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LightHouse News

LightHouse Report from South by Southwest

Our South by Southwest panelists and partners: (L-R top row) Hans Jergen (BE My Eyes), Jacob (Be My Eyes), Will Butler (LightHouse), Dr. Rupal Patel (VocaliD), Ed Gray (Avid), Christian Erfurt (be My Eyes) (L-R bottom row) BJ Epstein (LightHouse), Jennifer Sachs (LightHouse)This year the LightHouse has begun branching out in new directions, not just with our new San Francisco headquarters but in all parts of the world. One of the most important parts of our expansion is an emphasis on current and cutting-edge technology. As such, we were asked to coordinate a dedicated event at the mecca of all things tech, art and media: South by Southwest (SXSW) 2016 in Austin, Texas.

Throughout the conference LightHouse got to show-off our tactile maps, and in fact our Access to Information (AIS) Department created tactile maps of the Austin Convention Center for blind attendees to SXSW in trade for our SXSW passes (a value of $1,200 each).  We all made incredible connections and got the word out about LightHouse for the Blind at this mind-boggling convergence of minds.

LightHouse had a fantastic turn out for our convening entitled “Mainstreaming Accessibility”. We had an incredible panel of speakers: Christian Erfurt from Be My Eyes, Dr. Rupal Patel from VOCALiD, Ed Gray from Avid, moderator Will Butler of the LightHouse and Jonas and Paul from Pixar by video. Here’s some press about our panel published in the online tech and business publication, re/code. Though the headline is a bit tongue-in-cheek, the article in this uber-cool and important media site is truly substantive.

Here are the details on our presenters:

Jonas Rivera and Paul Cichocki and the Academy Award-winning production staff at Disney•Pixar have been working tirelessly for years now to make audio description for blind moviegoers better — not just in quality, but in the tech that delivers this important audio track for those who can’t see the screen. They told us the origin story of their brand new feature from Disney Movies Anywhere, and why it’s so important.

Ed Gray has been working at Avid for more than twenty years, and never imagined he’d be an accessibility leader until he became blind later on as an adult. Now, he has helped take ProTools, the industry standard for recording, to a peak of accessibility, making sure that once again, blind people can be audio engineers.

Christian Erfurt is the CEO of Be My Eyes, the video assistant app that first launched just sixteen months ago out of Denmark. Now living in San Francisco and pushing Be My Eyes’ technology to the next level, Christian and founder Hans Jergen shared how their technology helps not only blind people, but everyone else, too.

Dr. Rupal Patel is the founder and CEO of VocaliD, Inc., an east coast based company with a big goal: To create a million voices, literally. If Be My Eyes crowdsources eyesight for those who need it, VocaliD does the same for those with speech disorders. The winner of an innovation award at SXSW Interactive last year, Rupal came back again this year to share how VocaliD makes custom voices to fit any human, and why that’s important to society.

Will Butler is the Media and Communications Officer at LightHouse for the Blind and has worked with all of these companies in some capacity over the past few years, whether it’s as a journalist, critic, or collaborator. He moderated the panel discussion.

LightHouse News

Summer in the City – Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training in San Francisco

For more than three years now, over 150 active adults from all parts of Northern California have participated in the LightHouse immersion training programs at the Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa. Come June, we are excited to add a new venue for our immersion training, our new headquarters in San Francisco at 1155 Market. You can be one of the first to go through our 2016 Immersion training in San Francisco.

In our new urban environment you and your peers will be immersed in building a foundation of independent living skills, access technology skills, orientation and mobility and peer support to get you started on your journey of living your life the way you want in maintaining your independence. All of this along with the energy and vibrancy of one of the most beautiful cities in the world surrounding you.

The CVCL curriculum, presented in four or five sessions per day, includes: ways to read printed materials; understanding how lighting, contrast and magnification can help you every day; techniques for organizing and labeling in your home or office; best methods for taking notes; basic cooking skills; traveling and moving safely and confidently in your home and in the community and understanding how accessible computers and other high and low tech equipment can enhance your life.

Evening discussions focus inwards, from conversations about holding yourself accountable on your journey, to self-advocacy, to questions about how friends, family and partners can understand/support you and your path. Sometimes the process is planned, other times it becomes very organic. Every person and every group of students is different and we individualize much of the experience depending on your own aspirations.

Gaining understanding of what is available to you, getting hands-on with new skills and developing renewed confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week. While the experience is different for everyone, the act of coming together with other adults, both students and teachers, who are blind or have low vision, to learn or relearn skills, and to get back into the stream of life, remains a pivotal part of the week-long experience.

In San Francisco, students will live in comfortable shared accommodations (minimum two to a room) and are provided continental breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lodging is akin to a modern Bed and Breakfast – private men’s and women’s facilities are a short walk down the hall from each room. The student lodging is secure and comfortable for learning and connecting with others when there is a break from training.

Transportation access to San Francisco from Humboldt County will be provided for North Coast students and for those who reside in the bay area, 1155 Market sits right above the Civic Center BART and is only a short cab ride or bus from the Cal Train Station and the temporary Trans Bay Terminal.

Blind or low vision students who are interested should have a genuine interest in learning the skills for moving forward; enjoy learning with a group of peers and are able to participate full day (from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day) of active learning and physical participation (urban mobility and public transit in San Francisco).

Note, there is no cost to attend if you are 55 or older and living in San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt or Del Norte counties and limited scholarships are available for persons under 55 and not eligible for Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Dates for our upcoming training sessions, all at our new headquarters in San Francisco

June 12 through 17
July 10 through 15 (note: all training in Spanish)
July 31 through August 5

The Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open to adults who are ready for a jump start or a recharge as their vision has changed. Interested? Contact LightHouse staff in San Francisco, San Rafael or Eureka:

LightHouse News

Our Next LightHouse YES (Youth Employment Series) session is on April 30: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Searches

Our series of YES workshops continues. The April YES workshop will focus on tools and resources that can help students conduct more successful job searches. The workshop will start with an in-depth look at resumes and cover letters before we get into the do’s and don’ts of job searching. Students will learn from professional employment specialists as well as other low vision and blind professionals.

Who: Youth and transition-aged students (recommended age range: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or who have low vision.
When: Saturday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters

Our April workshop will focus on information and resources that will help high school and college students be more successful in higher education. Students who participate in this workshop will walk away with valuable wisdom from current students and recent graduates about how best to navigate the college system. We will discuss topics such as Disabled Students Services, what it is and how the program can help you; why you should sign up with Department of Rehabilitation and more.

Please note that the session will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and that we must ask that all parents and guardians leave no later than 15 minutes after dropping off their child participant.

If you would like more information or to register for the workshop please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Save the Date for our May session: Saturday, May 21
During our May YES workshop students will discuss how to conduct an interview and when and how to disclose information about your disability.

What is LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series?
LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series is an informative series of monthly workshops providing transition-aged youth who are blind or have low vision vital skills and practices that will help them become more successful in higher education and their chosen career path.

In January, 2016 we began this series of day long workshops designed to help youth and transition-aged students (recommended age: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or have low vision to be prepared to become successfully employed. Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

These workshops will teach students to:

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to transition smoothly into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

When and where will the workshops be held?
9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: April 30 and May 21. These workshops will be held at the LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters.

Is there a cost?
The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $150 per student, which may be covered by Department of Rehabilitation. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

LightHouse News

This June – Go to the NFB National Convention with LightHouse YES Academy

The LightHouse believes that attending consumer conventions of the blind can be an empowering tool. Since 2011 we’ve taken students and staff to a number of consumer conventions to maximize and intensify learning in a fun and adventuresome way.

With great excitement, The Lighthouse Youth Program is pleased to announce its first Youth Employment Series (YES) Academy.

Academy Dates: Wednesday, June 22 to Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Deadline to register is May 1
Informational conference call: Sunday, April 10, 4:00 p.m.

During this two week training academy students aged 16 to 24 will gain valuable knowledge and life experiences that will help them become more independent, confident and successful.

During the first week of this intensive program, students will stay at the brand new, state-of-the-art LightHouse headquarters in San Francisco where they will take part in a series of day-long workshops focused on acquiring knowledge about college, employment, blindness skills and self-advocacy.

LightHouse YES Academy Goes to NFB National Convention
During the second week, new skills will be put to the test when the entire academy hits the road and travels across the country to attend the National Federation of the Blind annual National Convention in Orlando, Florida, one of the largest gatherings of blind and low vision individuals and professionals in the world.

Join us for an Informational Conference Call
To learn more about this innovative program, we invite you to join us for a conference call on Sunday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m.
Call-in number: 641-715-3300, passcode 168319#. You will have an opportunity to speak with and ask questions of LightHouse staff during the call.

YES Academy Week Highlights
•Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
•Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
•Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
•Learn how to smoothly transition into college from high school or from college to a career.
•Develop effective cover letters and resumes.
•Practice networking, participate in mock interviews and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
•Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

NFB National Convention Week Highlights
•Attend the largest gathering of low vision and blind students in the United States.
•Gain advice, wisdom and network with intelligent, charismatic and fun blind and low vision mentors and leaders.
•Share and discuss issues, ideas and perspectives of importance to the blind community with peers and mentors.
•Practice skills and techniques learned during our monthly YES Youth Employment Series and other trainings in a blind-friendly environment with thousands of low vision and blind mentors who can help you master your new skills.
•Learn about the latest and greatest technologies for the blind and low vision community at one of the largest gatherings of venders of low vision and blind technologies in the world.

Students aged 16 to 24 who are referred to the YES Academy by their Department of Rehabilitation counselor are encouraged to apply. The LightHouse YES Academy includes dormitory lodging, hotel room expenses, transportation to and from Orlando, food, registration fees and many day-to-day expenses during the academy. Transportation to and from San Francisco is not included. Payment must be secured by June 15.

Registration
The first step in the registration process is to complete the online portion of the application by May 1. Click here to go to the application form.

Lighthouse’s Youth Services Coordinator Jamey Gump will contact you shortly after your application has been submitted to complete the application process.

If you would like more information regarding the Lighthouse YES Academy, including costs, please contact Jamey Gump at 415.694.7372 or jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Our Next LightHouse YES (Youth Employment Series) session is on April 30: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Searches
LightHouse News

Our Next LightHouse YES (Youth Employment Series) session is on April 30: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Searches

April 2016 LightHouse YES: Resumes and More

Our series of YES workshops continues. The April YES workshop will focus on tools and resources that can help students conduct more successful job searches. The workshop will start with an in-depth look at resumes and cover letters before we get into the do’s and don’ts of job searching. Students will learn from professional employment specialists as well as other low vision and blind professionals.

Who: Youth and transition-aged students (recommended age range: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or who have low vision.
When: Saturday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters

Our April workshop will focus on information and resources that will help high school and college students be more successful in higher education. Students who participate in this workshop will walk away with valuable wisdom from current students and recent graduates about how best to navigate the college system. We will discuss topics such as Disabled Students Services, what it is and how the program can help you; why you should sign up with Department of Rehabilitation and more.

Please note that the session will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and that we must ask that all parents and guardians leave no later than 15 minutes after dropping off their child participant.

If you would like more information or to register for the workshop please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at 415-694-7372 or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Save the Date for our May session: Saturday, May 21
During our May YES workshop students will discuss how to conduct an interview and when and how to disclose information about your disability.

 

What is LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series?

LightHouse YES: Youth Employment Series is an informative series of monthly workshops providing transition-aged youth who are blind or have low vision vital skills and practices that will help them become more successful in higher education and their chosen career path.

In January, 2016 we began this series of day long workshops designed to help youth and transition-aged students (recommend age: 14 to 24 years old) who are blind or have low vision to be prepared to become successfully employed. Through a variety of speakers and collaborative activities led by successful blind professionals, students will gain invaluable wisdom that can help them grow and shape themselves into competent blind adults.

These workshops will teach students to:

  • Effectively navigate through any system to ensure you receive necessary accommodations.
  • Learn about accommodations available to college students and those entering the workforce.
  • Acquire access technology skills which can be applied to real world situations, and test how effective these technologies might be for yourself.
  • Acquire and use blindness skills that will enrich your life and help you achieve your goals, be more confident and learn how to advocate for your needs.
  • How to transition smoothly into college from high school or from college to a career.
  • Develop Effective cover letters and resumes.
  • Practice networking, participate in mock interviews, and understand how to make a strong and positive first impression.
  • Learn how to develop, enhance and utilize your network and your relationship with peers and mentors.

When and where will the workshops be held?

9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: April 30 and May 21. These workshops will be held at the LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters.

Is there a cost?

The cost to attend one of the LightHouse Youth Employment Series workshops is $150 per student. In addition to the day’s activities and curriculum, students will receive a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. DOR authorizations or alternate payment source must be secured before students will be eligible to participate.

LightHouse News

Are You a Musician who is Blind or Has Low Vision?

Lead instructor Bill McCann and Jenna Baylis work with adaptive software for composition during Blind Music Academy.Fine-tune your craft this summer at Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California.

Do you sing or play an instrument? Train with some of our nation’s best instructors at Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp. The LightHouse is partnering with Dancing Dots, the world’s leading provider of accessible music technology for the blind, to bring our summertime Music Academy back to the redwoods. The Academy is open to young, motivated musicians who are blind or low vision who are 16 to 24 years old.

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp, Napa and the LightHouse Headquarters, San Francisco
When: August 1 through August 10, 2016
Cost for the week, all-inclusive: $300
(If the registration fee is a barrier, let us know; some scholarships will be available.)

Bill McCann, President and Founder of Dancing Dots, blind himself, will lead a team of four blind instructors and technicians to teach the latest and greatest techniques for blind and low vision students.

To sign up: contact Taccarra Burrell at 451-694-7310 or ehc@old.lighthouse-sf.org or go to: http://lighthousesf.org/programs/enchanted-hills/

LightHouse News

A Day at the Exploratorium – LightHouse Youth Program

logo for ExploratoriumJoin the LightHouse Youth Program for an exciting day of interactive science and endless exploration at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Students that sign up to join us for this event will not only get the chance to experience the Exploratorium, they will be part of a team that will help train the High School Explainers be more prepared to help any future museum guests who are blind or have low vision. After we finish our activities with our new friends from the Exploratorium we have the chance to tour the museum floor until the museum closes at 5:00.

Who: Youth who are between the ages of 8 and 18 and are blind or who have low vision.
What: A day of interactive science and exploring at the Exploratorium.
When: Saturday April 2, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Exploratorium – located at Pier 15 & Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meeting Location:  Information Desk near the front entrance of the Exploratorium
Cost: FREE
Waiver: Each participant must complete a LightHouse Youth Program Application, if they have not done so already.
What to bring: Good walking shoes, bag lunch or money for lunch, water bottle, and warm layers of clothing. Please be sure to also bring necessary adaptive equipment such as cane or magnifier.

If you would like 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

Contribute to LightHouse’s Campaign for a 21st Century LightHouse

Program and Naming Opportunities at the New LightHouse

Many of you know that the LightHouse is undergoing a campaign to move our San Francisco headquarters to a new Mid-Market location with a larger footprint for expanded programs and located a few feet from the Civic Center BART/Muni station for the best accessibility.

The new building and its design process is the focus of this month’s San Francisco Magazine, in an in-depth and fascinating discussion of how we’ve designed and built the perfect headquarters for our next century.

Why are we building a new LightHouse? Newly-blind neighbors and experienced blind residents will welcome what will surely be the most advanced blindness center in the West. Under one roof we’ll gather advanced tools, build respectful and private spaces for learning, conversation and mentorship, and crown the effort with the capacity to host students, family members and researchers for overnight stays when an immersive and intensive learning experience is optimal.

Twenty people become blind each week in the Greater Bay Area. Each year, a thousand Bay Area neighbors enter their blindness journey tentative, afraid and with a deep need to learn techniques and gain the self-confidence to live life to the fullest. This is our mission; and with your support, we will build a new headquarters to serve blind kids, teens, adults and seniors for the next century of innovative practices impacting the blind community globally.

Contributions to the Campaign for a 21st Century LightHouse will provide tangible benefits for the blind kids to seniors that benefit from the joy and learning of the LightHouse for the next century. To learn more about the campaign, for naming opportunities or how a deferred gift can be used to leave an enduring legacy in you or a loved one’s honor, contact 415-694-7333 or jsachs@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Recent Grant Awards to Superfest, Disability Communications Fund

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) logoJust in time for Superfest International Disability Film Festival’s 30th Anniversary, the National Endowment for the Arts is making its first-ever prestigious grant to LightHouse-sponsored SuperFest, supporting the 2016 festival with a $10,000 grant. We are excited to announce that this will enable us to give cash awards to the “Best of Festival” award winning filmmakers and expand the festivals reach and impact. Save the date: for Superfest will be held on October 22 and 23rd 2016. (NEA logo attached).

A grant from the Disability Communications Fund will enable LightHouse to expand our tech training opportunities when we open our new headquarters in May. “Anytime Tech” will be one-on-one tech training available in the evenings and weekends as well as during the day. Interpreters can be provided in most languages if required.

LightHouse News

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training – Plan for your April in Napa or your Summer in San Francisco

Students and instructors from the January class gather for a group photo in front of the fireplace at Enchanted Hills RetreatFor more than three years now, the LightHouse has developed our six-day Changing Vision Changing Life (CVCL) immersion training program at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa. Each CVCL session brings together up to 14 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’re excited to announce that come June, we will add a very special new venue for training – our newly constructed headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco. But no matter the site, Napa or San Francisco, the outcome is the same, to provide you with a myriad of options, information, basic training and support to get you started on the journey of living your life the way you want and maintaining your independence.

The CVCL curriculum, presented in four or five sessions per day, includes: ways to read printed materials; understanding how lighting, contrast and magnification can help you every day; techniques for organizing and labeling in your home or office; best methods for taking notes; basic cooking skills; traveling and moving safely and confidently in your home and in the community and understanding how accessible computers and other high and low tech equipment can enhance your life.

Evening discussions focus inwards, from conversations about holding yourself accountable on you journey, to self-advocacy, to questions about how friends, family and partners can understand/support you and your path. Sometimes the process is planned, other times it becomes very organic. Every person and every group of students is different and we individualize much of the experience depending on your own aspirations.

Gaining understanding of what is available to you, getting hands-on with new skills and developing renewed confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week. While the experience is different for everyone, the act of coming together with other adults, both students and teachers, who are blind or have low vision, to learn or relearn skills, and to get back into the stream of life, remains a pivotal part of the week-long experience.

At both sites, students will live in comfortable shared accommodations (minimum two to a room), are provided three meals a day and have transportation access to Napa from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael and Eureka. If you are blind or have low vision and want attend a CVCL session you must be genuinely interested in learning the skills for moving forward; enjoy learning with a group of peers and must be able and willing to participate full day (from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., every day) of active learning and physical participation (rural mobility in Napa/urban mobility in San Francisco).

Note, there is no cost to attend if you are 55 or older and living in San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt or Del Norte counties and limited scholarships are available for persons who are under 55 and not eligible for Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Dates for our upcoming training sessions:

April 10 through 14 at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa

June 12 through 17 at our new headquarters in San Francisco

July 10 through 15 at our new headquarters in San Francisco (note: all training in Spanish)

July 31 through 5 at our new headquarters in San Francisco

The Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open to adults who are ready for a jump start or, a recharge as vision has changed. Interested? Contact us in San Francisco, San Rafael or Eureka to find out more our sign up: