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LightHouse News

A Few Spots Still Open in Our Innovative Introduction to Blindness Group at Our Napa Retreat

Immersion students and teachers pose next to Lake Lokoya on a crisp, chilly dayAre you an adult who is experiencing changing vision? We invite you to join us for this week-long training in the fresh air and verdant grounds of our Enchanted Hills Retreat. You’ll learn a boatload of best practices for maintaining your independence while enjoying this beautiful setting.

In the last three years the Lighthouse has offered the pioneering Changing Vision Changing Life immersion training programs at our Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa. Each training session brings together up to 25 adult students of all ages, from Northern California and the Central Valley, who are either new to low vision or blindness, or have had a significant change in vision and have requested additional training. We invite adults to join us for this week-long training in the fresh air and verdant grounds of our Enchanted Hills Retreat. You’ll learn a boatload of best practices for maintaining your independence while enjoying this beautiful setting.

These sessions are always free to participants 55 years or older, but you’ll need to make arrangements by calling Debbie Bacon by April 6, 2015.

  • Dates of our next session: April 12 through 17, 2015
  • Transportation is provided from San Rafael, San Francisco, Emeryville Amtrak and Ashby BART
  • There is no cost to attend if you are 55 or older and living in San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt or Del Norte counties.
  • For more information please contact Debbie Bacon, LightHouse Rehabilitation Counselor, at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org

Some of the areas we’ll cover during the week include ways to read printed materials; understanding how lighting, contrast and magnification can help you every day; suggestions for organizing and labeling in your home or office; best methods for taking notes and keeping a calendar; basic cooking skills; traveling and moving safely and confidently in your home and in the community; managing finances; the joys of an accessible computer and other low tech equipment and more. We’ll also make suggestions on how to talk to your family and friends about what would help you best.

While gaining new skills and confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week, the experience of coming together with other adults, both students and teachers, who are low vision or blind, to learn or relearn skills, and to get back into the stream of life remains a pivotal part of the week long experience. And it doesn’t stop there – we will also follow-up with you to see how you are doing and help keep you focused on what you’ve just learned.

Our next Changing Vision Changing Life session is April 12 through April 17. Just call or email Debbie Bacon by April 6 at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org for more information. We look forward to seeing you at Enchanted Hills.

LightHouse High-Tech Navigation Gets National Radio Coverage

bryanbashinhockenberryinterview3_20015Last month Emmy and Peabody award winning journalist and author John Hockenberry interviewed LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin for his radio show “The Takeaway”. The interview, which was first broadcast on NPR on March 24, highlights the LightHouse’s efforts to help advance blind travel options, including our talking transit maps. The segment begins with a fascinating interview with LightHouse student and blind backpacker Marc Sutton as he takes a journalist on a tour of the BART system using our BART maps.

Listen to the entire segment.

Also on that same webpage, look for the Soundcloud file of another piece of Marc’s interview, or watch Marc as he scales mountains in the LightHouse video “Alive”.

LightHouse Youth to Explore Blindness at NFB National Convention

“I was amazed by the forest of [white] canes in the convention hall”.
– Julie Cabrera, who attended last year’s NFB National Convention with the LightHouse Youth Program

What: LightHouse will take select youth to the 2015 NFB National Convention in Orlando, Florida
When: July 4 through July 11 2015

We welcome youth to join our expanding youth programs and attend some of the many local and national blindness events. In July, the LightHouse Youth Program will be taking twelve students between the ages of 16 and 21 to attend the 75th annual National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind, in Orlando, Florida. Students who take part in this trip will have the chance to test their independence, learn new skills and ideas, network with people from around the country and meet role models that can provide life-changing advice. The LightHouse will provide airfare and lodging for participants.

The National Federation of the Blind convention is an annual gathering of 3,000+ blind and low vision individuals who come together to learn about the latest technology, share new ideas with others and discuss issues important to the blind and low vision community. It’s the largest single blindness convention in the world and consequently really worth an exploration. Most who go say that their first convention was a life-changing experience – this is a place where using a cane is cool and reading braille makes you the boss.

Why should I go?
-Gain advice, wisdom and network with blind mentors
-Meet intelligent, charismatic and fun people from around the country
-Share and discuss issues, ideas and perspectives of importance to the blind community
-Learn about the latest and greatest technologies for people who are blind or low vision

Who is eligible to go?
Youth between the ages of 16 and 21
Youth that will be available to attend the entire trip from July 4 to July 11
Our top priority is to introduce first time attendees to the Convention. If you have already attended let us know that you’d like to attend again and we’ll fit you in if we can.
Youth under 18 years old must have parental consent to attend

What do I have to do to attend?
To attend with the LightHouse Youth Program, you must fill out an application and have a phone interview.

Please note:
You must participate in all assigned events and activities during the Convention.
During the Convention you will be matched with a mentor (through the National Association of Blind Students or NABS) who will work with you will introduce you to all aspects of the Convention.

Submit your application no later than May 15 to Jamey Gump, LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator. Click here to fill out the online application. For more information or to ask questions about this great opportunity, please contact Jamey at 415-694-7372 or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

The LightHouse believes that giving convention opportunities to our blind community is a great way to accelerate understanding about blindness and personal possibilities. After the Orlando trip in July, our Youth Program will enable blind youth to attend the annual convention of the California Council of the Blind in October, in Southern California. Please contact Jamey Gump if you’d like to get on his list for that convention.

Did you know we have a Youth Program Events List? This email will tell you all about the LightHouse social, recreational and educational outings and adventures we offer each month, just for blind and low vision youth. In addition to upcoming events, you’ll find out about scholarship and other educational and leadership opportunities.

To sign up for our Youth Program Events List, or for more information about the Program, please contact Jamey Gump at 415-694-7372 or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

House of Air Will Have LightHouse Youth Flying

Back by popular demand, the LightHouse Youth Program is going to the San Francisco House of Air to perfect our flying skills. With the assistance of House of Air top flight instructors we will learn to jump, bounce, flip and possibly fly! Once our flight lesson is complete we will spend some time “recuperating” at Chrissy Field while enjoying a picnic lunch.

Who: Low vision and blind youth (ages 8 to 18)
When: Sunday, April 26, depart LightHouse at 10:00 a.m. and return by 3:00 p.m.
What: Jumping lesson at the House of Air in San Francisco
Waiver: Each participant must have a parent fill out the House of Air’s online Parent Waiver by going to http://www.houseofair.com/waiver/ as well as a complete LightHouse Youth Program Application
Cost: $35.00 per person (includes a 30-minute safety and skill lesson followed by a 30-minute jump)

Space is limited to 10 participants. Please RSVP by April 15, to Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.

Things to bring

  • $5.00 cash or clipper balance for bus fare to and from House of Air
  • Bag lunch to eat at Chrissy Field after our flight lesson
  • Bottle of water
  • Warm layers of clothing

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

LightHouse Youth – enjoy an exciting afternoon of baseball as the Cal Bears (Berkeley) take on the Stanford Cardinal in one of the most famous Bay Area rivalries. Youth and their families (siblings too) are welcome to participate in America’s favorite pastime. Families that attend will also have the opportunity to network and foster new friendships with each other.

Who: Low vision and blind youth up to 18-years-old and their families
When: Sunday, April 12, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at Downtown Berkeley BART Station at the southwest corner of Central and Shattuck.
Game Location: Evans Diamond Stadium, located on the Southwest corner of the U.C. Berkeley Campus, between Edwards/Goldman Field Track Stadium, Haas Pavilion and the Recreational Sports Facility.
Waiver: Each LightHouse youth participant must submit a Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.
Cost: $5.00 per ticket, additional cash should be brought if you wish to purchase food.

To reserve tickets, families must RSVP with Youth Program Coordinator Jamey Gump before April 5. Please call 415-694-7372 or email jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org to reserve your tickets now.

Those who RSVP are welcome to gather at the Downtown Berkeley Bart Station at 1:30 p.m. and travel to the game as a group. Families that wish to travel directly to the game must contact Jamey Gump to arrange ticket pick-up.

Shop for a Cause: Stella & Dot Fundraiser is a Fun Way to Support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind

Shop for a Cause: Stella & Dot Fundraiser is a Fun Way to Support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind

Join LightHouse Board Member Gena Harper and her guide dog, Yulie, at a Stella and Dot fundraiser in Davis, CA. Proceeds will go towards the transformative programs of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Can’t make it to the party? Shop online between now and April 24th and proceeds will go to Enchanted Hills. Check out the jewelry and other items to adorn the fashionista.

When: Friday, April 3, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Vini Wine Bar, 611 2nd Street, Davis, CA

LightHouse Board President Josh Miele featured in Lawrence Hall of Science Program for Scientists-To-Be

LightHouse Board President Josh Miele featured in Lawrence Hall of Science Program for Scientists-To-Be

School-aged students and their families are encouraged to attend.

The great jobs of tomorrow will be in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). People with disabilities are currently underrepresented in these fields despite recent advances in the accessibility of information technology and other tools used by working professionals.

The STEM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities is an educational event where attendees meet role models with disabilities who have thriving careers in STEM fields. Hear from different speakers, meet other students and families, and learn from interactive science demonstrations. Students leave with a better understanding of the many professional possibilities available and the inspiration to pursue STEM careers.

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 1 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, CA 94720
No cost to register. Pre-registration is required.

School-aged students and families are encouraged to attend. After an inspiring keynote speaker and a lively panel of STEM role models, students can interact with different science and math activities, learn about 3D printing, and meet the Lawrence Hall of Science’s animal ambassadors. Members from the STEM community and STEM professionals will be available to speak with younger students about science, engineering, and technology-related careers.

Speakers include the following:

  • Dr. Joshua Miele, President of the Lighthouse Board of Directors and Associate Director of the Smith-Kettlewell Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Blindness and Low-Vision, will share his professional journey in the technology field as well as facilitate an interactive panel.
  • Ronit Ovadia, a healthcare professional working in the area of prenatal genetics counseling and a 2005 National Federation for the Blind scholarship winner.
  • Alex Ghenis, a Fellow at World Institute on Disability, who studies climate change’s potential impacts on people with disabilities.
  • College students with disabilities will share tips for making a smooth transition from high school to college.

A panel of STEM role models with disabilities will discuss such topics as the evolving landscape of STEM fields, overcoming the stigma associated with disabilities and learning the skills required for a successful academic and professional career.

How do I register? Go to http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/visit/events/STEMshowcase.
How do I find out more? Contact Sherry Hsi at sherryh@berkeley.edu or 510-643-7827, or Emily Arnold at emarnold@berkeley.edu or 510-643-9019.

New Extra Teen Track at Enchanted Hills: Wild Science with WizKidz

New Extra Teen Track at Enchanted Hills: Wild Science with WizKidz

Attention parents of young campers. This summer at Enchanted Hills we’re collaborating with WizKidz Science and Technology Centers, offering an exciting tactile TouchSTEM breakout session to our Youth campers. The session includes cool activities such as building your own robot, unearthing fossils and best of all, taking the controls of an airplane during a one-on-one supervised flight.

We are so thrilled to be able to offer one of the most outstanding accessible STEM programs being offered in the USA at this time. Award-winning WhizKidz will offer a camp within a camp during our Youth Session this summer. This TouchSTEM program will run from July 15 to 18 and will provide students ages 11 to 15 with an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience in Science and Technology.

As one of the pioneers of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives for disabled youth, WizKidz Science and Technology Centers developed the S.T.E.A.D.Y Academy initiative to spark and enhance students’ with disabilities interest in science and technology education, two areas that fall short for servicing students with disabilities. In 2014, WizKidz were selected as a 2014 Google RISE Awardee and were nominated for the 2014 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Read more about WizKidz.

Parents and guardians who wish to register their children for the TouchSTEM program can do so on a supplemental section which is included with the Youth Session application.

When: July 15 through 18
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind

To find out more about this session, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319, or visit www.enchantedhillscamp.org.

New Track at Enchanted Hills: Wild Science with WizKidz

Attention parents of young campers. This summer at Enchanted Hills we’re collaborating with WizKidz Science and Technology Centers, offering an exciting tactile TouchSTEM breakout session to our Youth campers. The session includes cool activities such as building your own robot, unearthing fossils and best of all, taking the controls of an airplane during a one-on-one supervised flight.

We are thrilled to be able to offer one of the most outstanding accessible STEM programs being offered in the USA at this time. Award-winning WhizKidz will offer a camp within a camp during our Youth Session this summer. This TouchSTEM program will run from July 15 to 18 and will provide students ages 11 to 15 with an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience in Science and Technology.

As one of the pioneers of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives for disabled youth, WizKidz Science and Technology Centers developed the S.T.E.A.D.Y Academy initiative to spark and enhance students’ with disabilities interest in science and technology education, two areas that fall short for servicing students with disabilities. In 2014, WizKidz were selected as a 2014 Google RISE Awardee and were nominated for the 2014 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Read more about WizKidz.

Parents and guardians who wish to register their children for the TouchSTEM program can do so on a supplemental section which is included with the Youth Session application.

When: July 15 through 18
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind

To find out more about this session, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319, or visit www.enchantedhillscamp.org.

Art at Your Fingertips During March 23 Access Day at the de Young

“The greatest thing about Access Day is that the museum is closed so you can get closer to the art. Also the docents are specifically trained to be more descriptive in talking about the art. These tours are specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired.”
-Beth Berenson, LightHouse Community Services and Information and Referral Coordinator

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see the exhibition Botticelli to Braque: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland.

When: March 23, 2015
Where: de Young Museum, San Francisco
Free for each member and one guest
Non-members: $5 per person; some free tickets available for those with financial need.

The Exhibition runs March 7 through May 3, 2015.

Perks of Access Day include:
Admission by appointment
Reduced crowds and discounted fees
Extra blue parking spaces at the de Young
Maps with parking and transportation information
Extra seating inside and outside the exhibition
Portable large-print editions of exhibition labels
Docent-led tours
Verbal description tours at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon

Available upon request:
Wheelchairs and folding stools
American Sign Language interpretation (please request at least two weeks in advance)
Materials in alternative formats for study in advance of visit
Assistive listening devices

For other requests, please contact Rebecca Bradley at rbradley@famsf.org or 415-750-7645.

Click here to download the reservation form.