Events designed to give the public a glimpse at the free services provided for adults and children who are visually impaired; Volunteers needed to assist with programs, classes, and tutoring for people with low vision
San Diego CA— While nearly 35,000 people in San Diego County live with low vision or are completely blind, only 20 percent of San Diego County residents who are visually impaired take advantage of the free classes and programs at Braille Institute San Diego. A hidden gem in the University City area that focuses on much more than learning braille, the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with permanent vision loss, Braille Institute San Diego offers free workshops and events to reach individuals and their loved ones who are affected by conditions, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal edema, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and more.
This summer, Braille Institute San Diego team members celebrate the season with a variety of events that are free and open to the public, which focus on helping adults and children build skills to live well with low vision and also foster independence. One of these events is the San Diego Center’s “Friends and Family Summer Picnic, on Saturday, July 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is designed for current students to bring their friends and family on campus to socialize and to celebrate the independence that Braille Institute encourages each day. Event festivities include activities for kids, food options, and an Arts and Crafts Expo featuring artwork, handmade soaps and jewelry created by Braille Institute San Diego students. Tours of the classrooms, community rooms, and art studio will also be offered, for those who would like to experience and learn more about all the San Diego Center campus has to offer. Admission is free for the picnic, art expo, and tours. For more information or to register for the picnic, visit brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
The education team at Braille Institute San Diego also hosts free daily living workshops every Friday to help students strengthen skills as well as learn more about their visual impairment.
A popular workshop just in time for the summer travel season focuses on travel tips for people who are visually impaired. On Friday, July 21, Braille Institute students and guests will learn how to get to their destination with the least amount of stress as possible. Travel tips include marking and labeling items when packing, bringing a magnifying device to read small print such as the gate numbers or your boarding pass, using a white cane to help with uneven terrain at differing heights you may not be used to, or how to access paratransit services such as Lyft. Also, downloading various apps such as TapTapSee to assist with identifying objects as well as familiarizing oneself with resources offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) like hotels and destinations for guests with disabilities are only a few ways to help reduce stress when traveling.
“Braille Institute staff and volunteers strive to empower our students, and provide them with a sense of independence through the informative workshops we offer,” said Darlene G. Miller, M.A., educational programs manager, Braille Institute San Diego. “The skills and daily life hacks we teach not only boost their confidence, but also reduces the isolation our students typically face when losing their eyesight. Braille Institute San Diego isn’t just a place for learning, but a community.”
The travel tips workshop, as well as all classes offered by Braille Institute San Diego, are open to the public and are free of charge. For more information or to register for the Summer 2017 workshops, visit brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
Braille Institute San Diego Needs Volunteers
With all of the free events, workshops and services Braille Institute San Diego offers throughout the year, the organization is always looking for volunteers interested in lending a helping hand with the following: the award-winning library, technology lab, course instruction, facilities assistant, lunchroom guides, special events and more. Becoming a Braille Institute volunteer is a great way for community groups to get involved and help those in need. The volunteer program requires and encourages all interested volunteers to attend a one hour and 45-minute orientation session on Monday, July 10 or on Monday, Aug. 21 at the San Diego Center. For more information and to register for the orientation session, call the volunteer office at 858-404-5009.
Braille Institute San Diego Event Schedule
Subject to change
BARD for Your Computer
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, July 7, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
This workshop will introduce you to BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download. BARD is a program offered by the National Library Service and Braille Institute Library. This free program allows patrons to download talking books from an extensive collection of titles. Join Braille Institute San Diego to learn how to download books right to your computer for easy access and convenience. All ages welcome and open to family members and friends!
Volunteer Orientation Session
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Monday, July 10, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-404-5009.
Braille Institute San Diego is in need of volunteers to assist with the following classes and services: the award-winning library, technology lab, course instruction, facilities assistant, lunchroom guides, special events and more. The Braille Institute volunteer program requires and encourages all interested volunteers to attend a one hour and 45-minute orientation session at the San Diego Center before they start volunteering.
Visual Impairment & Disability Rights Workshop
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, July 14, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
Have you ever wondered what rights are provided to disabled individuals? This workshop is open to visually impaired individuals and their families to learn about the various rights that disabled individuals should be aware of. Disability Rights Services will be presenting helpful information so that you can be prepared and advocate for your rights.
Friday Workshop – Travel Tips for the Visually Impaired
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, July 21, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
Whether you are traveling by car, airplane, train or boat, the travel experience can be greatly impacted by visual impairment. Join Braille Institute San Diego for an informative workshop on how to get to your destination with the last amount of stress as possible. This is a workshop you don’t want to miss! All ages are welcome and open to family members and friends.
Annual Friends and Family Summer Picnic
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission and Open to the Public, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
The annual “Friends and Family Summer Picnic” is designed for current students to bring their loved ones to the San Diego campus to celebrate summer and the independence that the Braille Institute encourages each day. Attendees will enjoy activities for kids, food, an Arts and Crafts Expo featuring artwork, handmade soaps and jewelry created by Braille Institute San Diego students. Tours of the classrooms, community rooms, and art studio will also be offered, for those who would like to experience and learn more about all the San Diego Center campus has to offer.
Understanding Vision Loss
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, July 28, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
Join Braille Institute San Diego for an opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar sight loss situations. This forum will help you to share your feelings about your vision loss as well as learn tools to help you through these transitions. Friends and family are welcome, too!
Android Accessibility
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
Let’s talk about Android! Did you know? There are built-in accessibility features for an Android device just like iPhone and iPad. In this workshop, we will explore Android accessibility for the blind and low vision users.
Access to Independence
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
We know how important your independence is to you. Join us to learn about one of the great resources available to access independence. They offer a wide variety of services, including employment assistance, housing assistance, peer support, independent living skills training, and more. Come learn about how to access these resources and maximize your independence!
Dining in the Dark
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
Step in the shoes of someone who is visually impaired and experience how they might enjoy a meal in a restaurant or at home. Learn some of the eating and dining techniques that a visually impaired individual might utilize. This hands-on, interactive workshop is great for people of all ages and eyesight level.
Volunteer Orientation Session
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-404-5009.
Braille Institute San Diego is in need of volunteers to assist with the following classes and services: the award-winning library, technology lab, course instruction, facilities assistant, lunchroom guides, special events and more. The Braille Institute volunteer program requires and encourages all interested volunteers to attend a one hour and 45-minute orientation session at the San Diego Center before they start volunteering.
Low Vision Technology Fair
Hosted by Braille Institute San Diego
Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
FREE Admission, FREE Parking on a first come, first served basis
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.
There are so many adaptive tools and devices to assist you with daily living if you have a visual impairment. From special lighting to portable electronic magnifiers, the possibilities are endless. But which one is right for you? Join us at our Low Vision Technology Fair where vendors and specialists will be on campus to provide you with hands-on demonstrations and information about the latest technology available to you. This event is open to all ages, and friends and family are welcome!
ABOUT BRAILLE INSTITUTE
Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. It serves thousands of adults and youth each year through a broad range of educational, social and recreational programs designed to help people with vision loss lead enriched and fulfilling lives. Services are provided through six Southern California centers and hundreds of other community locations. Additionally, Braille Institute’s national programs encourage school age students to pursue braille literacy and orientation and mobility skills. Funded by private donations, all services are free of charge. For more information, visit: BrailleInstitute.org, Facebook.com/BrailleInstitute or on twitter @BrailleInst.