Caption: Presenter Mike Bullis tells the group about the 14 jobs he has enjoyed as a blind professional

Caption: Stacy Cervenka tells the group what it was like to be blind and work for U.S. Senator Brownback

What happens when you gather forty-four jobseekers with twenty employment facilitators over a period of four days? You get depth, intensity, focus, support, and a big dose of the reality that a good jobseeker needs.

The LightHouse Employment Summit took place in early September, in the natural setting of our beautiful Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa, California. Away from the noise of urban/suburban life, the Summit encouraged jobseekers, all of whom are blind or visually impaired, to listen and to re-evaluate how they approached finding a job. Throughout, a common theme resonated: "If you want a different outcome, YOU need to get engaged and YOU need to do something different!"

Though jobseeking classes happen everywhere, the LightHouse's aim in this demanding week was to build a strong motivation among the jobseekers, adding fire and team spirit to their quest for employment. The group heard from more than a dozen employed blind people, from attorneys to tech trainers, and everything in between. The sustained and positive week was some of the most demanding work many had done in recent time, beginning at 7:45 in the morning and sometimes not ending until early evening.

One key part of the weekend was the individualized coaching that happened around and after the day's speakers, giving personal attention and direction to each jobseeker. The coaching continued for weeks after the end of the summit. 

Each participant found different aspects of the summit which spoke to them. Charles Jackson, for example, has been self-employed for the last five years, as an independent contingency sales and IT recruiter. He attended the Summit, "to expand my professional network,...get insight as to how others with vision disabilities are functioning in their work places and to learn what tools/search strategies they find to be most effective in the current constrained job market." Brian McCallen, who is looking for work in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, or descriptive video, attended "to learn the next steps in my job search and continue to network with broadcasting industry professionals..."

Caption: Jobseeker Dexter Thomas speaks with presenter Joe Xavier who is deputy director of California's Department of Rehabilitation

Blind Role Models Covered A Range of Topics  

Our presenters, many of them blind, talked about issues that blind and visually impaired job-seekers face as they look for employment. These included how blind people get jobs (even in this economy); what employers are looking for when hiring and best ways to boost self-confidence and manage their work-life balance.

Caption: LightHouse HR Director Julie McCarthy humorously describes job interview disasters she has witnessed as LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin looks on

The Summit also gave participants the opportunity to network both during the sessions and more informally after hours. Jobseekers "linked-in" in person: over a bus ride, a meal, a chance conversation at the breeze-way by the lake, or while roasting marshmallows around the campfire; some developed lasting bonds. One participant found "camaraderie amongst strangers, who are now my colleagues and friends. It was safe to share, support and laugh about the frustrating road to finding a job."

For nearly half the group this was the first time they spent extended time around competent and self-confident blind people. The impact of this close and personal experience was, to some, at least as important as any scheduled speaker.

Each participant left the Summit having taken a very personal journey. Insurance broker Ramona Herriford said, "I am self-employed so found the Summit to be very empowering. I left encouraged and focused on ways I can grow my business. Every speaker was very knowledgeable [about] their chosen topic...It was a real blessing to connect with other talented blind individuals. Everyone willingly shared their experiences, philosophies, strategies, and how to's. It was truly a Summit with people helping people."

Caption: Jobseeker Kimberly Dianne Pomatto speaks to the group

Caption: Jobseeker Ramona Herriford makes a comment to the group

George Gaboury, a jobseeker who has a background in multimedia, said, "All the speakers and coaches were excellent. Joe Xavier & Mike Bullis' message to get involved and do what others won't do in the workplace and in volunteer work, struck me as a very powerful approach to blast through hiring & advancement prejudices. This approach inevitably generates valuable work experience and quality."

LISTEN TO PRESENTATIONS AND JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION: Over the next few weeks we will be posting podcasts of all the presentations. We'll also be excited when the video of all of the presenters is available to all through Youtube, so stay tuned for the next e-news to learn how to enjoy some of what we enjoyed at our intense employment summit.

We want to give you just a taste of what jobseekers heard with these links to two fascinating presentations:

Stacy Cervenka - Three Skills You Can't Do Without

Stacy Cervenka is a former legislative aide for U.S. Senator Brownback, Republican, Kansas. 

 

http://bit.ly/stacyaudio 

"I really liked Stacy's presentation - I love her confidence and love that she was able to share her practical experiences."  -Jobseeker Dexter Thomas

George Wurtzel - Blue Collar Bliss

George Wurtzel is an Industrial Arts Instructor at Blind, Inc.   

http://bit.ly/georgeaudio 

"I liked George [Wurtzel's] presentation in that he pointed out jobs that all of us could do and thought out of the box..."- Jobseeker Dan Kysor

If you are blind or visually impaired and are ready to start looking for work in a systematic way, the LightHouse would love to partner with you. Please contact Kate Williams at [email protected] or 415-694-7324 to learn more about our Employment Immersion program. 

If you have never worked or are transitioning from school or college and want some work experience to learn what else you need to get that next great job, please contact Debbie Bacon about our Blind Leaders program at [email protected] or 415-694-7357.

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2. Why It's Worth the Effort

Caption: Michael Peterson participating in an interview exercise during the Employment Immersion Program

We're proposing to spend roughly $180,000 on our Employment Immersion program in the fiscal year which starts next week. Motivating people and staying with them through hard work is intense and expensive -- witness the hard work you'll read about to bring 60 jobseekers and mentors to our Employment Summit this

month at Enchanted Hills.

  

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Caption: Bryan Bashin

LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin has established a regular time to personally hear from any community member about LightHouse services and opportunities for our organization.

When: Tuesday, October 11, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

These informal evenings have proven to be very useful as the LightHouse develops new programs and services. To reserve your place in the dialogue, please contact Chuck Godwin at 415-694-7348 or [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 10.

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Since June, the LightHouse has been bringing blind and visually impaired jobseekers to visit their employed counterparts working in the Bay Area's leading businesses and institutions.

Here are the highlights from recent visits:

Chris Giuntoli - Director of Event Planning, San Francisco Marriott Marquis

On August 31 we visited Chris Giuntoli of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Chris spoke of the importance of hard work and related how he has maintained an unrelenting work ethic and only feels satisfied when he works twice as hard as his peers. After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in hotel management, Chris started at Marriott as a Convention Services Housekeeping Aide and worked his way up to his current role as Director of Event Planning. Chris emphasized how rewarding it is to prove yourself to your colleagues and become their "go-to guy".

Scott Blanks, Director of Assistive Technology and Computer Services, Lions Center for the Blind

On September 14 we met with Scott Blanks of Lions Center for the Blind. Scott discussed what it's like to turn his passion into a career, and told us how he discovered his calling to teach blind people about assistive technology. He described how he spent countless hours tutoring his fellow students at Hatlen Center for the Blind, helping them navigate their computers, and this launched his career. Scott is well known for his sense of humor and his good nature, and his attitude reinforces the notion that few are happier than those who get paid to pursue their passions.   

Karen Rose, MFT

Karen Rose invited our jobseekers to join her on September 21 to learn how she began her successful practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Karen provides counseling and psychotherapy services to adults in the San Francisco Bay Area via offices located in both San Francisco and Berkeley and has maintained a successful private practice since 1984. She talked with us about her demanding work schedule, generally six days a week, and how she has worked to improve the lives of her patients while enjoying the rewards associated with running a profitable business.

Tim Godecker, Applications Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Our most recent visit took place on Sept 28 when we visited Tim Godecker at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Tim is responsible for multiple application development projects, performing high level planning, monitoring and reporting. He took us through the story of his career and talked about the strategies he used as he began to lose vision. After joining the Federal Reserve as a Software Developer, Tim's vision began to deteriorate rather dramatically. By becoming proficient in screen reader software and other forms of adaptive technology, Tim was able to advance his career forward. He is currently Applications Manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, where he oversees a team of fifteen IT professionals and multiple projects that are utilized by all 12 U.S. Federal Reserve Banks. Tim is responsible for building software and hardware solutions that are critical to advancement of our nation's banking system. 

Join Us For These Upcoming Visits!

• Wednesday, October 5: Jessie Lorenz, CEO, Independent Living Resource Center 
• Wednesday, October 12: Theresa Duncan, Alumni Association Director, Guide Dogs for the Blind 
• Wednesday, October 19: Joe Hamilton, Program Manager, California Access News, Sacramento Society for the Blind

 To register for the Jobsite Conversation Series, or to find out more about it, please contact Rich Russo at [email protected] or 415-694-7352. 

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Caption: iPhone

Join the LightHouse for the next technology seminar and learn about cell phones that are accessible for the blind and visually impaired.

When: Thursday, October 6: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters, or by phone or streaming audio

Find out if a Smartphone or a basic phone is right for you. Do you want to join the iPhone craze? (Within weeks the new iPhone 5 will be out - will you be in line for it?) Or maybe you would prefer to use the Sprint Sanyo Vero smartphone or the Verizon Haven basic phone?

Assistive Technology Consultant Peter Cantisani and representatives from Sprint and Verizon will present and answer questions. You can participate in one of the following ways:

• Tune in via live audio stream on our website
• Dial in with our telephone conferencing service
• Attend in person and talk to the presenters after the seminar.

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LightHouse of the North Coast invites people who are blind or visually impaired and interested community members to a "Meet the Blindness Providers" event.

When: Wednesday, October 26, 10:00 a.m.

Where: LightHouse of the North Coast

At 10:00, come to the second-floor conference room of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center to hear panel presenters providing Smart Access to the community and to information:

• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• The Low Vision Store
• Eshenbach Optik

At 11:30, join the Question and Answer session, with

• 2008 Beijing Paralympics' rower Aerial Gilbert & Guide Dog Splash;
• Patty White, a former Eurekan, who started researching and selling low vision devices she used when her vision began to change;
• new Eschenbach Optik West Territory Manager Paul Wilkerson who will discuss new devices on the market.

At noon, enjoy refreshments, take a demonstration walk with Guide Dogs, and take advantage of hands-on demonstrations with magnifiers and video magnifiers.

This event is funded by a federal Title 7 grant administered by the California Department of Rehabilitation.  Pre-registration and RSVPs are preferred.  Please contact Janet at LightHouse of the North Coast, 707-268-5646 or e-mail [email protected].

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Scenic bridge at Enchanted Hills Camp

It's a perfect time of year to enjoy Enchanted Hills Camp. It's still warm but there's a hint of fall in the air. And as we prepare for our next series of events and programs we need to freshen-up the camp property.

That's where you come in. We're inviting you to get your hands dirty and join us for a day of work in the beautiful outdoors of Enchanted Hills. We are looking for a group of energetic folks to work with us on a variety of hands-on projects at camp. You provide the elbow grease, we'll provide lunch and transportation on our newly-christened shuttle bus, Galileo.

When and Where: Saturday, October 22.

Departure from LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters at 8:00 a.m. We will return you to the LightHouse at 5:00 p.m.

Here are some of the projects that you can help with:

• Staining and conditioning handrails and fences
• Painting interior walls
• Tree-trimming
• Firewood cutting
• Weeding and gardening projects 

Space is limited, so RSVP to hold your place by Friday, October 17 to Tony Fletcher at [email protected] or 415-694-7319.

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Caption: Galileo, our 30-passenger bus

Do you know a business or landlord who might like to donate a parking spot for our bus? There are tax advantages for doing so. 

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Do you need a lawyer? Do you think you have experienced housing discrimination?  Ever had a legal question you wanted to explore but didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars to ask it? The LightHouse can help. Come to the first in a series of occasional offerings we are calling "Ask the Lawyer" on Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters.

When: Saturday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Jay B. Koslofsky, Attorney at Law will be at the LightHouse to discuss your employment rights. After the discussion Mr. Koslofsky will take general questions from the audience. If you have a legal question on any topic, this is the place to get it answered. Are you having a difficult time getting test accommodations? Not sure how to explain to your employer that you can no longer see your computer? These are examples of possible questions that Mr. Koslofsky can answer during this session.

RSVP to Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected].

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Are you a videophile? Have you tried to rent a DVD from a nearby machine and found it inaccessible? Would you like to learn how to rent DVD's in your neighborhood? If so the LightHouse would like to hear from you. Be part of the focus group that will explore the accessibility of DVD rental machines. 

When: Tuesday, October 18, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

Please direct any questions and your RSVP to Beth Berenson at [email protected] or 415-694-7322.

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In light of recent Monday rush-hour protests at BART stations in downtown San Francisco, CBS 5 (KPIX-TV) spoke with LightHouse Donor Relations Coordinator Lisamaria Martinez and got her perspective on how such activities affect commuting.

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LightHouse client Ramon Garcia using a white cane

LightHouse E-News subscribers can celebrate White Cane Safety Day at our store not only on October 15, but every day in October. Enjoy a 15% discount on online, phone orders or in-store orders of all white canes and cane tips, by using the special coupon code WHITECANE11.

White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.--Wikipedia

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Caption: Enchanted Hills Camp CIT Volunteer Coordinator James Gump uses a low-vision measuring tape to measure a wall fixture

Caption: James Gump uses a low-vision ruler to measure a cabinet

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Caption: Woman holding red cut-out hearts in front of her eyes

Is flirting only a visual activity? Are there teachable ways a blind person can improve his or her abilities to connect better with possible friends and partners? Where else can you learn the finer points of visual and non-visual communication but the Lighthouse for the Blind.

When: Saturday, October 8 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

 Please RSVP by October 2 to Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or [email protected].

Adults 18 and over are welcome to sign up for our first foray into a new workshop series we're calling "Building Meaningful Relationships." Guided by blind professional therapists, counselors and psychologists, these workshops will fill a much-requested need we hear from our community. And we expect to break some new ground!

The first class of the series, Flirting While Blind, will focus on making acquaintances and flirting as a visually impaired person. We will discuss some of the specific barriers that we in the visually impaired community may encounter when meeting someone for the first time. We'll go into detail about flirting with a stranger or a romantic partner. We will present fun, skill building activities that will help to make participants more comfortable when meeting and flirting with others. Because much of the communication that goes on in the sighted world is nonverbal, this workshop will help to provide you with skills on how to pick up on those nonverbal signals. It's all part of enlarging each person's tool kit so that everyone can have more plentiful, fulfilling, and loving relationships. Although Building Meaningful Relationships is a workshop series devoted to intimate love relationships, many of the skills presented will be useful for all types of relationships. This first workshop is for all adults 18 and up, whether single or already in a relationship.

So come and enjoy some good food, conversation, and to learn about the secrets of Flirting While Blind!  This workshop is free of charge. Voluntary donations of $5.00 are welcome and encouraged for those who are able.

We'll see you there!

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"Ride and a Guide" pairs up small groups of three to seven individuals seeking to take to the highway for a day or weekend road trip with a volunteer driver. The group provides the agenda (and pays for the driver's base expenses), and the LightHouse will identify a volunteer to facilitate the transportation. Think of it as a rental car service with a driver. The possibilities are endless!

"Ride and a Guide" riders:
If you and your small group would like to be matched with a driver, or if you have questions about the Ride and a Guide Program, please contact us at 415-694-7334 or [email protected].

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Caption: LightHouse volunteer Bob Fitch and client James Macchi walk up to the front of the California Academy of Sciences

Our Personal Services Program, where we match volunteers with visually impaired people to accomplish a variety of tasks, is thriving. We would love to have you on board to participate. If you would like to assist someone, or if you would like to be paired with one of our Personal Services Volunteers, call LightHouse Volunteer Coordinator Don M. Franklin at 415-694-7371 or email him at [email protected].

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Caption: Silhouette of two people on a tandem bike

Sometimes all it takes to get people moving is a good partnership! We want to pair blind athletes with sighted guides for a wide variety of athletic endeavors - anything from working out at the gym to biking, to running the next half marathon.

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Caption: A cabin at Enchanted Hills Retreat

Caption: A flowing stream in the forest at Enchanted Hills Retreat

Looking for the perfect location for your wedding or family reunion? Look no further than beautiful, tranquil Enchanted Hills Retreat, in Napa, California. Just 25 minutes from downtown Napa, the camp is located on 311 acres on beautiful Mount Veeder.

Enchanted Hills Retreat is located on Mt. Veeder Road, nestled amid majestic coastal redwoods, douglas fir, madrone and tan oak trees. This peaceful setting has enhanced the programs of groups like yours for many years.
 
Want to hold your meeting or conference in an idyllic setting? Consider Enchanted Hills Retreat. It's essential from time to time to unplug from our daily routine and seek out other venues that make it easier to connect with each other in a natural setting. Getting your group, team, or staff out of their familiar surroundings and into the more relaxed environment of Enchanted Hills Retreat can be a key element in reaching your shared goals. We provide the meeting rooms, beverage service, a delicious lunch and snacks, so you can stay focused on your work or play.
 
Enchanted Hills Offers: Low Ropes Course, Nature Trail, Healthy Menu Options, Special Diet Accommodation, Wi-Fi

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Caption: Jobseeker Dexter Thomas using a Braillenote

Caption: Presenter Joe Xavier, LightHouse CEO Bryan Bashin and jobseeker George Gaboury walk along path at Enchanted Hills

George Gaboury and Dexter Thomas were so motivated by the LightHouse Employment Summit (see first article) that they have decided to start a group to keep the conversation and motivation going.

 

To harness this energy, George told us, "Dexter and I have started a new professional peer-driven career development association open to all. [We want] to keep building on the positive momentum that was generated at this very special summit. [We call] our group the Differently Able Excellence Network (DAEN).

 

"[We have] launched a Yahoo online "excelnet" group to pool resources. Some of our summit notes were also forwarded to participants through the LightHouse. Eleven Summit-teers who have already joined DAEN participated in our first bi-monthly teleconference on September 18. Job search progress was shared, summit highlights were discussed and several valuable job leads were exchanged [during the phone conference.]

 

"DAEN membership is free. Members can choose the activities they want to participate in, whether that be peer-driven job search accountability, summit review, collective employer research, bartering services with members or celebrating at an upcoming Thanksgiving weekend follow-up dinner.

 

"This is only the beginning. We are all far more powerful working as a team to help each other grow professionally than we are trying to go it alone. Dexter and I urge all Summit-teers to get involved or at least get connected to DAENso you are in the loop to benefit from its timely tips and growing resources."

 

For more information, or to join Differently Able Excellence Network, contact George Gaboury at 415-753-3892/[email protected] or Dexter Thomas at 510-542-8511/[email protected].

  

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Library for the Blind and Print Disabled of the San Francisco Public Library in association with LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired presents the exhibition Unique Views of Life.

Through paintings, photographs and drawings of Urbsters (Urban Monsters), artists John Ross Quevedo and Richard Chapman help viewers understand how people with vision impairments see the world. This exhibition is presented in honor of the 21st Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Artist's statements are available in large print and Braille. For more information, call 415-557-4400.

When: July 20 - December 31, 2011

Where: San Francisco Public Library, Main Library

Lower Level, Koret Display Case

100 Larkin Street (at Grove) 

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Cornell University's e-Rulemaking Initiative (CeRI) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are working together to make it easier for the public to comment on proposed new federal regulations requiring air travel websites and airport check-in kiosks to be fully accessible to travelers with disabilities.

Travelers with disabilities, web designers, usability experts and others with an interest in this proposal can use CeRI's online participation site at www.regulationroom.org, to get easy-to-read explanations of the proposal, look at the cost and benefit estimates, and discuss how the proposal could be improved. CeRI will summarize the discussion on Regulation Room and submit it as a public comment that DOT will consider in finalizing the accessibility regulations.

Read more at http://bit.ly/airtravelcomments

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Nonprofit organization disABLEDperson Inc. announced its Fall 2011 national scholarship competition for college students with disabilities.

The competition ends on October 15, 2011, with an award of $1,000 going to one recipient.

In order to qualify, students must be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university in the United States. They must be a full-time student and U.S. citizen (minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate, 9 credits for graduate). High school students or college students who are not attending classes full-time are not eligible to apply.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/disabilityscholarship

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Leading scholars in disability studies will offer daily workshops on disability and access in the arts for a small group of graduate student participants. These workshops are optional for artists in residence. The week will culminate in a final day of informal public presentations, aimed to share findings in the form of discussion, sketches and performances.

Residency will include basic support for travel, accommodations, and materials fees, as well as a small stipend. Some meals will also be provided. This residency is organized by the Critical Disability Studies research group: (http://bit.ly/artsresidency) and is partially funded in kind by UCHRI and a grant from the University of California Institute for Research in the Arts (UCIRA).

Please submit by November 1, 2011: a one page resume; a 1 to 2 page written statement regarding your interest/experience in disability, access, and the arts; and relevant work samples. Send URL(s) and pdfs of the above to [email protected].

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ONGOING

Wellness and Enrichment Program hotline: 415-694-7325

Evening and Weekend Program hotline: 415-694-7335

Open Tech Lab

Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

10 Reasons to Learn Basic Braille (Adults 55 and older)

A free program, by appointment. Contact: Divina Fontanilla at 415-694-7367, [email protected] 

October-December 2011 LightHouse Calendar

Please note: LightHouse offices are closed November 24 & 25 (Thanksgiving) and December 26-30 (Christmas)

Changing Vision, Changing Your Life - Growing into Your New Reality

Are you experiencing further changes in your vision? If you have previously or recently participated in classes and training at the LightHouse, you are already aware that if you do nothing about it, diminished vision can impact how you define your self-image; your relationships with family, friends and community; and the manner in which you live and manage your daily life. LightHouse Social Worker Linda Porelle will facilitate topical discussions over a six-week period that will continue the process of exploring and defining the impact of changing vision on your life, address new challenges that may be occurring, and develop some additional choices for creating change and continuing to live as independently as you want. 

Fee: $247.50 for six 1.5-hour classes. No charge for persons 55 years and older.

Contact: Linda Porelle, 415-694-7315, for upcoming dates in October 2011. 

On the Move! - Peer Support Group

Blind and visually impaired adults support each other in moving toward goals, realizing dreams and being themselves. Maximum 10 participants for this free class.

October 1, November 5 & December 3: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected]

Wellness-Exercise Class

Active blind adults stretch, breathe and do light body movement in a group setting.

October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.

November 7, 14, 21 & 28: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.

December 5, 12 & 19: 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Cultural Enrichment Class

Weekly class features a variety of activities, including guest speakers, musical performances, theatrical reenactments, occasional peer cooking offerings and off-site cultural field trips.

October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

November 7, 14, 21 & 28: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

December 5, 12 & 19: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Changing Vision, Changing Your Life - Skills and Strategies

If you are new to low vision or blindness, this class will set you on a path toward relearning day-to-day skills in a new way. Our highly trained staff will introduce you to the best ways to tackle the mass of print materials that come your way. They will teach you organizational and home management skills; best ways to shop and prepare food; and how to travel safely with grace and confidence. This class will also provide an opportunity for you to meet and discuss current issues with past students and LightHouse staff who are blind or have low vision. Take the first steps forward on your personal journey with the LightHouse and make the commitment to join us.

Fees: $600 for eight 3-hour classes in SF, plus $30 materials fee

         $687.50 for 10 2.5-hour classes in San Rafael, plus $30                      materials fee

No charge for persons 55 years and older, except for materials fee.

�First Offering San Francisco: October 4-28

 (Tuesdays & Fridays) 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

�Second Offering San Rafael: October 6-December 15

 (Thursdays) 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

�Third Offering San Francisco: November 2-30

 (Mondays & Wednesdays) 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

�Fourth Offering San Francisco: December 2-19

 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

 Contact Linda Porelle, 415-694-7315, [email protected]

Community Gardening Class

Learn about organic gardening techniques through lectures and hands-on work. Held in Golden Gate Park and offered in conjunction with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

October 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27: 10:00 a.m. to Noon

November 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 & 29: 10:00 a.m. to Noon

December 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 27 & 29: 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Contact: Ben Oude Kamphuis, Project Insight, 415-519-1659 to register for this free class.

Midday Yoga

Basic breathing exercises, stretching motions and relaxation techniques are combined to give participants a systematic means of reducing stress and tension.

October 5, 12, 19 & 26: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

December 7, 14 & 21: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Communication Through Enrichment - City College of San Francisco class

General discussion on current affairs and trends.

October 5, 12, 19 & 26: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

December 7, 14 & 21: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Art Fusion

Art class for active blind adults features hands-on instruction in a variety of crafts.

October 5, 12, 19 & 26: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

December 7, 14 & 21: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Gk Callahan, 415-694-7335, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Active Blind Adult Town Hall Meeting

Monthly forum for active blind adults to plan and discuss future activities and excursions.

October 5, November 2 & December 7: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected]

Can You Hear Me Now? Technology Seminar

Join the LightHouse for the next technology seminar and learn about cell phones that are accessible for the blind and visually impaired.

October 6: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

RSVP to 415-694-7326 or [email protected]. Conference call and live stream instructions will be provided with RSVP. Please see article, above.

Weekly Evening Yoga Class

This invigorating class is for people of all ages and levels of experience. Stretch your stress away every Thursday evening with our fabulous instructor Nancy Yates.

October 6, 13, 20 & 27: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

November 3, 10 & 17: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

December 1, 8 & 15: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Building Meaningful Relationships Workshop

Adults 18 and older are invited to attend this new LightHouse workshop series. The first class, "Flirting While Blind," focuses on making acquaintances and flirting as a visually impaired person.

October 8: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

RSVP by October 2nd to Brandon Young at 415-694-7372 or [email protected]. Please see article, above.

Peer Discussion Group

The LightHouse Peer Discussion Group is general in focus and addresses day-to-day living strategies, the sharing of resources and support.

October 8 & 22: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

November 12: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

December 10: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected]

Mindfulness, Movement and Meditation

Instructor Greg Lewis leads an hour focused on mindful sensations of taste, breath and body. A great opportunity to slow down and recalibrate mind, body and soul. Suggested donation of $5.

October 10 & 24: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

November 8 & 22: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

December 13: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Friday Night Live!

Come to the LightHouse for an evening of games, bingo, socializing, music, dance and more. Dinner: $7.

October 14 & December 16: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected]

Saturday Yoga Workshop

An extension of our weekly class, this regenerative workshop includes prolonged stretching, breathing and relaxing. All ages and experience levels welcome.

October 15, November 19 & December 17: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Focus Group on DVD Rental Machines

Be part of the focus group that will explore the accessibility of DVD rental machines.
October 18: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Contact: RSVP to Beth Berenson, [email protected] or 415-694-7322. Please see article, above.

Francis Neer Forum

Community seminar, lecture-based discussions on topics like eye health, healthy living and advancements in adaptive technologies. No reservations required.

October 22: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372 or [email protected]

Victor Reader Stream 101

Have you ever wanted to play a Library of Congress talking book on a pocket-sized player? Or read Word documents while on the go? Then this 2-week class is for you! The Victor Reader Stream provides access to written word and audio files. Individual training is available at $80/hour (2-hour minimum). The class listed below is for adults (6 maximum) who own a Victor Reader Stream.

Fee: $300 for six 5-hour classes.

San Francisco: October 24-November 4

(Monday, Wednesday, Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Contact Linda Porelle, 415-694-7315, [email protected]

Diabetic Peer Group

Discussions will center on health management, nutrition and peer-to-peer conversations about best practices when managing diabetes.

October 26 & November 23: 2:00 to 2:45 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected] to register for this free class.

Halloween Dinner and Dance

Dine and boogie with us at this annual LightHouse event. Dinner: $7.

October 28: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected]

Ask the Lawyer

Jay B. Koslofsky, Attorney at Law will be at the LightHouse to discuss your employment rights and take general questions from the audience.

October 29: 10:00 a.m. to noon

Contact: Brandon Young, 415-694-7372, [email protected].

Please see article, above.

Reno Trip

Try your luck at games of chance during our overnight visit to Reno. $65 per person covers room, bus ride and some match play. Seats are limited.

November 3-4

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected]

Changing Vision, Changing Your Life - Cooking Basics

In this five-week class, learn techniques and practices for meal preparation, grocery shopping, kitchen safety, labeling and organization, use of kitchen tools, setting a table and cleanup.

Fees: $450 for six 3-hour classes, plus $30 materials fee. No charge for persons 55 years and older, except for materials fee.

November 3-December 15 (Thursdays): 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Contact Linda Porelle, 415-694-7315, [email protected]

Holiday Bazaar

Festive yearly event features items for sale, raffle prizes, food and entertainment. Lunch: $5.

November 16: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Molly Irish, 415-694-7320, [email protected]

Cultural Connections

Enjoyable outings aimed at active blind adults. Meet at the LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters.

Friday, December 2: Descriptive Movie Day

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