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Community

Could You Use a Helping Hand?

11/11/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Could you benefit from the assistance of a LightHouse Personal Services Volunteer? Our Personal Services volunteers can work with you in a number of areas such as:

-reading mail, books, newspapers and periodicals
-writing checks, letters and correspondence
-home organization such as marking or labeling
-grocery shopping or errands with the client
-attending cultural, social or sporting events
-walking or transportation

LightHouse volunteers are eager to work with you on some of the everyday aspects of life that may be challenging. In talking with you, Volunteer Coordinator Justine Harris-Richburgh will determine what kind of volunteer you are looking for to help you find the best match. You may only be looking for short term assistance or you might be interested in a longer term working relationship. It’s up to you.

Lori Castner and her husband, Mike, are both blind and have been working with volunteers from the LightHouse Personal Services program for over ten years. “My husband and I are pretty resourceful, but we do sometimes need help with tasks we can’t do easily on our own, such as writing checks and greeting cards and sorting quickly through mail. We’ve had good luck getting readers from the LightHouse; they screen their people and really make an effort to make a good match.”

Could you use a helping hand? If you are interested in being matched with a Personal Services Volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Justine Harris-Richburgh, at volunteer@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

volunteer working with LightHouse client

LightHouse News

CORRECTED DATE: 3rd Annual “Day of Giving” Blind Blood Drive is Thursday, January 22nd

11/07/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

In honor of the Martin Luther King Day of Service 2015, LightHouse and the American Red Cross, Northern California Blood Services Region, in partnership with the Orientation Center for the Blind and the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center, will host the “Giving Blood, Giving Life: Bay Area Blind Community’s 3rd Annual Day of Giving” Blind Blood Drive on January 22, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. LightHouse is one of a number of Bay Area locations who will host the Blind Blood drive.

Logo American Red Cross, Please Give Blood

Did you know? An individual can donate blood up to six times a year, but nationally, donors give blood an average of 1.8 times a year. If everyone were to donate just one more time per year, the Red Cross would never be in urgent need for blood.

Lisamaria Martinez, who is LightHouse Director of Community Services and is coordinating the drive, told us, “Last year’s Blind Blood Drive collected 108 usable units of blood, and we hope to move that figure up to 150 usable units in 2015. This is not just another blood drive. It’s a unique opportunity for Bay Area blind people and their friends and family to unite with the powerful goal of literally rolling up their sleeves and giving back, saving lives in our community.”

Stay updated on Twitter with #blindblooddrive15. For more information about our blind community day of giving, please contact Lisamaria Martinez, Director of Community Services, at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-431-1481.

You can also participate in the blind blood drive at the following locations. All locations are taking blood between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm.

Orientation Center for the Blind: 400 Adams St. – Albany
Santa Clara Valley Blind Center: 101 N. Bascom Ave. – San Jose
San Jose Blood Donation Center: 2731 North First St – San Jose
Oakland Blood Donation Center: 6230 Claremont Ave – Oakland
Contra Costa Blood Donation Center: 140 Gregory Lane – Pleasant Hill
Pleasanton Blood Donation Center: 5556-B Springdale Ave – Pleasanton
Fremont – Newark Blood Donation Center: 39227 Cedar Blvd – Newark

To schedule your appointment at any of the above locations, please log on to redcrossblood.org, enter the Sponsor Code: DayOfGiving or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
If you have questions regarding your eligibility to donate blood, please call 1-866-236-3276.

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat – Our Improved Connectivity Will Make Your Gathering Connected for Success

11/07/2014 Andrea Ogarrio 1 Comment

Our new roof-mounted antenna with sufficient height for a clear line of sight, brings in a strong internet signal to our visitors at Enchanted Hills Retreat

At Enchanted Hills Retreat, our rustic camp located on beautiful Mt. Veeder in Napa, we are constantly making improvements to make your stay more comfortable and productive. Most recently we completed the installation of a new roof-mounted antenna with clear line of sight. This means no obstacles, such as hills or homes, are in the way of our higher-speed internet capability.

Our clever IT Department, headed by Brian Hardy, worked with contractors to find a 19-mile microwave path in the mountains to make this accomplishment possible. The new service operates at ten megabits per second so that though the Retreat is located in the rural hills of Napa, our internet speed compares well with that found in urban areas. Complimenting this new bandwidth is a wireless architecture that distributes the bandwidth to numerous buildings and locations around the property, literally bringing “wireless to the woods.”

In 2014 both blind and sighted visitors find ever-increasing use for personal technology. Our increased bandwidth adds another layer of services for access and communications and makes our affordable wine country retreat that much more of a desirable place to hold your family reunion, yoga workshop, wedding, spiritual retreat, company off-site meeting or seminar.

Enchanted Hills Retreat, which can be rented nearly year-round, boasts a small lake, several rushing creeks, miles of nature trails for hiking, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a variety of breakout rooms for groups from 30 to 150. There are flexible service options including tasty, home-style meals and more.

For information and reservations, contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7310. Read more about Enchanted Hills Retreat.

Beautiful Lokoya lake appears through the trees at Enchanted Hills Retreat

LightHouse News

Last Chance: Are You a Legally Blind Californian? You May Be Eligible for Compensation From Redbox Class Action Suit

10/31/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

The deadline to apply for compensation from the Redbox lawsuit settlement is November 12, 2014. Claims are expected to pay several thousand dollars to each blind Californian who meets the criteria and fills out the application.

After a 3-year effort by LightHouse and Disability Rights Advocates, blind Californians will be able to access Redbox kiosks independently. The settlement means that Redbox will start designing and emplacing accessible versions of its currently-inaccessible DVD vending machines in the next few years. All inaccessible California DVD rental machines will be converted to ones which have a tactile keypad and talk. This is a major accessibility victory.

Please note: you don’t need to have physically attempted to use a Redbox to qualify for the settlement. If you simply would have liked to use it but have heard that blind people can’t use it because it is inaccessible, this qualifies. There is no age limit – you can apply for the settlement even if you are under 18 as long as you meet the qualifications.

LightHouse News

The Blind Community is Giving Back – LightHouse’s 3rd Annual Toy Drive

10/31/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Bring Food and Toys to the LightHouse!

Our Toy Drive is in full swing as we collect toys. Non-wrapped toys will be given to the Blind Babies Foundation. New toys in original packaging are greatly appreciated. An FAQ as well as a partial list of suggested toys that have proven to be some of the most stimulating for blind and low vision infants and toddlers can be found on our website (see link, below).

When: October through December 15, 2014
Where: Bring your donations of toys to LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Cohort-Based Learning at the LightHouse Supports Individual Growth, Creating a Community and Providing a Base for Success

10/31/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Sign Up Now – Classes in San Francisco Begin November 11

Webster defines the noun “cohort” as a group of people banded together – working together as a unit. The LightHouse has successfully facilitated cohort based learning for the past three years and on November 4 we will offer our next cohort-based classes for 8-10 blind or low vision students. During these classes you’ll learn be exposed to a hundred valuable techniques, tools and attitudes that are practical ways to deal with changing vision, in an atmosphere of learning and pure enjoyment.

We start with weekly Changing Vision Changing Life classes that include individual and group training. After a few weeks concurrent Computer Keyboarding and Cooking Basics classes begin. Individual orientation and mobility instruction will also be incorporated. Participating in all the classes immerses the student in an atmosphere of accomplishment and progress, emphasizing the key component of working and learning with and from fellow blind and low vision classmates.

During the two-month period, cohort peers who continue the sequence of classes together benefit from the following: training from instructors and guest mentors as well as learning from each other; adjustment to change in their lives with support from their peers; and finding kindred spirits while learning new skills, creating community and moving forward. While it is not mandatory to participate in all facets, it is strongly recommended – priority registration will be provided to those who make a commitment to the full training.

All classes will be facilitated at the LightHouse Headquarters, 214 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco.

Changing Vision Changing Life
November 11 to December 18, 9:30 to 12:30
Tuesdays & Thursdays (no class on Thanksgiving)
Changing Vision, Changing Life is a 6-week class for blind and visually impaired adults who are seeking basic, yet essential daily living skills to live confidently at home and in the community. Each week topics such as tactile/non-visual skills, organizational skills, time management, use of adaptive aids, low vision strategies and accessing print materials provide students with solutions and strategies. In addition, each class session will include a discussion component, addressing both successes and challenges involved in incorporating the material presented in the teaching segments into each participant’s daily life.

Keyboard Training
November 17 to December 19, 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Having efficient keyboarding skills is necessary for all computer users to be effective in both personal and professional use. LightHouse students new to keyboarding learn to type by touch using the QWERTY keyboard layout. Talking Typer Teacher (TTT), a program which employs synthesized speech, is the software tool used by the Access Technology Specialists to facilitate the class. Keyboard familiarity, typing accuracy and comfortable speed will be emphasized. As students learn the keyboard, weekly practical assignments are given to increase proficiency. Guided practice during lab time provides students time to gain keyboard fluency to type shopping lists; to-do lists; simple letters and email correspondences.

Cooking Basics – San Francisco
November 20 to December 18, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays. Also Friday, December 12, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
In this five-week class, students will learn low vision and blind strategies and techniques for all aspects of meal preparation, from grocery shopping to hands-on skills and safety training, food labeling and organization and use of kitchen equipment. Students will prepare healthy and delicious recipes and/or meals in each class, along with learning all aspects of kitchen clean up strategies.

To find out more about upcoming classes and fees, including the variety of options available for funding, please contact Debbie Bacon, Rehabilitation Counselor at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Group of LightHouse students stand in a circle, chatting

LightHouse News

Blind Teens to Fly High at Hiller Aviation Museum

10/31/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Celebrate the spirit of discovery and innovation of the aviation pioneers whose creativity made the dream of flight a reality for all of us. Join the LightHouse Youth Program on Saturday, November 22 as we explore aviation and flight at the Hiller Aviation Museum. Spend the day with friends as we travel from the LightHouse to the San Carlos Airport where we will enjoy a guided tour of the facility. Blind and Low Vision students will have the opportunity to get a hands-on experience as they learn about the history of flight.

Who: Low Vision and Blind Youth
What: Hiller Aviation Museum Tour
When: Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We will gather at the LightHouse at 11:00 a.m. and travel to the museum where we will have lunch before the tour. We’ll return to LightHouse by 4:00 p.m., traffic permitting.
Lunch: Students must bring a bagged lunch with them. A light snack will be provided.
Meet at LightHouse for the Blind at 214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. We will travel to the Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
Tour Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form, if they have not done so for a previous event.
Cost: $15.00 per student – includes museum entry, transportation and light snack. Though light snacks will be provided, please remember to bring a lunch with you.
RSVP: For more information or to RSVP, contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372.
Space is limited to 12 participants.

LightHouse News

Trouble Voting? Disability Rights California Operates Hotline on November 4 for Voters with Disabilities

10/30/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

Californians with disabilities who are voting in the statewide general election on November 4 have an ally in ensuring that they have full and equal access to the process. With funding from the Help America Vote Act, Disability Rights California will operate a toll-free hotline for voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places, casting ballots or simply have questions about voting. The toll-free number for voice calls is 888-569-7955.

The primary purpose of the hotline is to fix problems on Election Day, so people with disabilities can vote independently and privately. Examples of barriers experienced by voters with disabilities include:

Inoperable accessible voting equipment
Insufficiently trained poll workers who cannot meet the needs of voters with disabilities
Voters with disabilities being told they cannot vote because of their disability
No access to ballots for voters living in nursing homes and other residential facilities
Polling places with inaccessible parking or steep curb ramps
Narrow doorways and aisles at poll sites
Voting equipment placed on inaccessible tables or stages
Poll sites said to be “accessible” but are not

Disability Rights California will also use the information it receives through the hotline to identify and respond to systemic issues to make it easier for voters with disabilities to cast their vote privately and independently in future elections. For example, during the primary election, the hotline received a call from a concerned citizen informing that his polling place was not accessible to voters with disabilities because of a construction project outside. Disability Rights California reported the concern to the County Department of Elections, who agreed to, prior to Election Day, make sure that there are no construction projects scheduled that may block access to a polling place.

The hotline will be open between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, the same hours the polls are open. Individuals who speak languages other than English should state their language and an interpreter will be connected to the call. Callers using the California Relay Service, including Speech-to-Speech, can dial 711.

Disability Rights California has several publications regarding the rights of voters with disabilities. Examples include publications about: the voting rights of people with developmental disabilities; how a person using a signature stamp can vote; how a person who is hospitalized on Election Day can vote; and the voting rights of people who are in a nursing home or other institutions outside of their county of residence. These and other resources regarding the voting rights of people with disabilities are available at http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/PublicationsVoting.htm.

For further information about Disability Rights California, see their website (www.disabilityrightsca.org), Facebook page and Twitter @DisabilityCA.

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Highlights – A Glorious Summer of Blind Camping

10/10/2014 Andrea Ogarrio 1 Comment

Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa, EHC Neighbors Spruce Up Lower Chapel
At the beginning of September, members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa as well as EHC Neighbors and Staff cleaned up the lower chapel at Enchanted Hills.

The chapel is a shaded area at Enchanted Hills that brings into play all aspects of nature: Surrounded by trees and next to a stream, it is a place of quiet and light breezes – the perfect place for our community to gather. As a program area, the chapel has been used since 1928. It was also Rose Resnick’s favorite location at Enchanted Hills.

The Kiwanis helped restore the pathway to the chapel, including patching and smoothing and building retaining walls. Neighbors and staff added new benches and created terraces to place them on. All cleared debris and vegetation, making the area look attractive and sparkling and returned it to its natural beauty.

Many thanks to Bill Cinquini and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa, the EHC Neighbors, including Tony McClimans, Gary Margadant and Bob Hayes, for their hard work and efforts.

Neighbors Build Awesome Picnic Tables for Enchanted Hills
For generations kids, teens and families at Enchanted Hills have memories of outdoor gatherings that included the use of a variety of accommodating picnic tables. The closeness and community that breaking bread together fosters is so important that we’ve decided to vastly increase these rustic gathering places throughout camp.

Last month, EHC Neighbors and friends, including LightHouse Board member Todd Stevenot and his family, began an ongoing effort to build us twenty new tables. With their help we first identified fallen Douglas fir trees on Enchanted Hills and our neighbors’ property that could be used to construct the new tables. Superstar neighbor Tony McClimans milled this wood to perfection, creating lumber vastly stouter than that found at hardware stores, and worked in collaboration with next-door-neighbor Andrew Cates to get the wood cut and formed for assembly. Some of the tables we are building are 14 feet long and take at least six strong people to move them. They will be used in a number of locations all over camp. Ten tables have been completed so far, and we want to thank everyone who involved with the project, including Tony McClimans who milled the wood at his sawmill and lead builder Andrew Cates.

LightHouse Friends Gena Harper and Mike May Tie the Knot
Last month LightHouse Board member Gena Harper and former camper, staff member, current volunteer and supporter Mike May hosted their lovely wedding at Enchanted Hills Retreat. The guests enjoyed delicious food, including a “wedding cake” made of beautifully decorated individual cupcakes, and witnessed the inaugural public use of our new Redwood Grove Theater for a full-blown amplified musical performance featuring singer-songwriter Sara Beck and husband Park Chisolm.

We are grateful for the new couple’s generosity in asking their guests to make monetary gifts to support Enchanted Hills, a place Mike has been coming to since 1962.

Congratulations, Gena and Mike!

EHC staff member Tom Cassidy assists volunteers with terracing and placement of new benches in lower chapel

Neighbors and friends work on a large picnic table

Gena Harper and Mike May sit at their wedding table

LightHouse News

Reasons Why You Should Learn Braille

10/09/2014 Andrea Ogarrio

LightHouse braille student Geneice Hawkins became blind six years ago. She began learning braille four years ago but due to health reasons, was unable to hone and practice her braille skills. Now she has returned to the classroom, relearning and revisiting those familiar dots and cells. She uses braille to label medications, herbs and spices and other household items, and much more. “I love to read and use audio books when I’m multi-tasking, like cooking or washing dishes. But I was inspired to get back to studying braille,” she told us, “by the birth of my nieces and more recently my 20-month-old granddaughter. She loves to be read to and is always walking around with a book in her hand. I really want to be able to read to her and to my nieces.

Despite the fantastic access technology available to most folks who are blind, braille, even basic braille, is eminently useful for essential everyday activities such as household labeling, writing notes, calendaring appointments, creating grocery lists as well as using computers and smart phones with refreshable braille displays.

If you are blind or low vision and would like to find out how you can learn braille, contact LightHouse braille instructor Divina Fontanilla Carslon at dfontanilla@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7367.

Student Geneice Hawkins works with LightHouse braille instructor Divina Fontanilla Carlson