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LightHouse News

LightHouse News

Welcome Medical Community Friends!

The LightHouse is proud to partner with top-notch ophthalmologists and other physicians, scientists and specialists who have joined our Medical Community Friends of the LightHouse Committee. These dedicated practitioners will assist us in strengthening our programs while helping to spread the word about the LightHouse.

The kick-off of the committee, which took place on July 29, coincided closely with the reinstatement of MediCal coverage for low vision exams. Effective July 26, MediCal will allow coverage for individuals to have a low vision exam once every two years. The LightHouse will begin booking low vision clinic appointments for MediCal patients in late August. Patients who visit our clinic benefit from immediate follow-up with a Low Vision Specialist who provides demonstrations of adaptive aids and products; connection to LightHouse services, including interactive seminars on low- and high-tech devices, orientation and mobility training and peer-led support groups; community-building with others who are experiencing loss of vision; and access to Adaptations, an on-site retail store with highly trained customer service specialists who are users themselves of many of our products.

For more information about low vision exams at the LightHouse call (415) 694-7318. For a full listing of our Medical Community Friends of the LightHouse, visit http://bit.ly/aMvOor .

LightHouse News, Resources in the Community

Will You Be Using the Temporary Transbay Terminal?

On Saturday, August 7th, 2010 the Transbay Terminal at First and Mission closes for a proposed six-year renovation. That same day, the Temporary Transbay Terminal, located one and a half blocks away and bordered by Main, Beale, Howard and Folsom streets officially opens for business. AC Transit and MUNI operations will be relocated to this facility.

LightHouse Partners with TJPA, Offers Maps and Training
The Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) has partnered with the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind to provide enhanced accessibility and safety of the terminal for blind and visually impaired travelers. Braille, tactile and large print maps of the terminal will be available through the LightHouse. Certified LightHouse Orientation and Mobility Specialists will be available by appointment to provide information, guidance and route training through the initial changeover period, with direct free emboridery designs services through December 2010.

LightHouse representatives will be on hand to answer questions at the Temporary Transbay Terminal Open House on August 3 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Blind and visually impaired individuals desiring up to two hours of one-on-one instruction can arrange for an appointment with a certified Lighthouse Orientation and Mobility Specialist by calling (415) 694-7302 or emailing temptransbay@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Braille, tactile and large print maps of the terminal can be ordered by calling (415) 694-7302 or emailing temptransbay@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

For more information and to read the official press release, go to http://bit.ly/TempTransbay

LightHouse News

$100 Award to Attend California Council of the Blind Convention in the Fall.

Blind Students of California offers a $100 stipend to attend the fall California Council of the Blind Convention:

Do you want to attend the fall CCB convention in San Diego, but money is a little short? You may be in luck. Blind Students of  California (BSC) is offering one $100 stipend to attend the CCB fall  convention. Qualified applicants should be current students, legally blind, and first time CCB convention attendees. You must also not be  a scholarship winner, or a chapter delegate for the fall. The BSC board asks that you attend both the BSC program and the CCB banquet. We also encourage you to attend all CCB general sessions.

After the convention, we ask that you write a short article for the Blind Californian about your experience at the convention, in consultation with the BSC president. Qualified candidates will participate in a short telephone interview with the BSC officers. The application deadline is September 15. If you are interested, please submit an accessible document (a text file or Word 2003 document),  to leena.salim@gmail.com

You should include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, school, and major. In addition, please submit a short essay  about why you think BSC should award you the $100 stipend to  attend the convention.

Since 1934, the mission of the California Council of the Blind (CCB) is  to gain full independence and equality of opportunity for all blind and  visually impaired Californians. Find out more at  http://www.ccbnet.org/

LightHouse News

iBill is now at Adaptations!

In an effort to continue offering the latest and greatest accessible technology, the LightHouse now offers iBill at Adaptations ($99.00). The iBill is easy to use, discreet, fast, accurate and extremely convenient. “Orbit Research has once again demonstrated its commitment to the development of breakthrough technology and products that make a direct and measurably positive impact to the daily lives of the community we serve,” said Michael Nolan, President of Orbit Research. LightHouse staff and partners agree that the iBill is best of its kind and stands alone ahead of its competitors. Features of the iBill include:

  • Ultra-slim and compact “key-fob” design – 3.0 x 1.6 x 0.7 inch
  • Attaches to key-ring or lanyard
  • Recognizes all US bills in circulation (including the new $5 bill)
  • Instantaneous response – most bills are identified in less than a second
  • Can recognize banknotes in any orientation.

Visit Adaptations today for a demo! For more information, contact Sam Rodriguez at srodriguez@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

August 2010 Evening and Weekend Events at the LightHouse

What’s New

Mega Self-Defense Seminar Founder Stephen Nichols

Saturday, August 28th: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sensei Nicholls returns again from England to lead a special self-defense seminar and to answer questions about the ever-expanding program. This will be the last time Sensei Nichols will be teaching in California in the foreseeable future, so come out and pick his brain, and beware if you try to pick his pocket!

Toastmasters Club

Saturdays, August 14th and 21st: Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Improve your public speaking and leadership skills. A fun, educational and community-building opportunity! Email me to sign up or for more information.

NOTE! The first session of Toastmaster’s was cancelled. Please be sure to sign up for the session on the 14th ASAP to ensure that we have a great group.

Coming Soon!

Gene Russo’s Thursday Latin and Ballroom Dance Class

Coming back on Thursdays in September from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Folks have been anxious to return to the dance floor, and we are bringing Gene back to appease the masses. Get your dancing shoes and smiles ready because the LightHouse will be rockin’ on Thursday evenings again!
August Schedule

Open Technology Lab
Tuesdays: 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Thursdays: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday Evening Yoga
Every Thursday: 6 p.m. to 7:25 p.m.

Toastmasters Club Meetings
Saturdays, August 7th, 15th and 21st: Noon to 1 p.m.

Saturday Yoga Workshop
Saturday, August 21st: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Special Event with Sensei Stephen Nichols

Saturday Self-Defense Workshop
Saturday, August 28th: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Peer Discussion Group
Saturdays, August 14th and 28th: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Evening and Weekend Program Info Line: 415-694-7335

Contact:
Philip Kum
Evening Weekend Coordinator
pkum@old.lighthouse-sf.org
415-694-7372

LightHouse News, Resources in the Community

Please Touch Community Garden Launch

Please Touch Community Garden Launch

Have you ever noticed the vacant, trash strewn lot on Grove Street in San Francisco, in the very shadow of City Hall? Our neighborhood deserves better.

Join us on Thursday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, celebrating the launch of the Please Touch Community Garden with the help of the great fencing company and their product https://www.fencingdirect.com/products/category/aluminum-ornamental-fence.

Over the next year, this lot will be transformed into a beautiful urban arts garden, to be planted and maintained by LightHouse program participants and members of the blind community. Spearheaded by local artist Gk Callahan, the garden will be unlike any other in the area – unlike any other in the nation. We want you to be a part of this unique project by helping us celebrate its beginning, as the Tree Center has already helped with gardening-related donations as needed. (Source: https://www.thetreecenter.com/evergreen-trees/holly-trees/)

As an extra special treat, renowned jazz vocalist Kenny Washington will perform an acoustic set at the LightHouse, following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Kenny will be accompanied by a percussion, bass and piano trio. Wine and nibbles provided.

RSVP to Andrea Ogarrio at (415) 694-7365 or aogarrio@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Enter the garden at Lech Walesa alley, between the LightHouse and Grove Street (ambassadors will be on hand at the corner of Lech Walesa and Van Ness to direct you to the entrance).

Network, mingle and celebrate with us!

Please Touch Community Garden collaborators include the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office on Housing. Funding for the project is provided in part by the San Francisco Arts Commission. When you need to avoid common landscaping mistakes, NBG Landscapes provide excellent customer service and our finished product is of the highest quality.

Kenny joins us through our collaboration with Helping Angels’ Poesy Liang, who coordinates concerts all over the world to promote awareness about community based organizations.

LightHouse News

Oakland Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) Seeks Applicants.

2 Commentson Oakland Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) Seeks Applicants.

The Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) is currently accepting applications to fill several vacancies.

WHAT
The MCPD is an appointed group of volunteers who are committed to promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of City government and the broader community. The purpose of the MCPD is to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues concerning the disability community; act as the City’s advisory body for implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); review and comment on City policies, programs and activities that impact persons with disabilities; render advice and assistance on disability issues to other City boards and commissions, City staff and private agencies; and participate at the local, state and national levels in the advancement of disability civil rights.

WHO
Individuals who live or work in Oakland are eligible to apply.
Individuals with and without disabilities are encouraged to apply.

WHERE
The MCPD meets on the second Monday of each month, except August. Meetings are held from 1 PM – 3:30 PM in Oakland City Hall Hearing Room 3 (adjacent to the 14th Street entrance). We are accessible via BART and AC Transit.

HOW
(1) Learn more about the MCPD: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityAdministration/d/ADA/DOWD000347

(2) Download the Boards and Commissions application: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/cityadministrator/documents/marketingmaterial/dowd005168.pdf

(3) Submit your application, a letter of intent, and your resume to:
City ADA Coordinator
City Administrator’s Office
ADA Programs Division
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor
Oakland , CA 94612

For more information or to have an application sent to you, please contact:

Kendra Scalia-Carrow
Program Analyst II
City of Oakland ADA Programs Division
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 238-6919 . voice
(510) 238-2007 . tty
(510) 238-3304 . facsimile

LightHouse News

Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) Seeks Applicants.

2 Commentson Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) Seeks Applicants.

The Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) is currently accepting applications to fill several vacancies.

WHAT
The Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities is an appointed group of volunteers who are committed to promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of City government and the broader community. The purpose of the MCPD is to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues concerning the disability community; act as the City’s advisory body for implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); review and comment on City policies, programs and activities that impact persons with disabilities; render advice and assistance on disability issues to other City boards and commissions, City staff and private agencies; and participate at the local, state and national levels in the advancement of disability civil rights.

WHO
Individuals who live or work in Oakland are eligible to apply.
Individuals with and without disabilities are encouraged to apply.

WHERE
The MCPD meets on the second Monday of each month, except August. Meetings are held from 1 PM – 3:30 PM in Oakland City Hall Hearing Room 3 (adjacent to the 14th Street entrance). We are accessible via BART and AC Transit.

HOW
(1) Learn more about the MCPD: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityAdministration/d/ADA/DOWD000347

(2) Download the Boards and Commissions application: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/cityadministrator/documents/marketingmaterial/dowd005168.pdf

(3) Submit your application, a letter of intent, and your resume to:
City ADA Coordinator
City Administrator’s Office
ADA Programs Division
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor
Oakland , CA 94612

For more information or to have an application sent to you, please contact:

Kendra Scalia-Carrow
Program Analyst II
City of Oakland ADA Programs Division
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 238-6919 . voice
(510) 238-2007 . tty
(510) 238-3304 . facsimile