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Community

Meet Sean, A Cyclist in This Year’s Cycle for Sight

02/02/2015 LightHouse Staff

Sean McGee and his dad

This year’s Cycle for Sight, held on Saturday, April 18, will be 15-year-old Sean McGee’s fifth year riding tandem with his dad, Kevin, as pilot. Before taking on tandem riding, Sean rode behind Kevin’s bike on a tag-a-long attachment for several years.

This year the pair is taking on the 25-mile route, a distance Sean is proud to have achieved last year. Sean’s mom, Kathleen, says “We are all excited to be able to ride in the wine country and raise money for Enchanted Hills Camp and Pathways.”

This high school freshman has been a camper at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind for seven years and running, Sean says his favorite camp memories are the hay rides and making new friends with fellow campers and counselors. Kathleen adds, “We love interacting with the camp staff and letting Sean explore in a safe environment. The camp is a comfortable place to relax and try new activities.”

Support Sean McGee in this year’s Cycle for Sight by donating to his campaign. Simply go to our donation page and select Cycle for Sight as your giving designation. You’ll want to put Sean’s name in the “I want my donation to be dedicated:” field.

Join Team LightHouse this year on Saturday April 18! Register at www.cycle4sight.com. Be sure to designate “Team LightHouse” when you register.

For more information contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319.

LightHouse News

Family Fun Night with the LightHouse Youth Program on March 7

02/02/2015 LightHouse Staff

We cordially invite youth and their families to join us for our First Family Fun Night of 2015. Enjoy games, competitions and challenges for all ages and abilities. There will be a potluck dinner, so bring your favorite family dish to share with everyone!

Who: Low vision or blind Youth of any age and their families
What: Potluck and Family Game Night
When: Saturday March 7, from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Cost: FREE
What to bring: Potluck contribution and lots of energy
Waiver: Each Youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

For more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372 or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Next From the LightHouse Connect Series: Computing Your Options

02/02/2015 LightHouse Staff

LightHouse for the Blind invites you to our second installment of the LightHouse Connect series. Learn what every beginner needs to know about personal computers.

When: Thursday, February 26, from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Even as new technology continues to evolve, giving us a multitude of mobile tools to get and stay connected with each other and the Internet, the old school personal computer remains one of the most vital tools for success at work, in school and at play.

Newer computer users can find it overwhelming to learn to use their computer and to realize the many different ways it can be used (i.e., email, correspondence, using the internet, skyping, just to name a few).

The role of the LightHouse Access Technology Specialist is to provide you with options that are tailored to your needs. Join us at our second installment of the LightHouse Connect Series as we examine the factors to be considered when choosing a computer system. We will discuss operating systems, assistive technology solutions and community support and how LightHouse can help you feel more comfortable with your computer. You’ll also have a chance to talk with others in the group and share your experiences with technology.

To RSVP please call Beth Berenson at 415-431-1481 or email at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Light refreshments will be provided.

LightHouse News

Blind Blood Drive Potentially Saves 171 Lives

01/29/2015 LightHouse Staff

On January 22nd, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and National Blood Donor Month, LightHouse and partnering agencies worked together to save 171 lives during the “Day of Giving” Blind Blood Drive.

The Bay Area blood drive was initiated and coordinated by the LightHouse along with the Orientation Center for the Blind and the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center. The organizations opened their doors to blind and sighted donors alike, allowing people to walk in and donate blood for those in need. The American Red Cross was able to collect 57 usable units of blood, which, between red cells, platelets and plasma, will potentially save 171 lives.

LightHouse Director of Community Services Lisamaria Martinez said:

“It was great to have the Red Cross turn our headquarters into a blood donation center for the third consecutive year. Members of the blind community and other supporters of the LightHouse came in throughout the day, as well as people who were just passing by. It’s wonderful to know that our blood drive will potentially save so many lives. We can’t wait to team up with the Red Cross and other agencies for the blind again next year for an even bigger day of giving.”

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s blood drive and a very big thank you to the American Red Cross.

LightHouse News, Resources in the Community

Higher Education Funding for Blind/Low Vision Students

01/20/2015 LightHouse Staff

There is valuable funding out there for college (or college-bound) blind and low vision students.The trick is knowing about it. Take a minute to read up on these education funding options and share them with anyone who may be interested and qualified. Spread the word to our community so more students can take advantage of these worthwhile opportunities. After all, more funding equals more access to education.

Federal Student Aid, an office of the US Department of Education, publishes helpful audio highlights about applying for Federal Student Aid. These audio highlights also provide information on nonfederal sources of aid. Federal Student Aid publications are also available in Braille. Visit this site for more detailed information and a list of braille publications.

Learning Ally, a provider of digital audio textbooks for students who are blind, low vision, or learning disabled, recognizes 15 high school and college graduates each year through their National Achievement Awards program. Click here to learn more about the scholarship awards.

Do you know of other higher education resources, scholarships, or grants available to blind students? Please email them to lmattingly@old.lighthouse-sf.org so we can spread the word.

And don’t forget these two education opportunities for lower and high school students:

California Youth Leadership Forum

Donna Coffee Youth Scholarship

Resources in the Community

Apply for the DOR’s Youth Leadership Forum 2015

01/20/2015 LightHouse Staff 1 Comment

Are you a high school junior or senior with a disability? Apply to attend the DOR’s Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in summer 2015.

Students posing at YLF — (c) California YLF

YLF is a fun, five day career and leadership training program for students with disabilities. Accepted students get to stay in a college dorm, meet other high school kids with disabilities, and learn from adults with disabilities who are leading exciting lives. Previous attendees swear it is a life-changing experience that leads to lasting friendships and more independence. The program features information, speakers, activities, and resources relating to employment, education, independence and adaptive technology.

YLF will be held July 27-31, 2015 in Sacramento. Students will stay on campus at California State University, Sacramento.

Applications are now available and are due February 27, 2015. Please help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity.

Image: 3 students posing at YLF.

LightHouse News

Made a New Year’s Resolution to Get Healthy in 2015?

01/14/2015 Andrea Ogarrio

Lake Lokoya at Enchanted Hills

Hold a Wellness Gathering at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa.

Enchanted Hills on beautiful Mt. Veeder in Napa is rustic, affordable and gorgeous place away from it all (but only 8 miles from downtown Napa). Whether it is yoga, meditation, hiking or another type of spiritual or wellness retreat, Enchanted Hills is the place to come together with like-minded people and immerse in your practice. We have available a yurt, a covered geodesic dome and several indoor program spaces for your workshops. Rounding out our special Retreat Package are healthy, home cooked meals, comfortable cabins and 311 acres of forest, creeks and trails to explore.

Last year Sally Mitchell from Body Flows held a yoga retreat at Enchanted Hills and told us, “Everyone had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful camp, doing yoga, hiking on the nature trails and sharing positive energy with the group and staff. The staff were fabulous. Thanks again and we look forward to continuing to work with you and the LightHouse in the future!”

By holding your wellness gathering at Enchanted Hills, you’ll feel good because you’re treating yourself right, and because your rental of Enchanted Hills Retreat supports the life-changing programs of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind, providing opportunities for blind people of all ages to make friends, explore and create for over 65 years.

To reserve Enchanted Hills for your get-together of 30 to 120, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

LightHouse News

Get on Your Marks – Register Now for Cycle for Sight 2015 and Ride on Saturday, April 18

01/14/2015 Andrea Ogarrio 1 Comment

Registration is already open for the Napa Rotary’s Cycle for Sight 2015 ride which will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015.

Sign up at www.cycle4sight.com to ride as a cyclist for Team LightHouse and enjoy the beauty of scenic Napa and the challenge of a 15, 25 or 50 mile route with 2,000 other cyclists. Proceeds support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Raise pledges for every mile you ride through the Cycle for Sight website. The Napa Rotary’s goal this year is to raise a total of $100,000.

Be sure to designate “Team LightHouse” when you register.

Interested in piloting a tandem bike for a blind stoker? Or, are you a blind stoker in need of a pilot? Contact Tony Fletcher via email at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 to join Team LightHouse today.

LightHouse News

A New Addition to Our Braille Capability

01/14/2015 Andrea Ogarrio

Just in time for the new year – we have now doubled our braille production ability with the purchase of a second industrial-strength braille embosser. Our Access to Information Services Department provides access to the printed word for individuals who are unable to read conventional print or any visually conveyed information. With our talking maps we are at the vanguard of tactile print production, but braille and audio production remain the cornerstones of our operation. The combination of talent and technology allows us to deliver quality product at competitive prices on deadline.

Our new $50,000 Braillo embosser was shipped all the way from Norway, and is now installed in our headquarters where it will help churn out the quarter-million pages of braille we produce every year.

Need braille? If you require documents or business cards in large print and braille, contact us at (415) 694-7349 or gkehret@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Director of Access to Information Services Greg Kehret stands next to our new braille embosser

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind 2015 Sessions – Enrollment Opens on February 2

01/13/2015 Andrea Ogarrio 2 Comments

Includes New and Returning Special Sessions. Online application available at noon on February 2nd.

This summer’s camp schedule is up, including Chemistry Camp, our second annual Music Academy session featuring Dancing Dots founder Bill McCann, a new Horse Camp and a special STEM session for kids during our Youth Session. This year we’ve worked in collaboration with Junior Blind of America who own and operate Camp Bloomfield so that teens will have the opportunity to attend both camps this year because they will operate consecutively instead of concurrently.

Click here for the schedule.

Note: Here’s a great video posted on the Perkins website about Chemistry Camp, from former camper Jimmy Cong. Although Perkins didn’t audio-describe the film, its content is compelling and largely accessible.

NEW SESSIONS THIS YEAR

Special STEM Program During Youth Session at Enchanted Hills
This year we’re going to offer a special TouchSTEM science session within our Youth Session. This program will run from July 15 to 18 and will provide students 11 to 15 with an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience in Science and Technology.

The goal of the TouchSTEM summer science track is to expose students who are blind or visually impaired to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). During the class, students will take part in hands-on, accessible and innovative activities including computing, robotics, biology and also take home some pretty cool give-a-ways. Students will also have the opportunity to take a flight in a small airplane with a licensed pilot.

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

Learn the Best Ways to Work with Horses at our New Horse Camp Session
At our new Horse Camp you’ll have a chance to learn from avid horseback rider and wrangler, Diane Starin. Starin, who is blind, has owned, ridden, taught and cared for horses for more than 30 years. This camp session is for blind or visually impaired novice riders, ages 16 through 24. It is geared for those that have ridden before, but not a lot. There is a wealth of knowledge Starin has about the proper care of horses, and students will have a first-ever chance to learn from a blind professional how it’s done with little or no sight.

Campers must have independent mobility skills.

Objectives are to:
Teach safety
Teach grooming
Teach tacking up
Teach good care and maintenance
Expand each camper’s knowledge of different kinds of equipment and their different applications
Riding and lessons as time and skill level allows

Date: August 2 through August 8
Cost for each camper is $300.
Separate application will be available for this session.
Space is limited to eight participants, so sign up while spaces are available. We expect this session to be very popular!

To find out more about these and all our sessions, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319.