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Access Technology Specialist

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POSITION:                                        Access Technology Specialist

REPORTS TO:                                 Director of Access Technology

STATUS:                                           Exempt

JOB CLASSIFICATION:                 Specialist I or II

WORK ARRANGEMENT:              Hybrid

SALARY RANGE:                           $65,000 – $75,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE:          Open Until Filed

 

JOB PURPOSE:

The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually impaired is seeking an Access Technology Specialist in our Access Technology department. The AT department trains more than 300 students each year in the use of screen readers, magnification software, specialized devices, mobile phones and smart home technology. The AT department also partners with dozens of companies to ensure apps, websites, and products are accessible to blind and visually impaired users.

The Access Technology Specialist is responsible for providing high quality technology assessments and training to blind and visually impaired students both one on one and in group workshops. Assessments and class sessions may be held virtually or in person. Specialists work with each student to define learning goals, present material in a clear and comprehensive manner, and document instruction in the Lighthouse database. Specialists stay current on the latest access technology, and the accessibility of mainstream apps, to serve as a technology resource for Lighthouse students and community members.

Specialists work on Lighthouse consulting projects in the areas of accessible design, corporate training and user research.

This position may be for you if:

  • You keep pace with the latest in mainstream and access technology.
  • You’re interested in the interactions between people and the technologies they use.
  • You enjoy spending significant parts of your workday interacting with students
  • You enjoy explaining technical concepts to others.
  • You would like to be part of a team of Access Technology professionals that offer innovative solutions such as dynamic group classes, tech support and remote training.
  • You would like to help organizations reach their maximum potential, by collaborating on user research and accessible design.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in education, Rehabilitation Teaching, Computer Science, or comparable degree/experience.
  • In depth knowledge of the following operating systems:
    • Windows
    • Mac OS
    • iOS
    • Android
  • Advanced user of screen reading and magnification software for desktop and mobile operating systems.
  • In depth knowledge of non-visual techniques for information access including:
    • Efficiently navigating websites.
    • Using apps and software to access printed material.
    • Using GPS and wayfinding apps for navigation.
  • In depth knowledge of at least 1 of the following productivity suites:
    • Microsoft 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and Teams.
    • Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Calendar, Drive and Meet.
  • Basic understanding of smart speakers and smart home technology.
  • Demonstrated ability to create lesson plans.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with different meeting platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive technology assessments.
  • High level of emotional intelligence to relate to students at all levels of adjustment to blindness.
  • Demonstrated ability to convey technical knowledge in a clear and approachable manner.
  • ability to learn new technologies from documentation and tutorials.
  • Knowledge of web accessibility standards.
  • Proficiency in the UEB Braille code.
  • Knowledge of at least 1 of the following types of specialized devices:
    • Video Magnifiers (CCTV’s).
    • Braille Notetakers.
    • Braille displays.
    • Braille embossers.
    • Handheld media players / recording devices.
  • Fluency in a second language in addition to English.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to: Carry or transport 20lbs; sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment; travel independently.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Conduct comprehensive assistive technology assessments.
  • Work with students defining individual service plans, which include schedules, goals and objectives for their technology training.
  • Deliver individual or group training to blind and visually impaired students on a variety of technologies.
  • Provide services at the Lighthouse headquarters, satellite offices, at students’ homes, at work sites or remotely.
  • Design and deliver group workshops on current technology topics.
  • Develop class curriculum and lesson plans.
  • Keep accurate and timely records of student progress in the Lighthouse database.
  • Provide accessibility feedback on products and websites as part of Lighthouse access technology consulting projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse is an equal opportunity employer.  LightHouse policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, denial of Family and Medical Care leave, height and weight, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.  Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct.

LightHouse personnel are employed on an at-will basis.  Employment at-will means that the employment relationship may be terminated, with or without cause and with or without advance notice at any time by the employee or the Agency.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.  Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”).

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as Word attachments (no. PDFs please), to HR@old.lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints, we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest, thanks for your understanding.

Save the Date: August 19, 2023 – LightHouse Gala
LightHouse News

Save the Date: August 19, 2023 – LightHouse Gala

This August, LightHouse invites you to attend our gala, An Enchanted Evening, to benefit the rebuilding of Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC). Held at the historic and beautiful Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco’s Union Square, our gala will be an elegant evening celebrating the blind community and raising funds for camp by sponsorships and both a silent and live auction.
 
Enchanted Hills is the heart and soul of LightHouse’s mission to promote the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or visually impaired. Camp is a safe place where blind, low vision, and deafblind campers of all ages can find community in a fun, educational and nurturing blind-positive environment. And, after the devastation from the 2017 Napa wildfires, we have made rebuilding and re-imagining EHC our top priority.
 
The proceeds raised at the gala will assist in the current and ongoing camp construction projects and future endeavors to enhance our enchanted redwood retreat to become an accessible, blind-positive oasis for generations of blind, low vision, and deafblind campers to come.
 
Stay tuned for more gala details and updates in the coming weeks! For now, you can learn more about sponsorship tiers, donating auction items, and purchasing tickets to the 2023 LightHouse Gala: An Enchanted Evening by visiting the LightHouse Gala website.

Read additional blog posts about the LightHouse Gala

We Celebrate Enchanted Hills Camp at the LightHouse Gala, August 19

Go Rock Climbing with LightHouse!
LightHouse News

Go Rock Climbing with LightHouse!

In the past few months, LightHouse has started an exciting new monthly excursion for LightHouse students – rock climbing! While thought to a dangerous sport by some, indoor rock climbing is a surprisingly accessible activity. With the literal hands-on approach to navigating the rock walls, this naturally tactile hobby requires little adaptation for blind and low vision adventure-seekers. And, with the help of the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly Paracliffhangers volunteers, rock climbing is quickly becoming a new LightHouse favorite!
 
“I had always wanted to go rock climbing,” says Youth Programs Coordinator, Andrew Martinez, “and when I heard about Paracliffhangers, a group of disabled climbers who climb regularly, I knew I had to join!”
 
So, Andrew set out to find the right indoor rock climbing gym that would accommodate and educate our community and would help make the sport and overall environment as accessible as possible.
 
“While Paraclimbing is fairly new, it continues to grow and gain support as gyms in the Bay Area. Many gyms have begun building routes to help blind and low vision climbers practice. Climbing has now become a great space for blind and low vision people and is an awesome way to meet other people with disabilities while getting in a great and exciting workout!”
 
If you are interested in discovering the sport of rock climbing, join us on Sunday, February 26, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Meet at LightHouse HQ at 1155 Market Street, and as a group, we will travel on BART to the gym’s location at 2140 Mandela Parkway in Oakland. The climbing will begin at noon. All ages and skill levels are welcome, no prior experience is necessary. Equipment can be rented upon arrival for $10.
 
To RSVP to this month’s rock climbing event, contact Andrew at amartinez@old.lighthouse-sf.org or call 415.694.7642.

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Event Coordinator  

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POSITION:                                       Event Coordinator  

REPORTS TO:                               Director of Hospitality 

STATUS:                                        Full-time, Non-Exempt 

JOB CLASSIFICATION:                Associate I 

WORK ARRANGEMENT:             Hybrid (3 days on-site)

SALARY RANGE:                           $20.02 – $29.37

APPLICATION DEADLINE:         Opened Until Filled 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco is seeking a full-time Events Coordinator to join a high-performance team dedicated to creating successful events for clients, top donors, stakeholders, and partners. The Event Coordinator is expected to travel and be where the events are taking place, which includes our camp in Napa, our location in Alameda and throughout the state of California.

Under the supervision of the Director of Hospitality, the Events Coordinator will plan and execute multi-day guest experiences, corporate meetings and training events, and special events including receptions, galas, stewardship, and cultivation events. 

The Events Coordinator will perform extensive event research of vendors and venues; maintain files and intricate event calendar; interact with internal and external constituencies; assist in the development of printed materials; secure vendors for events; assist in the creation of presentations and meeting materials under the direction of the Director of Hospitality.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Education or Equivalent
  • Some college or university experience
  • Nonprofit experience is a plus.
  • One year of general work experience. Hospitality experience or event planning is a plus, but event planning in an academic setting will be considered of equal value.
  • Familiarity with simple web-based event planning tools, such as Event Bright, Evite, or Qgiv.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to properly prioritize and manage multiple projects
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, adhere to established procedures, and willingness to ask qualifying questions.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with peers as needed

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Event Coordinator must demonstrate a high-level of professionalism, attention to detail, genuine customer care, and consistent follow-thru in a fast-paced environment. 

  • Work with Director of Hospitality to develop comprehensive end-to-end event management procedures and create related process documentation.
  • Provide excellent customer service by demonstrating professionalism, and impeccable interpersonal communication skills with LightHouse colleagues, event participants, partners, vendors, and major donors.
  • Develop and maintain a list of preferred hospitality vendors.
  • Gather event requirements and manage event planning, providing regular updates to internal departments, vendors, and other stakeholders as needed.
  • Set-up and manage online event registration for planned events.
  • Ensure the successful execution of all events by proactively providing information to participants and communicating guest needs to the proper LH departments.
  • Responsible for post-event wrap up tasks such as archiving event photos, collateral materials, and captures post event feedback and staff reflections for future events, analysis and reporting. Maintain Salesforce database and mailing lists to ensure accuracy of client, participant, and donor information.
  • Must be able to physically attend the events hosted throughout California.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for extended periods of time; operate standard office equipment, and travel independently. Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse is an equal opportunity employer. LightHouse policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, denial of Family and Medical Care leave, height and weight, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.  Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct.

LightHouse personnel are employed on an at-will basis.  Employment at-will means that the employment relationship may be terminated, with or without cause and with or without advance notice at any time by the employee or the Agency.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.  Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”). 

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no. PDFs please), to HR@old.lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints, we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest, thanks for your understanding.

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Human Resources Associate

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POSITION:                                        Human Resources Associate

REPORTS TO:                                 VP of People and Culture

STATUS:                                            Non-Exempt

JOB CLASSIFICATION:                 Associate I or II

WORK ARRANGEMENT:               Hybrid (3 days, North Bay, CA)

SALARY RANGE:                            $29.75-$37.19

APPLICATION DEADLINE:          Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, headquartered in downtown San Francisco, is looking for a full time Human Resources Assistant to work in our North Bay Satellite office locations and to fill a valued role in our growing organization.

Coordinates People and Culture activities, including but not limited to recruitment, background checks, new hire orientation, onboarding new hires, payroll support, leave administration and ADP HRIS Administrator. Perform other HR administrative duties and responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 1 to 2 years of HR, Administrative or related experience.
  • Must be able to provide in-person support to our Napa and North Bay offices as needed; as well as report into our San Francisco headquarter office for in person on-boarding.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  • Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to manage priorities and workflows.
  • Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
  • Comfortable calendaring and setting up in/virtual meetings (i.e., Zoom).
  • Comfortable presenting in front of a small group of people.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to deal effectively with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels.
  • Proficient use of HRIS platforms and ADP (WFN) systems is a preferred.
  • Experience recruiting, staffing and posting job announcements are a plus.
  • Working knowledge of HR laws and regulations is a plus.
  • Ability to take on additional responsibilities as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment and lift to 20pds.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintain employee database, process status changes and complete tasks in the HRIS system.
  • Responsible for employee file maintenance and compliance.
  • Manage the HR Inbox for People and Culture Department.
  • Collaborate and partner with payroll/payroll processing during each payroll.
  • Enforce People & Culture processes and procedures.
  • Acts as liaison for People & Culture with managers/supervisors.
  • Support managers and supervisors in performance improvement conversations
  • Provide onsite support primarily to our Camp in Napa and North Bay offices; as well as virtual support to the rest of the company as needed.
  • Prepare and maintain job descriptions and job announcements.
  • Responsible for posting and scheduling interviews for open positions.
  • Manage recruitment activities on job search web sites.
  • Coordinate hiring process.
  • Distribute job offer letters and other People & Culture communications as needed.
  • Conduct reference checks for pre-employment.
  • Create a warm and welcoming environment for applicants and new employees.
  • Conduct New Hire Onboarding and Orientations at the SF Headquarter office, up to 3 days per month and as needed.
  • Manage coordination of various department in the New Hire Onboarding Orientations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse is an equal opportunity employer.  LightHouse policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, denial of Family and Medical Care leave, height and weight, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.  Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct.

LightHouse personnel are employed on an at-will basis.  Employment at-will means that the employment relationship may be terminated, with or without cause and with or without advance notice at any time by the employee or the Agency.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.  Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”).

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no. PDFs please), to HR@old.lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints, we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest, thanks for your understanding.

Another Great YES Summer Academy Completed
LightHouse News

Another Great YES Summer Academy Completed

Photo 1: YES Academy students gather together at a Muni station in San Francisco. From left to right: Daisy Soto (YES Coordinator), Monse, Adam, Heriberto, Omar, Nicole (mentor), Eman, Katya, Rocco, Jisselle (mentor), Andrew (mentor), and Dlan

Photo 2:  YES Summer Academy students Rocco, Hari and Adam pose together in front of a heart sculpture at Pier 39 in San Francisco

This summer, eight high school and college students joined LightHouse for our annual YES (Youth Employment Services) Academy. LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator, Daisy Soto, recaps the experience:

This year’s YES Summer Academy students spent 28 days learning and honing skills that will help prepare them for the workforce. During their first week, students received lessons from LightHouse staff on Orientation & Mobility (O&M), Independent Living Skills, and Access Technology essentials for employment. The second week focused on community-building and navigation skills. With the support of Youth Program staff and mentors, participants independently navigated new locations such as Angel Island, San Francisco State University, and Peer 39. They had the opportunity to take a variety of public transit systems (BART, Muni, cable cars, ferry, etc.) and worked on problem-solving strategies when exploring all of these new locations.

During their last two weeks, all students successfully completed their work experience practicums, which included some working as janitorial and food safety assistants and internships at LightHouse Sirkin Center. Weekends were filled with cooking challenges, walks on the Golden Gate Bridge and around Lake Merritt in Oakland, and an abundance of karaoke nights! YES participants left the program with not only an updated cover letter, resume, and job experiences in hand, but with increased pride and confidence as they take on employment and educational goals. It was certainly a summer filled with laughter and learning for all!

Photo 3: YES Academy student Hari explores a tactile map with LightHouse Orientation & Mobility Instructor Joshua Lopez

Photo 4: YES Summer Academy students and staff member cooking dinner in the accessible kitchen at LightHouse. From left to right: Dlan, Katya, Devin Upson (LightHouse Orientation & Mobility Instructor), and Rocco

As we wrap up a successful summer, the LightHouse Youth Programs team welcomes a new season filled with an array of educational, social, and recreational programs for youth and transition-aged students. Join like-minded blind and low vision academics for College Spaces, create cool art with fellow woodworkers in-person with Polishing in the Park, or hang out with your LightHouse and EHC besties every Friday night for the weekly virtual Daredevils watch party. Also this fall, LightHouse students ages 16 – 25 have the opportunity to join the LightHouse Youth Council. Do you have an idea for future programs or want to make a positive impact in your community? Learn more about the LightHouse Youth Council here. We look forward to an awesome autumn with the LightHouse Youth Programs team!

EHC is the Place to Be for the Littlest Ones: A Recap
LightHouse News

EHC is the Place to Be for the Littlest Ones: A Recap

Photo Caption 1: A Little Learner seated in a wheelchair makes lemonade by pressing a lever to squeeze lemon juice with the help of her older sister and teacher Jeri Hart.

Photo Caption 2:  A Little Learner plays in the wading pool with her sister as their mom cools her feet. The girls wear matching flowered swim shirts and all have the biggest joyful smiles.

Photo Caption 3: A Little Learner wearing pink glasses sits cross legged between her parents in a paddle boat as they enjoy a boat ride on the lake.  All wear blue life-jackets and smile, and dad is making a peace sign.

Photo Caption 4: Twin Little Learners wearing sunglasses get a lakeside fishing lesson from EHC staffer Jamey Gump. The sister holds the fishing pole and the brother looks on, waiting for his turn.

Photos by Emmalaine Berry Photography

Editor’s Note: LightHouse Little Learners Camp ran from Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12

By Pam Chapin, Little Learners Program Director

“Good Morning, lake!” exclaimed the happy toddler as she followed the path to the Dining Hall for breakfast at Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC). One hand explored the lakeside fence, and the other clutched the stuffed bunny that would spend the weekend at her side when our Little Learners and their families headed up Mt. Veeder in Napa to experience the magic of camp among the redwoods. As the weekend unfolded, there were so many memorable moments as families relaxed together, shared new experiences, and built lasting relationships. There was a sense of community, of belonging, and as one parent stated, it was “transformational”.

Families arrived on Friday, settled into their cabins, and gathered together for a welcome reception. As parents relaxed and chatted, toddlers and siblings made lemonade and had snacks. When a red flag warning due to the Napa winds changed our plans for gathering around the campfire, families happily gathered lakeside instead for songs and silly fun with the camp counselors. We learned about the rich history of EHC and its founder Rose Resnick, the efforts to rebuild and preserve the landscape after the 2017 fires, and the vision for expanding camp into a year-round retreat.

Saturday was brimming with activity as families explored camp, went paddle boating and fishing, and gathered around the cool wading pools where splashes and giggles could be heard. Everyone explored at their own pace and toddlers could be seen resting among dog guides. Children touched the natural textures of moss, lavender, and dried orange slices and made them into a suncatcher collage or viewed them on a lightbox. Birdfeeders were made from pine cones, sunflower butter and birdseed. Children emerged from the art room wearing golden paper crowns. Our friends from California Deafblind Services brought a tie dye activity to share, and soon there were colorful patterns on bandanas, shirts, onesies, and even socks blowing in the breeze to dry.

Families gathered for meals between activities, and at dinner children frosted cupcakes they had baked that afternoon. The day culminated in a talent show that included such festivities as singing, ukulele playing, a somersault, pompom shaking, dancing the Macarena, and a drum circle.

Heading down the hill on Sunday, listening to the rustle of the redwoods, our hearts were full. We can’t wait for next time!

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – Are They Working For You?
LightHouse News

Accessible Pedestrian Signals – Are They Working For You?

By Sheri Albers, Community Outreach Coordinator

Many years ago, during my initial Orientation & Mobility training, I was taught to cross an intersection by listening for the “surge” and always going with parallel traffic. This was in the days before an Audio Pedestrian Signal (APS). The intention of the APS was never to replace my learned blindness skills, but to enhance my safe travel experience. Sometimes when I am downtown in San Francisco, there is so much noise from people, music, or construction, that it can be difficult to discern the traffic patterns with an elevated level of confidence. Intersections are also more complicated due to the high volume of hybrid vehicles which eliminate the phenomena of the “surge” because there is a lack of sound. I am always relieved to find an APS as a backup to let me know that it’s safe to cross. I was also elated to learn of the vibration feature to notify DeafBlind people!

One of the organizational goals of LightHouse is to strengthen partnerships with state and local agencies, and advocate for our community. We have worked on many projects with San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), including the most recent “Safety – It’s Your Turn” Campaign to help make intersections safer for pedestrians as they are crossing streets when there are drivers making left turns. Discussions to increase communication with SFMTA on intersection safety ARE ongoing, and the focus has now turned to APS. LightHouse is concerned that there is a need for more APSs throughout the city, that there is little known about how to request an APS, and that the SFMTA website is confusing to navigate.

What is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal?

An Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) is a pedestrian push button that communicates when to cross the street in a non-visual manner, such as audible tones, speech messages and vibrating surfaces. Read more on the SFMTA website about APS.

Watch a short video where Polara partnered with LightHouse to show how APS work in San Francisco.

There was an SFMTA policy established in 2010 that required the transit agency to report to LightHouse on a semiannual basis the number of APS installations, status of request for APS, and status of APS maintenance requests. Through my discussions with the SFMTA APS Team, I was able to convey the importance of this report and re-establish this practice. These reports will begin to be distributed starting July 2022 and updated every six months.

Is there an intersection in San Francisco near you or the places you frequent that needs an APS? How do you request one?

There are two ways to request an APS. The first is to call 311. The second way is to fill out an online form at the San Francisco 311 Customer Service Center website. If outside the city, call 415-701-2311. When you call, all you need to do is submit your name, contact information, the desired intersection and the format in which you wish to receive a response. SFMTA will respond to you withing 90 days with the status of your request.

Is there an APS near in San Francisco that needs repair?

Any maintenance concerns regarding APS buttons, including volume, should be submitted by contacting 311 as noted above. SFMTA will make any necessary repairs typically within 24 hours of receiving the maintenance request.

Learn All About San Francisco APS by Listening to an Interview and Attending an Online Discussion

To learn much more about APS in San Francisco, please listen to my interview with Bryant Woo who is a Senior Traffic Engineer on the SFMTA APS team. According to Mr. Woo, as of March 31, 2022, 33% of all intersections with traffic signals in San Francisco have an Accessible Pedestrian Signal. SFMTA is proud to say that our city is the leader in the country for this statistic. Woo goes on to say, “We are not happy until we hit 100%!” If you have any questions for Mr. Woo about matters concerning APS, you may contact him by email at Bryant.Woo@sfmta.com.

Positions Open for Blind Community Members on LightHouse Blind Advisory Panel
Featured, LightHouse News

Positions Open for Blind Community Members on LightHouse Blind Advisory Panel

The LightHouse Board of Directors wishes to formalize an ongoing independent structure through which it can learn from blind people in our community their current needs for programs and services.  As these needs change, and as COVID and changing demographics reveal new unmet needs, it’s a best practice to operate an independent ongoing advisory platform from which our Board can learn what LightHouse is doing right, and what it needs to improve upon.

Therefore as the Lighthouse Board seeks to broaden its input about community needs for programs and services, it has decided to implement a common best practice in our field by formalizing a Blind Advisory Committee. As the body charged with drafting Lighthouse policy, the Board of Directors seeks the broadest sources of input from staff, partners and stakeholders, including, now, direct input from its community.

This is not a first for the LightHouse: over the years there have been various forms of blind input. For his first four years, CEO Bryan Bashin hosted a “Dialogue with the Director”, an open forum for all community members, which was a direct route for community members to give their opinions. As Lighthouse programs and services have grown it is imperative that new regular methods for our Board of Directors to be informed about current community needs are developed. Coming out of COVID, too, the needs of our community may have changed greatly, and the Board is interested in hearing directly from community members. This will be especially important as Lighthouse conducts its next Strategic Plan process later in 2022.

Sharon Sacks, LightHouse Board Chair shared her vision for the Blind Advisory Committee:

“As Lighthouse programs continue to evolve and grow, its Board of Directors is committed to engaging and receiving input from our greater community. This group will be chaired by members of the LightHouse board in order to effectively transfer communication from the community directly to the Board. The Lighthouse Board encourages individuals who are blind or low vision to apply to participate in this unique and important committee.

The LightHouse Board is looking for people who are in touch with today’s community needs, as well as those who may have experience with new or different programs and services which might be operated by the LightHouse.  The new Blind Advisory Committee will consist of nine people, including two places that will be offered to the National Federation of the Blind of California’s San Francisco chapter and the California Council of the Blind. Applications are encouraged from people who are blind or have low vision living throughout northern California, with a particular emphasis in the in nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Those applying will be asked to meet with the Board’s committee to determine who the Board believes would be the best set of individuals to serve, with many considerations including diversity as we ensure that the distribution according to age, intersectional disability, gender, and blindness/low vision be representative of the northern  California demographics of blindness.  LightHouse Blind Advisory Committee members will be asked to serve a term of two years.

The Committee will meet quarterly approximately three weeks before each Board meeting which will be chaired by a LightHouse Board member.  The Board member will report on the Committee’s observations, suggestions, and recommendations at each Board meeting.

Bryan Bashin, CEO of LightHouse said: “Considering the vast changes in service needs and delivery we’ve seen over the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that the Lighthouse stay relevant to the changing needs of the people our mission requires us to serve.  The Board’s new Blind Advisory Committee will help our governing board stay freshly informed about the needs of blind people today.  This committee will complement input the Board gets from their personal and professional networks, as well as Lighthouse staff.  I welcome the input, especially in areas we may not be familiar with.  Lighthouse has existed for 120 years because it is open to new input and change, and the Blind Advisory Committee will help us learn things we may not now know.”

Apply for the Blind Advisory Committee

Welcoming Employment Get-Togethers Going strong – Virtually
LightHouse News

Welcoming Employment Get-Togethers Going strong – Virtually

Like all LightHouse Programs, 30% & Growing, our monthly casual meetup to chat all things blind employment, went virtual when LightHouse stopped face-to-face services to keep the community safe at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, it’s been thriving online with an array of special guests and spirited conversation from blind people with all levels of work experience.

In January of this year, Community Outreach Coordinator Sheri Albers took over the virtual gathering and here are Sheri’s thoughts about running 30% & Growing in a virtual format:

“When I offered to take 30% over, I was told I could make it my own. It was important to me to keep the “happy hour” theme of the event. If people were having a stressful day at work, I wanted them to have some place to come have fun.

“Of course, planning it is not the same as attending it. Not to mention we’re talking about doing it on a Zoom platform. You can’t have multiple discussions at once, like you would if people were in a bar or restaurant. As the facilitator I have to make sure everybody has a chance to participate. Also, there’s a fine line between staying on topic but also allowing conversation to go off on a tangent sometimes. I want 30% to be a relaxed atmosphere.”

How does running 30% & Growing differ from your other work as Community Outreach Coordinator?

“It was important to me not to make 30% another ‘Meet You at the House’ where I talk about the different services LightHouse has. 30% is about working and finding work. Everyone who comes is a LightHouse student, but this is a time for them to get to know each other and share tips.”

How do you draw on your own work experiences when planning and running 30%?

“Well I talk to other people about what they’re experiencing and a lot of us are going through the same things. I’ve experienced Zoom fatigue and I know others have, too. People have talked to me about work from home fatigue as well. I also listen to the news talking about how people have lost their jobs and are having trouble finding  resources. I use some of my own personal experience when I plan topics for 30% but the experiences of other people, too.”

How do you research and find guests?

“I have a large network of blind people I know from my years of doing community work and working with blindness organizations. I’m able to use that to help me find guests. I always say in 30% that networking is hugely important to helping a blind person find work.”

The next 30% & Growing is this Thursday, November 18 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. To get the Zoom info, contact Sheri at SAlbers@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7331.