Using Windows 10 with Narrator
2020-05-21 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
Come join us and learn about how narrator started out as a clunky old screen reader back in Windows XP and has become a competitive tool for accessing the PC for free!
Date: May 21
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Watch here if you were unable to join us: https://youtu.be/oLO5T-j8FaI

Staying Healthy at Home with Alex Bornman – COMS, CPT
2020-05-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2020-05-28 10:00 - 11:00 | TX
Staying Healthy at Home with Alex Bornman – COMS, CPT presented by Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth.

Alex Bornman, our Orientation and Mobility Specialist, will instruct individuals how to stay healthy at home through fitness, exercise and proper nutrition each Tuesday and Thursday, 10 – 11 AM via Zoom.

Clients will be able to follow along through verbal description and live video. Tuesdays focus will be fitness and exercise while Thursday will focus on nutrition and healthy eating tips.

These sessions will include Q&A with Alex ,who is also Certified in Personal Training with a Nutrition Emphasis, and end with the opportunity to complete a task on your own time.

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Virtual Adjustment to Blindness Support Group
2020-05-27 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is hosting a Virtual Adjustment to Blindness Support Group!
While we continue to monitor the developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we would like to stay in communication as much as possible. For the time being, we’ve decided to host weekly (virtual) support groups and will try to have a guest speaker each week.
This week, May 27th, we are excited to have Lisa Golden. Lisa is the Diabetes Program Specialist at Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation. She is a certified rehabilitation counselor and has been working with people with diabetes and disabilities for the past 10 years. She has 25 years of experience in the diabetes education field. Lisa represents TWC on the Texas Diabetes Council and she participates in volunteer activities including serving as co-chair of the disability community of interest for the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Lisa provides diabetes services to people with severe disabilities including individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, have mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities. She trains other diabetes education professionals on working with people with disabilities and advocates for the needs of people with disabilities to receive appropriate healthcare including diabetes services and access to technology and adaptations for self care.
Date: May 27th
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Recording Devices Tutorial
2020-06-01 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
Join us on Monday, June 1 for a tutorial on recording devices for people who are blind or visually impaired. Tune in to learn about a variety of recorders including the Wilson digital recorder and the Pen Friend along with other devices.
Date: June 1st
Time: 1 – 3 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Orientation & Mobility with Alex
2020-06-02 10:00 - 11:00 | TX
Alex Bornman, our Orientation and Mobility Specialist, will be discussing how to find objects once we’ve dropped them.

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Virtual Adjustment to Blindness Support Group
2020-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is hosting a Virtual Adjustment to Blindness Support Group!
While we continue to monitor the developing effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we would like to stay in communication as much as possible. For the time being, we’ve decided to host weekly (virtual) support groups and will try to have a guest speaker each week.
This week, June 3rd, we are excited to have Kevin Markel. Kevin is a Statewide Transition Program Specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission – Vocational Rehabilitation Division. He has worked for this agency for 16 years in his current role, and previously, as a Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the Ft. Worth area. Mr. Markel holds an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas.
Date: June 3
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Handheld Magnifiers
2020-06-08 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
Join us on Monday, June 8th, for a tutorial on handheld magnifiers. The tutorial will cover magnification devices such as lighted magnifiers, pocket magnifiers, handheld CCTVs, and magnification options available on IOS devices.
Date: Monday June 8
Time: 1:00 p.m.
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

O & M Weekly Tip
2020-06-09 10:00 - 11:00 | TX
Alex Bornman, our Orientation and Mobility Specialist, will be giving us her weekly O & M Tip
Date: Tuesday June 9
Time: 10 AM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Weekly Virtual Support Group
2020-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
We are excited to feature a few of our Lighthouse Employees! Tune in to listen to their stories about how Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth has impacted their lives.

Date: Wednesday, June 10

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Facebook Tutorial
2020-06-11 12:00 - 14:00 | TX
Come join us to learn how to navigate Facebook for both mobile and desktop.

Date: Thursday, June 11

Time: 12 – 2 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Perkins Braille Writer Tutorial
2020-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
Join us on Tuesday, June 16 for a tutorial on how to use the Perkins Braille writer. Tune in to learn the essentials for using the Braille writer as well as other Braille related writing devices.
Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 1:00 p.m.
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Weekly Virtual Support Group
2020-06-17 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
We are excited to have Lisa Fellers, our Head of Development, join us to discuss how our programs are funded and how you can help.

Date: Wednesday, June 17

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Ask the Blind Guys
2020-06-24 16:00 - 17:00 | TX
Feel free to join us and ask any, and we mean ANY, questions you may have about blindness. You can ask during the meeting or email ahead to AskTheBlindGuys@lighthousefw.org.

Date: Wednesday, June 24

Time: 4 – 5 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Virtual Cookout
2020-06-29 13:00 - 15:30 | TX
Join us on Monday June 29 at 1:00 p.m. for a virtual cookout experience! Tune in to learn best practices for using a George Foremen Grill as well as how to determine when hamburger meat has been properly cooked. Those tuning in are welcome to follow along from home while we cookout live from the Lighthouse in preparation for the 4th of July!
Grocery List:

2 pounds Ground Beef
Hamburger Buns
Sliced Cheese
Sliced Pickles
Garlic Powder or salt (insert season preference)
Mustard or ketchup

Materials:

George Foremen Grill
Spatula
Cookie Sheet
Mixing Bowl
Oven mitt or pot holder
Plates (paper or otherwise)
Forks

Date: Monday, June 29

Time: 1 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Support Group
2020-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Join us on Wednesday, July 8 at 10:00 AM for a presentation about how to raise children when you are blind or visually impaired. Our guest speaker, Tracy Whiting, is a mother who is blind and raising two children. Tune in to learn tips and techniques to help you raise children independently when you are blind or visually impaired.

Date: Wednesday, July 8

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Script Talk Presentation
2020-07-13 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
Tune in to learn how Script Talk can assist you with identifying your medication along with other features of the program.

Date: Monday, July 13

Time: 1 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Kustom Cane Presentation
2020-07-16 12:00 - 14:00 | TX
Don’t be plain, go Kustom Cane:
We are excited to have the founder of Kustom Canes join us for a quick presentation on Thursday, July 16th at 12 PM.
James, prior to losing his vision in 2010, was the successful owner of Custom Effects, with a reputation throughout the whole automotive restyling industry, for being top notch in service, sales, installation, an expert to his field. James serviced the mid south area from 1995 to 2010 and had his work recognized in national publications across the country. Shortly after losing his sight, James noticed that there was no variation or style in mobility canes. There was white or white. Boring! Hence, James transferred his experience from the automotive to the mobility! He designed his first cane in 2011. James received so much feedback that he decided to serve others in personalizing their mobility canes as well.

Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 12 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Topaz OCR Presentation
2020-07-27 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
Join us on Monday, July 27th for a tutorial on the Topaz OCR device made by Freedom Scientific. Tune in to learn how the Topaz empowers individuals with vision loss to read and access printed material.

Date: Monday, July 27

Time: 1 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Ask the Blind Guys
2020-07-29 16:00 - 17:00 | TX
Do you have a question regarding blindness you’ve been wanting to ask, but didn’t feel comfortable asking?
You’re not the only one! Many people have questions, but are often times too afraid to ask or fear they may offend someone; so we’ve decided to create a safe space to have these conversations.
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is now hosting:
“Ask the Blind Guys”
the last Wednesday of each month
4 – 5 PM CST
This is a great interactive forum for people who are visually impaired or sighted to ask their questions in a safe environment and have them answered without judgment.
Submit your questions to AskTheBlindGuys@lighthousefw.org.
We will not disclose your name when answering your questions in our meetings.
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 4 – 5 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Virtual Adjustment to Blindness Support Group
2020-08-05 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Every month we host Support Group for people who are visually impaired or blind. Our adjustment to blindness support group is intended to help people in the blindness community connect with others who have the shared experience of vision loss, while providing information about resources and teaching strategies and approaches to coping with vision loss
Support Groups are hosted by Kevin Higgins our Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

Date: Wednesday, July 8

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Solution-Based Discussion on Navigating O&M During COVID-19
2020-08-05 13:00 - 15:00 | TX
The pandemic has taken its toll on our nation, but is especially affecting Orientation & Mobility instructors. The Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth would like to invite any Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists to collaborate with us, in a positive brainstorming session. We encourage you to bring your ideas on how we can adapt and continue to provide needed training while practicing social distancing & keeping a safe proximity during this time.

We are excited to have Jill Brown, COMS, and Olga Uriegas, M.Ed,
hosting this discussion via Zoom on August 5th, 1 – 3 PM CST!

Jill Brown is both a Certified Teacher of Children with Visual Impairments and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She has been in the V.I. world for 43 years, with 24 of those years as a COMS. Brown is the co-founder of “Camp-Can-Do”, a camp for elementary age children with visual impairments, is active in planning the North Texas White Cane Safety Day event and has served on the AER and TAER boards.
Olga Uriegas is currently serving as Program Director of The Alexander Vision Center of Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Olga served in the education area of visual impairments for over 36 years, including 22 years as the State Lead for Visual Impairment Services at the Education Service Center Region XI in Fort Worth, Texas. Previous to the position at Education Service Center Region XI; Olga was a teacher of students with visual impairments, and an orientation and mobility specialist over a span of 14 years.
Jill Brown & Olga Uriegas are co-authors for the recently published curriculum and evaluation for young children, Texas 2 STEPS (Successfully Teaching Early Purposeful Skills).
This is open to the first 100 guests, please plan on joining us for the full two hours.
Join via Zoom by copy & pasting this link into your browser,
https://bit.ly/OMdiscussion
Email Leslie Ware with any questions, lware@lighthousefw.org

Ask the Blind Guys
2020-08-26 16:00 - 17:00 | TX
Do you have a question regarding blindness you’ve been wanting to ask, but didn’t feel comfortable asking?
You’re not the only one! Many people have questions, but are often times too afraid to ask or fear they may offend someone; so we’ve decided to create a safe space to have these conversations.
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is now hosting:
“Ask the Blind Guys”
the last Wednesday of each month
4 – 5 PM CST
This is a great interactive forum for people who are visually impaired or sighted to ask their questions in a safe environment and have them answered without judgment.
Submit your questions to AskTheBlindGuys@lighthousefw.org.
We will not disclose your name when answering your questions in our meetings.
Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: 4 – 5 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Virtual Support Group
2020-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Join us on Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00 AM for our monthly virtual support group. Our guest speaker, Liz Wisecarver, works for the National Federation of the Blind of Texas as the NFB-NEWSLINE® Texas Coordinator. She earned her Master’s in Orientation and Mobility from Louisiana Tech University. Before moving to Texas in 2015, Liz taught blind public school students in Louisiana and Mississippi cane travel. She currently lives in Houston with her husband and enjoys paper crafting in her free time.

Date: Wednesday, Sept 2nd

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

Labor Day - Office Closed
2020-09-07 | TX
Our office will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, September 7th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.

Uber Tutorial
2020-09-09 15:30 - 17:00 | TX
Join us for an interactive tutorial on Ride Share services and how they can help the blind and visually impaired access transportation. Learn how to use smartphone accessibility software such as Voice Over to request a ride and access other ride share features.

Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: 3:30 PM

To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

iOS 14 Update
2020-09-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
It’s September and you know what that means, a new version of Apples famous operating system called IOS. It will be released soon so let’s talk about new changes and features.

Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 1 PM
To register for this meeting, email Rebecca at rsmith@lighthousefw.org.

North Texas Giving Day
2020-09-17 | TX
Did you know that the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is participating in the biggest online fundraising event in North Texas along with hundreds of other non-profits? North Texas Giving Day is on Thursday, September 17th, so mark your calendar to make your donation and support the Lighthouse.

Join the movement on September 17th to help us reach our goal of $15,000. This year, the funds we raise will allow us to purchase new appliances for the Lighthouse Lunchroom to accommodate our blind labor force in the manufacturing plant. Everything will be BLIND FRIENDLY and ACCESSIBLE. The Lighthouse is the largest employer of the blind in Tarrant County. Unfortunately, with limited vision, jumping in a car to grab lunch or a Starbucks coffee is not an option for our visually impaired employees!

Not available on September 17? No worries! Schedule your donation now and make your gift count! Schedule your donation here!

Thank you in advance for your support, especially during these uncertain times of COVID-19.

Ask the Blind Guys
2020-09-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Do you have a question regarding blindness you’ve been wanting to ask, but didn’t feel comfortable asking?
You’re not the only one! Many people have questions, but are often times too afraid to ask or fear they may offend someone; so we’ve decided to create a safe space to have these conversations.
Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth is now hosting:
“Ask the Blind Guys”
the last Wednesday of each month
4 – 5 PM CST
This is a great interactive forum for people who are visually impaired or sighted to ask their questions in a safe environment and have them answered without judgment.
Submit your questions to AskTheBlindGuys@lighthousefw.org.
We will not disclose your name when answering your questions in our meetings.
Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: 4 – 5 PM
To register for this meeting, email Leslie at lware@lighthousefw.org.

Virtual Support Group
2020-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us on Wednesday, October 7th at 10:00 AM for our monthly virtual support group. Our guest speaker, John Castillo, has worked for Criss Cole rehabilitation center for the past 7 years spending his last 6 in teaching technology. Before CCRC, John worked for Texas school for the blind as a rehab and music teacher. He now travels around the state in outreach for CCRC promoting the agency’s programs.

Date: Wednesday, Oct 7th

Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

To register for this meeting, email Leslie at lware@lighthousefw.org.
