Blindness and Low Vision Support Group Archives
About
This page is meant to showcase the content of our previous meetings. A brief description follows the title of each meeting, along with links to both pre and post meeting newsletters for more information.
Visit our main webpage here: Blindness and Low Vision Support Group Webpage
List of Meetings
Note that all meetings listed will have their own descriptions further down on the page, which will be sorted by year. The purpose of this block is to save time on navigation. Meetings are listed from most to least recent.
- July 2026: Peer Discussion: Recap of Previous Topics
- June 2026: What is Orientation and Mobility (O&M), and How Can it Help Me?
- May 2026: A Look Inside This Year’s CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
- April 2026: Peer Discussion: Share and Grow Your Blindness and Low Vision Toolbox
- March 2026: Balance and Fall Prevention
- February 2026: Smartphone and Accessibility Tools Part 2 (Hybrid)
- January 2026: Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC)
- December 2025: Sterling Adaptives
- November 2025: Peer Discussion: Learning Tools, Feedback, and Progress
- October 2025: Adaptive Technology Services
- September 2025: Smartphones and Accessibility Tools Part 1 (Virtual)
- August 2025: Vision Challenges and Emotional Well-being: Sharing Strategies to Cope and Thrive
- July 2025: See More Do More: Show and Grow Your Low Vision Toolbox
- June 2025: First Virtual Session of the Blindness and Low Vision Support Group
- May 2025: Welcome to the Blindness and Low Vision Support Group!
Most Recent Meeting
July 2026: Peer Discussion: Recap of Previous Topics
This July, we went over our previous topics. There was no speaker, because the goal for this month was to discuss what our members wanted to cover in the future, based on what they found useful in the past. There was no need to have gone to previous meetings to be part of this one, recaps of meeting topics were provided and we were happy to bring back previous topics and speakers.
2026 Meetings
January 2026: Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC)
This month, we had a conversation with Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC), an organization dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor adventures for people with disabilities and people of all backgrounds. ETC offers opportunities to explore the outdoors through programs such as kayaking, rafting, hiking, and camping, with a strong focus on accessibility, community, and shared experiences.
Our Guest speakers were Candelaria “Candy” Jelinski and Will Derwin.
February 2026: Smartphones and Accessibility Tools Part 2 (Hybrid)
Low Vision Month! This was a continuation our November 2025 support group meeting, where we introduced a variety of smartphone accessibility tools that support everyday tasks such as reading text, object recognition, navigation, and hands-free use. Before this Part 2, hands-on session, we encouraged members to try out some of the apps and features we discussed and choose one or two tools you’d like to explore more deeply or set up with support.
Our guest speakers, Dr. James Coughlan, Ph.D. and Dr. Nasif Zaman, Ph.D., gave a brief overview of smartphone accessibility features, with demonstrations and discussion relevant to both Apple (iOS) and Android devices. In person attendance allowed for a more effective one-on-one approach.
March 2026: Fall Prevention Strategies
This month, we learned about what fear of falling means and how members could navigate it. We focused on the physical aspects of balance protection, and we practiced some balancing exercises in person.
Our guest speaker was Michelle Naito, a physical therapist located at UCSF.
April 2026: Peer Discussion: Share and Grow Your Blindness and Low Vision Toolbox
This was an open discussion where we asked members to come ready to share their experiences, ask questions, offer insights, or simply listen. There was no designated presentation topic for this session; the conversation was shaped by the group itself.
May 2026: A Look Inside This Year’s CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, held March 9–13 in Anaheim, California, is the world’s largest conference focused on assistive technology and accessibility solutions for people with disabilities.
At this May support group meeting, there was a discussion about new gadgets, technology, and perspectives related to blindness and low vision. Topics included educational sessions from the conference covering screen readers, AI accessibility tools, workplace inclusion, and other emerging technologies. The group also discussed products and devices featured in the exhibit hall, including what seemed promising and what questions or concerns they raised for the blindness and low vision community.
The group also discussed the upcoming VisionWalk, a fundraising event organized by the Foundation Fighting Blindness that supports research into treatments and cures for blinding conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome.
Smith-Kettlewell formed a team for the event, and community members were invited to participate by walking, socializing, or visiting the SKERI booth to learn more about the organization.
Our guest speakers were James Coughlan, Nasif Zaman, and Anish Visht.
June 2026: What is Orientation and Mobility (O&M), and How Can it Help Me?
This month, we discussed how to individualize orientation and mobility with the use of tools and practice. One of our guest speaker’s clients joined us to provide a full perspective of what it means to participate in individualized care. We were also provided tools such as canes to practice on-site. The goal was to build feelings of safety, confidence, and independence in the blindness/low vision community.
Our guest speaker was Gina di Grazia, an occupational therapist who specializes in mobility and low vision, and her client, Ricki Boden. Gina is currently accepting new clients, you may contact her at (415) 855-0314.
July 2026: Peer Discussion: Recap of Previous Topics
This July, we went over our previous topics. There was no speaker, because the goal for this month was to discuss what our members wanted to cover in the future, based on what they found useful in the past. There was no need to have gone to previous meetings to be part of this one, recaps of meeting topics were provided and we were happy to bring back previous topics and speakers.
2025 Meetings
May 2025: Welcome to the Blindness and Low Vision Support Group!
In this first meeting, Annemarie discussed the recent reopening of The Frank Stein & Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation (711 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco) and provided information about the services offered and who can benefit from working with an OT.
June 2025: First Virtual Session of the Blindness and Low Vision Support Group
Annemarie provided more information about the services provided The Frank Stein & Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation (711 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco) as well as how to go about making an appointment.
We also went over any immediate questions about support group logistics and created a list of ideas/questions/ topics that we would like to go over in future meetings.
July 2025: See More Do More: Show and Grow Your Blindness and Low Vision Toolbox
This month, our meeting included a Virtual Tour of the Low Vision Clinic at 711 Van Ness, allowing for a behind-the-scenes look at the clinic and its services. We learned what happens during a typical Low Vision Evaluation and what ongoing treatment may involve, including examples of common tools and devices recommended for low vision.
We ended with an open discussion where members shared experiences with low vision services and the tools that help day to day.
August 2025: Vision Challenges and Emotional Well-being: Sharing Strategies to Cope and Thrive
This month, we discussed some of the mental and emotional challenges of blindness and low vision. We shared common stressors and emotional responses, discussed how to build a personal wellness toolbox, learnt from one another’s strategies, and chose strategies to try outside of group.
Our guest speaker was Gina Frassetto, a mental health occupational therapist who focuses on building skills to enhance emotional well-being.
September 2025: Smartphones and Accessibility Tools Part 1 (Virtual)
This month’s meeting featured the first installment of a two-part series on Smartphones and Accessibility Tools. We introduced accessibility features on iPhone and iPad devices, including settings for contrast and magnification, and highlighted some useful applications and how to leverage the camera for everyday tasks.
Our guest speaker was James Coughlan, a scientist at Smith-Kettlewell.
October 2025: Adaptive Technology Services
This month, we looked at the services offered by Adaptive Technology Services. This involved discussing the importance of assistive technology for people with visual impairments, and examined how these technologies can serve as a pathway to independence, confidence, productivity, and communication.
Our guest speaker was Silvana Rainey, a co-founder of Adaptive Technology Services in San Francisco.
November 2025: Peer Discussion: Learning Tools, Feedback, and Progress
This month’s support group on Zoom held a conversation about the tools, technologies, and daily practices that support independence and well-being. Members shared their experiences with apps and devices, and explored creative ways to use their phone’s camera and accessibility features. We also reflected on what has been helpful, or challenging, in our daily routines. This included the importance of staying connected, building a personal wellness toolbox, finding activities that bring joy, and exploring resources such as audiobooks, community groups, and occupational therapy services.
December 2025: Sterling Adaptives
This month, we heard from Sterling Adaptives about their mission, and how their specialists support individuals with vision loss. We were walked through a variety of adaptive technology devices and software, with further explanation of the benefits of each and how they can meet specific needs in daily life. This included available low-vision and Braille technologies, included exploration of tools through hands-on time.
Our guest speaker was John Taylor, a spokesman for Sterling Adaptives.