| On April 16, 2011, Napa Rotary will again host its annual Cycle for Sight ride in Napa in support of Enchanted Hills Camp. You can register to ride on a 15-, 25-, or 50-mile course as a tandem or solo rider as part of Team LightHouse! For information about Team LightHouse and when or how to register for Cycle for Sight, contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org today! |
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LightHouse News
LightHouse Athletes to Compete in Annual Goalball Tournament
Did you know that the LightHouse is not only a place where great ideas come together, but also where great athletes come together, as well?
Many of our blind and visually impaired staff, friends and supporters are or have been competitive athletes. Donor Relations Coordinator, Lisamaria Martinez, was a Judo competitor on the national stage. Our new Blind Leaders Enrichment Specialist, Brandon Young, is a Goalball Paralympian. And our former Director of Public Policy and Information, Jessie Lorenz, was also a member of the U.S. Paralympic Goalball team. Transition Employment Coordinator Arlena Winn played Division I basketball. And several of our LightHouse Board members are avid cyclists, competing in races like Cycle for Sight and the BORP Revolution.
Speaking of BORP and LightHouse athletes, this weekend, the LightHouse will compete in BORP’s Annual Invitational Goalball Tournament. Our four-member team is looking forward to a day of healthy competition and fun. We hope that you’ll come out and support Team LightHouse at the James Kenney Recreation Center, 1720 8th St, Berkeley, CA 94710. Contact Jonathan Newman at 510-849-4663 x304 or jonathan@borp.org for more information.
Blindness Civil Rights Advocacy Alert
San Francisco continues to be a legal crucible for blindness civil rights and on Monday, December 6, 2010, the next chapter in our long struggle will take place in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. If you want to witness how civil rights are won one step at a time, please consider attending this hearing and lending your support.
The following is an announcement from Stephanie Enyart’s legal team: “The blind community is encouraged to rally behind Ms. Stephanie Enyart as her case is argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Ms. Enyart is a blind law school graduate seeking admission to the California Bar. She has requested to use JAWS on the Bar Exam. The testing entity denied her request citing security concerns. It is important for the court, the press and other interested parties to understand that the blind community cares about this issue. Blind students should be able to take standardized tests using their assistive technology. It is no longer acceptable that all blind test-takers should be required to use only human readers when their preferred method of accessing print may be through another method such as computer screen review programs. Members of the blind community are encouraged to attend the public hearing on December 6 to show their support for Ms. Enyart’s position.”
Attendees will need a government-issued photo ID to enter the courtroom.
When: Monday, December 6, 2010, 1:00 p.m.
Where: John R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, United States Court of Appeals – 9th Circuit, Courtroom 3, 3rd Floor
Address: 95 Seventh Street, San Francisco, California 94103
Please share this with your contacts to ensure a strong turnout in support of Ms. Enyart and blindness civil rights.
How to Read in the Dark
When: Friday, December 3, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco
The next LightHouse Technology Seminar, How to Read in the Dark, will be held on December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., PST.
- Listen via: http://lbvi.staging.wpengine.com.com/listen.m3u
- conference call 641-715-3300 (Guest code 168319#)
- or join us in person.
We’ll be featuring information about the iPad, digital book readers, how to download digital books from the National Library Service, electronic Braille books and more.
RSVP at rsvp@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Accessible Credit Reports
Three major credit reporting companies in the United States have been making free credit reports accessible for almost two years. As the holiday season approaches it is a great time to review your report — in Braille, Large Print or audio format, or on the web in an accessible on-line format. Every United States citizen is entitled to one free report every twelve months from each of the three companies: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. The three reports can be requested at the same time, or at different times over a twelve month period. This post has details about how to request free accessible credit reports.
Read more at http://lflegal.com/
Support the LightHouse with Bloomspot
Want a new way to save money while supporting the LightHouse and the clients we serve? We’ve partnered with Bloomspot, an online magazine offering daily specials for quality restaurants, hotels, spas and more.
After joining the LightHouse Circle on Bloomspot, a percentage of your purchases will be donated to the LightHouse. As an added bonus, BloomSpot will contribute $5 to the Lighthouse for each new subscriber who joins before Wednesday, November 17!
To join our circle, click on http://bit.ly/Bloomspot.
Learn How You Can Change the Lives of the Blind and Visually Impaired by Running a Half Marathon
The LightHouse for the Blind is the largest organization serving the blind and visually impaired in Northern California. We have a responsibility to change the lives of those who are blind and visually impaired so that the dream of being employed, going to school and having a family does not remain just a dream but becomes a reality.
One of our oldest programs is our Enchanted Hills Camp and retreat. Nestled in the hills of Napa, Enchanted Hills is a scenic getaway where blind and visually impaired youth and adults have come to canoe, hike, horseback ride, and meet new and old friends who all share a common bond. For 60 years, this camp has aided in the personal growth of many individuals.
At the LightHouse, we believe our Enchanted Hills Camp as well as our programs and services can help put blind and visually impaired people on the road to achieving their own personal success. We need your help to keep all of our programs thriving.
Your commitment to fundraise and run, walk or jog the San Francisco half marathon will help enrich, foster and create new and exciting programs and services that can change the lives of people living with visual impairments, and keep our current programs flourishing.
Join today and change someone’s life.
–$500 can pay for the construction of a tactile relief map of the Napa hills and valleys that surround our Enchanted Hills Camp for blind youth and adults.
–$250 can buy campers a backpack, sleeping bag and tent for a confidence-building wilderness trek and night under the stars.
–$100 can help pay for a variety of classes that teach alternative techniques and provide strategies for living a successful life as a blind person.
–$50 can help us buy archery and other sports equipment for adaptive games, like beep baseball.
–$25 can go toward the purchase of a white cane, which is a necessary tool needed for the safe and independent travel of blind people.
If you are ready to make this commitment, join us at the LightHouse on Wednesday, November 17 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for a light dinner, socializing and a brainstorming session on how to raise that $1,300.
Meet your teammates and get ready to run/walk/jog the San Francisco half marathon and put the fun in fundraising for a fantastic cause.
Training begins Saturday, November 20, so if you have not yet registered, please visit http://bit.ly/teamlighthouse today!
Raffle prizes will be given away. But, you must be present to win. To RSVP, or to ask questions, call or email Lisamaria Martinez at 415-431-1481 or info@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
See you at the LightHouse!
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
LightHouse at Ed Roberts Campus
We’re here! The LightHouse is proud to announce our presence at the Ed Roberts Campus. Our new location will allow us to expand a variety of our services and programs throughout the East Bay. Stay tuned for more information!
CCB and NFB State Convention Highlights
Conventions often provide attendees with a great opportunity to network, meet new friends, catch up with old friends, and learn about the latest and greatest happenings in a particular field.
In October, the California Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of California held their state conventions, which always offer attendees a chance to renew their commitment to improving opportunities for all Californians who are blind or visually impaired.
The semi-annual convention of the California Council of the Blind (CCB) was held in San Diego from October 28 to 31. The gathering included three general sessions and numerous committee and special-interest affiliate meetings, providing continuous opportunities for learning and discussion.
Topics covered at the general sessions included updates on state and national advocacy issues and successes, two presentations on intriguing medical research and – in response to growing interest in more active lifestyle choices – two very well-received segments by local organizations on martial arts and sailing for people who are blind or visually impaired. Other meetings featured workshops on fundraising, the latest updates on the Americans with Disabilities Act and a job-seeking seminar for students.
Prior to the CCB convention, the National Federation of the Blind of California held its 70th annual state convention in Irvine, California, from October 21 to 24. Approximately 140 people from across California attended.
Several notable speakers presented on topics such as state library services (Henry C. Chang), the education of blind children in America (Dr. Stuart Wittenstein) and an update on the happenings of the Junior Blind (Jay Allen).
Two LightHouse staff members were invited to speak at the convention. Their presentations can be heard at the links below. Also, you will find a link to a panel presentation of blind professionals sharing their employment experiences.
A Presentation on Tactile Graphics
By Lisamaria Martinez, LightHouse Donor Relations Coordinator
A demonstration of the current applications of tactile graphics at the LightHouse, as well as a look at the future potential of tactile graphics and how they can help blind people.
http://www.nfbcal.org/nfbc/10_audio/maps.mp3
Beyond SB105, Where Do We Go From Here? A Panel on the Department of Rehabilitation
Moderated by Bryan Bashin, LightHouse CEO
A panel presentation about SB105 and how it has been applied to blind field services. Is it working? Does it need to be changed? Listen to the following link: http://www.nfbcal.org/nfbc/10_audio/behab.mp3.
Living in the Working World
Moderated by Robert Stigile
A panel presentation of blind professionals discussing how they work and what skills they needed to do their jobs as blind people. Listen and get tips: http://www.nfbcal.org/nfbc/10_audio/working.mp3.
Special Savings and Extra Hours at Adaptations in December
Visit Adaptations next month and take advantage of exclusive discounts on December 4, 16 and 20. The store will be open until 8 p.m. on the 16th and 20th, and we’ll also offer complimentary gift wrapping of your purchases and Brailling of your holiday cards on those days. For full details, please read below.
Saturday, December 4 – Early Bird Offer
Shop in-store and get 10% off CCTVs, Digital Magnifiers and the iBill, and 20% off everything else PLUS a 20%-off coupon for your next in-store or online purchase (with valid coupon code). Store will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 16 – Open House
Store will have extended hours until 8 p.m. and refreshments will be served (hot holiday beverages and light snacks).
-10% off CCTVs, Digital Magnifiers and the iBill.
-20% off everything else while supplies last.
-Complimentary gift wrapping and Brailling of your holiday cards from 4 to 8 p.m.
Monday, December 20 – Last Chance!
Extended store hours until 8 p.m. and refreshments served (hot holiday beverages and light snacks).
-10% off CCTVs, Digital Magnifiers and the iBill.
-20% off everything else while supplies last.
-Complimentary gift wrapping and Brailling of your holiday cards from 4 to 8 p.m.