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Transportation and Travel

LightHouse News

Providers Weekend Exceeds Expectations

For nearly 20 years the LightHouse has hosted a three-day gathering of professionals in our community, including new TVI’s (teachers of the visually impaired), O&M (Orientation & Mobility) Instructors, Program Managers and Adaptive Technology manufacturers for an engaging program of presentations mixed with opportunities for informal discussion, connection and friendship building.

This year’s goal was to bring in new blood and we succeeded far beyond our expectations with over 75% new attendees, mixing with committed returning participants. Within the relaxed setting of beautiful Enchanted Hills, old and new participants talked about the challenges of working in our field, bringing fresh perspectives and fresh questions to the table. People came from all over California and their differing viewpoints and allied with a number of different school systems.

In addition to fascinating presentations by blind journalist, poet and technologist Deborah Kendrick and solo, blind and intrepid traveler Dr. Zachary Shore, we offered wonderful meals, gentle exercise and nature strolls, swimming and an outdoor movie about blind youth.

“Just wanted to thank you again for the amazing weekend. Great people, amazing place and inspiring speakers – very grateful to have been able to take part. Thanks for everything.”
-Jennifer Hirsh, TVI/O&M, Monterey County Office of ED

Highlights

In a much-appreciated session called “What the Blindness Field Isn’t Talking About”, California Department of Rehabilitation Director Joe Xavier led a unique Town Hall-type discussion which encouraged the fruitful exchange of ideas and helped providers feel they were heard more clearly by the Department of Rehab.

LightHouse Board President Josh Miele and Director of Access to Information Services Greg Kehret excited the audience with news about our new and ready to distribute Talking Tactile maps: maps of all the Bay Area BART station that “talk” thanks to Smartpen technology. This was followed by a hands-on demonstration as treasure seekers used tactile maps and Smartpens to find bottles of wine.

Wine connoisseur Hoby Wedler, a graduate student in chemistry at U.C. Davis, led a blind wine tasting, taking the group through the process of how to understand the nuances of various fine Napa wines. His background in chemistry helped frame the discussion and he offered suggestions on pairing food and wine while making the link between chemistry and wine making.

Thanks to all who attended. It was gratifying to witness the passion of those who have been at it for many years along with the refreshing input from those newer to the game, including some folks our longer-time professionals had mentored. There was a general sense of joy, camaraderie and bonding based on shared experiences, shared successes and dealing with challenges. The response and enthusiasm for the event has us looking forward to doing it again soon.

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat – A Family Place

At the end of the summer when camp sessions end, the LightHouse rents out the facilities of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind as a retreat. Every dollar raised by rental groups goes right back into Enchanted Hills, supporting our transformational camp programs which are free for blind and low vision children.

Since Enchanted Hills was developed for kids, it’s a great setting for family reunions, church groups or any group with youngsters. We’ve got a pool, an easy nature trail, pet goats and a playground. The meals at Enchanted Hills Retreat are homemade and hearty, and we can accommodate the dietary needs of your group. Our cuisine is delicious and family friendly.

And while most people think of wine tasting when they think of Napa, there are great activities for kids in the area. At the Petrified Forest in Calistoga you can learn how an ancient Redwood Forest was turned into rock. A trip to Safari West is like a mini trip to Africa with a safari jeep tour where you can see antelope, zebra, wildebeest and dozens of other animals roaming the foothills. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which erupts as regularly as its more famous cousin in Wyoming.

And some of the Napa’s wineries are especially kid friendly. Try Castello di Amorosa, where they have a big castle complete with a dungeon for exploring. Children drink juice while adults sip the fermented kind. Sterling Vineyards is also a good option, with a tram ride to the top of the hill affording grand views of the

Sonoma Speedway, a kayak on the Napa River, a trip to the Jelly Belly Factory or Six Flags Discovery kingdom are all within a half an hour’s drive.

Join the fun. Reserve Enchanted Hills for your family reunion, church group or corporate off-site with 30 to 120 attendees. Call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

Old Faithful Geyser of California

LightHouse News

A North Coast Couple Who Volunteers in Myriad Ways

Professional photographer Lorraine Miller-Wolf’s photo exhibition features images of North Coast residents who participated in one of LightHouse’s Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion sessions at Enchanted Hills Camp. This evocative group of photos is currently located on the second floor of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, in the same building that houses LightHouse of the North Coast.

Lorraine grew up in Southern California and moved north to finish her schooling at Humboldt State University. She met Richard Wolf, her husband of 28 years, through a friend. Richard, originally from Ohio, is a retired nephrologist (a doctor that specializes in kidney care and treating diseases of the kidneys.) Lorraine originally connected with LightHouse of the North Coast Services Coordinator Ali Lee to see if LightHouse could provide services for her mother. Later Lorraine experienced a detached retina which was repaired with surgery. Both these experiences brought home to the couple the desire to give back to the blindness community.

In 2011 Richard volunteered as our Kids Camp doctor. Both Lorraine and Richard attended the May 2013 week-long Immersion intensive which attracted students from as far north as Crescent City and as far south as Gilroy. Richard continued his role as camp doctor while Lorraine volunteered as the camp photographer and yoga class assistant.

Ali Lee said, “The brand of volunteerism Lorraine and Richard provide LightHouse comes from long and deep commitments to the local community and we’re to have gotten to know them. She’s the professional photographer, with a penchant for curating photographic exhibits for non-profits and exploring tactile art forms. He’s the doctor, carrying an iPad, with a penchant for recumbent cycling and bee keeping. And they have inspired another Eureka doctor, nephrologist Dr. Alan Mathew, to volunteer at Enchanted Hills Camp this summer.”

Lorraine Miller-Wolf and Richard Wolf at Arches National Park, Utah in May 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This summer both Lorraine and Richard will volunteer again for the June Immersion Training, alongside other mentor-teachers. Their expertise will complement instruction by assistive technology specialists, braille teachers, Orientation & Mobility Specialists and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists.

Several years ago Lorraine curated, on behalf of LightHouse of the North Coast, an exhibition of artwork by local blind and low vision artists called “Modified Acuity” and both Lorraine and the artists participated in Arts Alive, in Old Town Eureka. Lorraine’s current exhibition of photographs from our Immersion session, including the photos shown below, will be on display at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center through June. The photographs feature people being introduced to braille, adaptive kitchen skills, blindness technology, and walking at Enchanted Hills with their white canes. The close-ups show hands reading, vision rehabilitation teachers instructing, mentors guiding, and people laughing. The photographs exemplify what Lorraine describes as “each person blossoming” within the intensive learning environment in rural Napa. As thoughtful artifacts, these photographs are evidence of the potentials of the immersion training experience.

Lorraine told us, “If even one person becomes aware of the work the LightHouse does it will be worthwhile.” The exhibition then moves to the Mad River Community Hospital during July and August. Lorraine’s work can also be viewed online at www.millerwolf.com. Contact her at lorraine@millerwolf.com or 707-633-5006.

New to Vision Loss? Sign Up for Our September Immersive Training Session
Our next Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training at Enchanted Hills will be held September 7 through 13. If you are interested in joining us please contact Rehabilitation Counselor Debbie Bacon at dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357. Those in the North Coast phone 707-268-5646 or email northcoastinfo@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Here are two photos from Lorraine’s photo exhibition, which can be currently seen at Humboldt Senior Resource Center, which is also the location of LightHouse of the North Coast.

Students Rudy Borja and Sharon Sutherland hug (photo, Lorraine Miller-Wolf)

hands on braille (photo, Lorraine Miller-Wolf)

LightHouse News

Coming in June – The World is your Oyster with our Next Changing Vision Changing Life Training Retreat in Napa

Still openings for the upcoming June Retreat!

Since we began offering it in June of 2013, 58 students have come to Enchanted Hills in Napa for the Changing Vision Changing Life Retreat which offers basic training and connection to others who are either jump starting or refreshing their skills. Don’t miss this opportunity. If you are 55 and older you can join us for this special Retreat at no cost to you.

The next Retreat will be held June 8 through 13 and we do have a few spaces open. You will be introduced to a myriad of skills from braille and cane travel to computer technology. June is a gorgeous month in Napa and a perfect place to start or continue learning.

For more information contact Rehabilitation Counselor Debbie Bacon at dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357.

Janis Silva and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Terry Wedler, practice cane travel on EHC’s “Cardiac Hill” at our March Training Retreat

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat: an Oasis for the Wine Connoisseur

We’ve investigated the human history of the area, the flora and fauna of the mountain, and some of the most common finds of a Mt. Veeder mushroom hunter. In the 4th part of our series examining what makes Enchanted Hills Retreat so enticing, we are explore what the area is best known for: its wines.

Viniculture began on the mountain as early as the 1860’s. Mt. Veeder is a one-of-a-kind appellation because its wine production is severely limited by nature. These constraints lead to low yields but very deep flavors. Mt. Veeder has:

•The longest growing season and the lowest yields of the Napa Valley.
•Situated above the fog, with extremely steep slopes, the area has shallow topsoil and minimal water retention. This results in tiny berries, with intense flavor concentration yet soft tannins.
•Due to the rugged conditions, virtually all vineyard work must be done by hand.
•It is the only hillside appellation in Napa Valley that benefits from the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay.

Over 30 vineyards are located on Mt. Veeder – most are quite small production. Some of the labels to look for are O’Shaughnessy, Mt. Veeder Winery, Marketta, Renteria, Robert Craig, Y Rousseau and Yates Family Vineyards. The only one with a tasting room that is open to the public is the Hess Collection. Like most of the mountain’s wineries, Hess is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. A leader in sustainable practices, the Hess Collection adheres to founder Donald Hess’ philosophy: “Nurture the land; return what you take.” In addition to award-winning wines they have an impressive and extensive private contemporary Art Museum. Many of the mountains other wineries can be visited for tasting and tours by appointment. Learn more about the appellation and its winemakers.

Get your family, friends, coworkers or other group together to bond and taste some of the famous wines of Mt. Veeder. To reserve Enchanted Hills Retreat for your gathering of 30 to 120, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com. Cheers!

Mt. Veeder Winery Label

LightHouse News

A LightHouse Legacy

If you are like many LightHouse supporters, you believe that the LightHouse is the preeminent organization providing training, advocacy and a thriving community for the blind and visually impaired. Whether it’s a family with a blind toddler attending Enchanted Hills or a senior learning skills to remain independent when adjusting to Macular Degeneration, the LightHouse is a beacon of hope and possibility.

Perhaps you have experienced LightHouse programs first-hand or are simply a caring and compassionate community member. By making a bequest or other planned gift, you can acknowledge LightHouse for the Blind in a meaningful way and make a lasting difference for the LightHouse and for your own personal legacy.

What is a bequest? The term “bequest” refers to a statement in your written will of your wish to provide charitable funding for LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is also common to provide charitable designations through retirement plans or IRAs, life insurance policies, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and government savings bonds. Bequests have played an important role in making LightHouse programming possible since our establishment in 1902. Today bequests account for a major portion of the LightHouse’s endowment and funding, and sustain all aspects of the organizations services. To learn more or notify us of your intentions, please contact (415) 694-7333 or jsachs@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

LightHouse Staff Profile: Ali Lee

Ali Lee is the Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) and the Services Coordinator at our satellite office LightHouse North Coast in Eureka, CA. Ali works primarily with older adults who are blind and low vision. Many of Ali’s students are recently visually impaired and she helps them determine how to learn the skills to accomplish tasks such as cooking, organizing and reading. She also is one of the few braille teachers working with adults in the area.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Ali developed a passion for the piano; in fact, piano lessons are what led Ali to the LightHouse. Ali’s piano teacher was Rose Resnick who owned and facilitated the programs at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Rose introduced Ali to the camp, and Ali interned there for two summers during her high school years. There she met LightHouse Rehabilitation Director Kathy Abrahamson who was Camp Assistant Director at the time. We often talk about the transformation that happens to blind individuals that attend our camp; Ali, who is sighted, credits Enchanted Hills as being instrumental in leading her to a career in the blindness field.

Influenced by her love for teaching and helping others, Ali earned a B.A. in English from U.C. Davis and an M.A. in English Composition, plus certificates in Technical Writing and in Teaching Adults Basic Reading at San Francisco State University. After touring the Pacific Northwest on BMW motorcycles, Ali and her husband decided to settle down in the Bay Area where she began teaching English at several local community colleges. Shortly thereafter, Ali and John moved to Humboldt County to start a family in the cool, majestic redwoods. When LightHouse began looking for part-time staff able to travel throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties providing basic training and resource information, Ali applied and was hired (along with Access Technology Specialist Peggy Martinez) to launch the LightHouse presence in these underserved areas.

After much research and coordination with various local agencies, the LightHouse North Coast office opened in 2002 in Eureka, where Ali became the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and Services Coordinator. In 2009, LightHouse North Coast relocated to the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka. Ali completed her second Master’s degree, receiving an M.S. in Visual Disabilities from Florida State University in 2010 and became a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.

Director of Rehabilitation Kathy Abrahamson said, “Ali is a phenomenal teacher, a community educator, a creative collaborator, a consummate professional. She tailors her lessons to the student and his or her strengths. She is a strong voice for the LightHouse in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, bringing an understanding of the issues around cultural and socio-economic diversity and insuring that potential students and the other service providers in the area know what is possible.”

When Ali isn’t at LightHouse connecting with new students, she is busy raising her two sons, both of whom have volunteered at LightHouse of the North Coast and are budding violinists. Ali hopes that her sons will one-day volunteer at Enchanted Hills Camp, as she did in high school, because of all the doors this opened for her. Ali, an avid cyclist, can be seen racing over the California hills and though sweeping seaside and forest vistas. She looks forward to riding in the Cycle for Sight 2014 bike ride and fundraiser, which benefits Enchanted Hills Camp.

If you or someone you know is interested in services at our North Coast office please call Ali or her colleagues at 707-268-5646.

(l to r) LightHouse Executive Secretary Chuck Godwin and Ali Lee

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind is Hiring!

Enchanted Hills is hiring camp counselors for the summer sessions for blind campers. For 64 years Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind has hosted hundreds of blind California youth and adults in summertime camp sessions. Sprawling across 311 idyllic acres on Mt. Veeder in Napa, Enchanted Hills Camp is a place for blind children to explore and create, gain courage, try new things, learn about the environment and make lifelong friends. The wooded camp offers all the usual summertime activities from swimming to horseback riding, from sports to art. But beyond the fun is a powerful agenda – to increase the self-confidence and self-respect of campers who may often have no other time in the year to meet blind friends and role models who are successful and living an actualized life.

Camp runs from June 23 through August 3. If you are interested in having a fun filled summer at a storied camp, applications are now available. Let us hear from you soon. For further information contact Tony Fletcher, Enchanted Hills Camp Director at (415) 694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Camp Counselors and Staff

LightHouse News

O&M Teachers: Have We Got Maps for You!

During the month of March the LightHouse will begin distributing free maps and Smartpens to O&M Instructors and Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI’s). The LightHouse has mapped 43 BART stations, three views each: street, concourse and platform; because you want to know not just where trains go, but how to get in and out of, and around stations.

This innovative project, funded by a New Freedom grant, and developed in partnership with Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, is creating audio-tactile maps of each BART station and allows people with visual impairments to independently navigate this essential public transport system, enabling them to be active participants in their communities.

Imagine you’re holding an audio-tactile BART Station Map. You can feel the raised lines and braille symbols. A “b” inside an oval represents a bus stop; a “t” in a triangle a taxi stand; there are distinct symbols for stairs, elevators and escalators. Say you want to learn more about that bus stop. Tap it with the Smartpen and you hear “Bus stop on the East side of Mission Street. Buses from this stop: Muni 14, 14L and 49″. That’s far more information than could be squeezed as braille into the 5/8 inch oval on the page. And it’s printed on a piece of paper that fits into a standard binder.

The LightHouse has mapped 43 BART stations, three views each: street, concourse and platform; because blind travelers want to know not just where trains go, but how to get in and out of, and around stations.

During the month of March the LightHouse will begin distributing maps and Smartpens. If you are an O&M Specialist or TVI in the Bay Area who is currently teaching at least 50% time and would like these materials as aids to help your students develop the confidence to independently navigate this essential public transport system, we would like to hear from you. To receive your free maps and Smartpen please contact Greg Kehret, Director of Access to Information Services at gkehret@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Tell us what school district or agency you work for, and your complete contact information including postal mailing address.

Supplies are limited for this roll-out phase so our priority is to fulfill requests from O&M Specialists or TVI’s before making these maps available to the general public

We can Take Care of your Maps, Braille, Recording and other Needs
From braille, tactile maps and audio products to access consulting, the LightHouse is pleased to assist businesses and individuals in making needed information accessible. For more information on how the LightHouse can help with providing accessibility call Greg Kehret at 415-694-7349 or gkehret@old.lighthouse-sf.org

mielekehretdowneyBART

LightHouse News

No Drought in Learning – Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion at Enchanted Hills

While we’ve begun the year with a drought, there is no drought in learning and connecting here at beautiful Enchanted Hills Retreat where the end of January Immersion is going on as we write. The uncommonly warm weather and supportive staff are making the current immersion one of the most fun sessions ever. And with every immersion training comes a new twist – for this late January session there are two different LightHouse groups meeting: one, a group of deaf-blind students and the other a group of blind and low vision students. While their paths intersect during meals and going to and from classes, each group of students follow their groups’ curriculum of individual and group training.

Our Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion at Enchanted Hills is proving to be very popular, even in the heart of winter-time. We asked our participants why they are attending and here are some of the (anonymous) comments we received:

  • “I am experiencing both low vision and rapid hearing loss and I am looking at this time as a new adventure in my life.”
  • “I don’t want to isolate myself at home, I am here to learn a little of everything and create a plan for moving forward.”
  • “I want to learn new strategies and about useful tools so that I can continue with my work”
  • “Technology! I am focusing this time (a second-timer) on technology and becoming more self-assured.”
  • “I want this experience to be a jumping block to my future.”
  • “I know that I will learn some new skills, but I need to meet and talk with others who are experiencing and understanding some of the same daily life challenges I meet.”

Sook Hee Choi is facilitating the deaf-blind training which emphasizes tactile communication skills, access technology, mobility skills and independent living skills. Many of the deaf-blind students have already received telecommunication devices through the deaf-blind telecommunication program, and they have brought their devices to become more proficient in using them.

Meanwhile the LightHouse Rehabilitation Team is running its program for folks new or fairly-new to blindness. As with previous immersion retreats, we have brought together blind and low vision adults from the Bay Area all the way south to Watsonville and north to Crescent City, for this training. Students learn essential daily living skills; an introduction to braille and access technology; cane travel and mobility basics, and most important, they have the opportunity to connect with other students who are also there to learn.

Additionally, Dan O’Connor, a baker (who is both hard of hearing and low vision) is training in the Enchanted Hills kitchen as he hopes to be working with the crew come the summer. He is working with the teaching team on braille and technology skills in order to set up the kitchen so that it works for him and he can get his job done. What he learns here can also apply to any future work space he may have.

LightHouse Rehabilitation Counselor Debbie Bacon and Peer Mentor Manveen Chahal will be work with each student to develop a plan of action to follow when the week is done. While most students continue training at the LightHouse or in their community, having a plan keeps people committed and focused.

How can our Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training help you or someone you know? The next immersion training at Enchanted Hills will be held March 30th through April 4th. To find out more, contact Debbie Bacon at 415-694-7357 or dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Teaching braille to immersion students

Juliannah Harris teaching Stacey voice over with the iPhone

Dan O'Connor baking oatmeal cookies for lunch

Class by the warming fireplace: Deaf-Blind student Dorie Lee learns American Sign Language