, contact Brandon Young at byoung@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

Class Descriptions

Class No. 1 – Modeling Cells and Making Musical Instruments
Ever wanted to get hands-on experience with several sides of science? Would you like to spend a morning learning about microscopic cells and how sound travels? Want to feel how all the structures in a cell fit together? In this “make and take” science and art workshop, it’s all about getting involved and learning with no barriers. Now it’s your turn to use your hands to learn about cells, as well as construct amazing musical instruments using everyday materials while learning about how sound travels, how ears work, and the concept of vibration and waves.

Grade Level: 4th to 6th grade
Enrollment Limit: 10
When: November 5th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Location: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Class No. 2 – Exploring the Secret Lives of Molds, Fungi, Yeast
Ever wondered how the largest organism on earth grew? Want to learn what you and yeast have in common? Couldn’t participate in a dissection in your class because the teacher wouldn’t let you dive in with your hands? If you’re a Middle or High school student interested in science, this hands-on workshop may teach you more than you ever expected to learn about living things microscopic and larger. Discover the world of microscopic fungi, how they grow and reproduce and their role in everyday life. You will conduct experiments, use tactile models, and build with arts and craft materials to explore the hidden worlds of single and multi-cellular organisms.

Grade Level: 7th to 12th grade
Enrollment Limit: 10
When: November 5th, 2011, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Logistics
There is no charge to attend the workshop. Sign up today to reserve your place in this free activity. As space is limited we’ll reserve your place on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food will not be served at this event. Students should plan to bring snacks and a bag lunch.

Click here to read about this summer’s Science Camp at Enchanted Hills: http://conta.cc/ehcscience

LightHouse News

Chris Downey Takes On the LightHouse Blind Cycle Challenge

On Sunday, October 23rd LightHouse Board member Chris Downey, with the help of two of his friends, rode tandem from LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters to the lighthouse at Point Reyes to raise funds for our programs and services. Donations are still coming in, but so far he has raised over $6000.00 towards his $10,000 goal. Here’s what Chris experienced on his ride, in his own words.

If you’d like to donate towards Chris’ goal, just click here to see his dedicated page: http://lbvi.staging.wpengine.com.com/supportchris/. Thank you!

Chris Downey and Hans Bogdanos on the Golden Gate Bridge

 

The “LightHouse Blind Cycle Challenge” on Sunday, October 23 lived up to its name as my captains and I rode 64 miles (100km) from the door of the LightHouse in San Francisco to the lighthouse at the southern tip of Point Reyes. Not only did the name celebrate the lighthouse at either end of the ride but it also captured the challenge that played out between the two points – especially the final 15 miles!

To our delight, the day was sunny and warm from start to finish. Heading out of the LightHouse on Van Ness at 8 a.m., we went for a majestic start loop around City Hall before cutting over to Folsom Street to head east to the Embarcadero. We made it around the waterfront before the locals hit the Ferry Building and before the tourists had a chance to descend upon Fisherman’s Wharf. Even the ride across the Golden Gate Bridge was sunny, clear and warm without the powerful gusts of wind that so commonly encircle the towers.

From there we continued north through Sausalito, along a string of bike trails, then rode through the towns of Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo and Fairfax before clearing the hustle and bustle of Sunday morning Marin coffee traffic. We made quick work of White’s Hill before dropping into the San Geronimo Valley and then riding north to Nicasio. After a brief stretch and an energy bar, we continued around the Nicasio Reservoir, and out to Point Reyes Station where we met my wife and son, Rosa and Renzo. Thinking we had sufficiently “tamed the beast”, we feasted on hearty lunches. We slipped into a premature sense of success, thinking that the end was just around Tomales Bay and beyond Inverness, on the Point Reyes Seashore. Little did we know, the real challenge was about to begin.

Cresting over the hills west of Inverness we heard the sounds of the roaring coastline and felt a false sense of achievement. We began our proud descent down the narrow road that we thought would take us right to the lighthouse. A quick glance at the odometers at the base of the descent was our wake-up call that something else was in store for us: there were 15 miles to go! We spent those next 15 miles traversing the ups and downs of undulating country roads between wind-swept pastures. Cyclists affectionately call these “rollers”.  At this point in our ride, we could think of a few other things to call them.

Our final half-mile was a rather steep ascent up to the cliffs above the lighthouse. We slowed to a pitiful 3.5 mile per hour pace. At times like this, it’s beneficial not to see the climb ahead. There’s no chance to be defeated or demoralized by the sight, so you just hunker down and get into an easy sustainable spin.  At the end, despite fears of the usual cold and windy fog that typifies the Point Reyes peninsula, the sun graced us warmly as we crossed the finish line.

My captains Mike Brown and Hans Bogdanos did a great job piloting the tandem from start to finish with a tag team trade-off between a solo bike and my tandem. These two treasured friends have been riding with me since only four months after I unexpectedly lost all sight, just over three and a half years ago. In particular Mike, an old riding partner of mine, confidently declared (while I was still in the hospital, having lost all sight just days before) that we would start riding tandem together as soon as I was out. Riding with these guys and for the LightHouse made for a most spectacular and memorable ride. There was so much karma in the air that the sun had to glow from start to finish.

Thanks to all who supported the ride, and it’s not too late for those that would still like to take the opportunity to contribute through the first ever LightHouse Blind Cycle Challenge. Together we can reach the goal of $10,000 in support of this wonderful organization that has been and continues to be so critical to Bay Area children, adults and seniors – and even an architect like me, to build or re-build a meaningful, successful and exciting life without sight.

Donate towards Chris’ goal by clicking here: http://lbvi.staging.wpengine.com.com/supportchris/. Thank you!

LightHouse News

Jobsite Series to Visit Yahoo – RSVP by Nov. 8

Each week the LightHouse is coordinating a group of individuals to meet with their employed counterparts working for the Bay Area’s leading businesses and institutions.

Our next jobsite excursion will take place on Wednesday, November 9th. We will be visiting Jim Barbour, Principal Systems Architect at Yahoo.

Jim has been working at Yahoo for 2 1/2 years. He leads small teams of engineers through projects involving computer programming, cloud computing management, capacity planning (how many machines it takes to handle 10,000 queries per second) and systems management (what to do when a bunch of computers lose power). Before joining Yahoo, Jim worked at Google for five years.

When not working, Jim enjoys hiking, skiing and cooking, and he does a fair bit of reading.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 8th, as space is limited.

To register for the Jobsite Conversation Series, or to find out more about it, please contact:

Rich Russo
Community Services Program Assistant
(415) 694-7352
rrusso@old.lighthouse-sf.org