BRAILLE INSTITUTE FREE ONLINE WORKSHOPS – FEBRUARY 2022

Free Audio Books, Sign Me Up!
Feb 1 2.00 – 3.00pm
BARD & Books on Demand make it possible for you to get free audio books from wherever you are as long as you have the device that plays them. Join our library, assistive technology team, and a guest from the National Library Service to discuss how you can access these free audio books. We’ll also get a glimpse into the future of the BARD program.
Hosted by: Riverside Center

Ejercicios básicos de equilibrio
Feb 2 1.30 – 3.00pm
¿Has estado sentado más de lo habitual durante la pandemia y has perdido parte de tu equilibrio? Este taller es para ayudarte a mejorar tu equilibrio haciendo ejercicios básicos. Todos se harán con una silla o al lado de un mostrador, ninguno se hará en el suelo. Se te enviará una lista de los ejercicios junto con descripciones detalladas.
Presentado por: Anaheim Center

Writing Your Memoirs
Feb 3 1.00 – 2.30pm
If you ever wanted to tell the story of your life, this workshop will give suggestions and tips on how to get started. We will discuss ideas, events, and memories that shaped and changed your life. Learn how to organize your thoughts and describe events in detail. We’ll talk about different ways to record or write your memoirs by discussing technology to help get your story together. Writing your memoirs is a great way to record your legacy and pass your story on to share with loved ones.
Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Comprenda la pérdida de visión
Feb 3 2.00 – 3.00pm
A medida que su visión cambia debido a la degeneración macular, el glaucoma, la retinopatía diabética u otras afecciones, ofrecemos programas y servicios gratuitos para ayudarlo a hacer las cosas que ama. Únase a nosotros para una oportunidad informativa en línea para aprender cómo vivir bien con baja visión y adoptar cambios en el estilo de vida.
Presentado por: Riverside Center

Healthy Eating
Feb 4 10.00am– 12.00pm
Learn techniques for shopping, preparing, and eating healthy! Our Independent Living Skills Instructor, Leticia Hernandez, will discuss delicious and healthy recipes along with the benefits of eating vegetables and fruits.
Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Feb 4 10.00 – 11.30am
As your vision changes due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy or other conditions, we offer free programs and services to help you do the things you love. Join us for an informative online opportunity to learn about living well with low vision and embracing lifestyle changes.
Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Self Defense
Feb 4 1.00 – 2.30pm
This workshop will give you ways to be more aware of how to be safe as you are walking or traveling in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.
Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Macular Degeneration
Feb 7 1.00 – 2.00pm
Learn about the latest research in Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 60. We are happy to welcome back guest presenter Nikolas London, MD, FACS and Michael Joseph Ammar, MD, Retina Consultants San Diego.
Hosted by: San Diego Center (Low Vision Month)

Understanding Microsoft Teams
Feb 7 2.00 – 3.00pm
This workshop will cover the advantages of video conferencing and how an individual can join a Microsoft TEAMS meeting with an invite link emailed. We’ll discuss how to mute or unmute yourself, turning the camera on or off and more.
Hosted by: Riverside Center

Cancer and the Eye
Feb 8 9.00 – 10.00am
An informational presentation and discussion with the Director of Ophthalmic Oncology Center at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute, Tara McCannel, M.D., Ph.D., about cancer of the eye, vision changes due to cancer & cancer-related treatment, and relevant research in the field of ophthalmic oncology.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center (Low Vision Month)

Disability Rights and Resources
Feb 8 11.00am – 12.00pm
Meet with outreach specialists from Join Connection Pointe and our Disability Rights Resource Center for a special presentation by, Nancy Urquilla, who will share helpful resources for the blind community during COVID-19. We will also learn more about helpful resources to continue to stay active and continue to safe at home.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Art Gathering from Nature: Garlands, Wreaths and Crowns
Feb 8 1.00 – 2.30pm
From your own neighborhoods and yards, you will gather a variety of fresh flowers, found grasses, tender branches from trees— even available herbs. Then, we will gather online where you will learn to bind together a floral project of your choosing: garlands, wreaths, or crowns. While this is a celebration of the natural world, artificial plants, vines and any lace or other fabric notions may also be useful. Let the fun with flora begin!
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Feb 8 2.00 – 3.00pm
As your vision changes due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy or other conditions, we offer free programs and services to help you do the things you love. Join us for an informative online opportunity to learn about living well with low vision and embracing lifestyle changes.
Hosted by: Riverside Center

Upcycling! Turning Trash Into Treasure
Feb 9 10.30am – 12.00pm
This workshop is an introduction to Upcycling, turning trash into treasure by taking an everyday object that would normally be discarded or recycled and decorating it to become a functional work of art such as a pen holder or decoration.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

How to Use Instacart Delivery Service
Feb 9 1.30 – 3.00pm
Center Join us for this fun workshop to learn about Instacart an online grocery delivery company that is completely changing the way we grocery shop. Learn how easy it is to use the app.
Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Workforce Ready
Feb 9 2.00 – 3.00pm
Learn about common problems that we as blind people face in the job market. With a few tips and tricks, you can get started marketing your skills and work on gaining informational interviews through LinkedIn, writing better resumes and cover letters, and become more comfortable navigating job sites. JAWS is recommended, though we’ll go over some Voice Over navigations tips too.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Seeing AI App on iPhone/iPad
Feb 11 10.00 – 11.30am
Learn about a free app for iPhone/ iPad that narrates the world around you. Seeing AI uses the device camera to audibly read text, identify people and objects, and audibly describes those objects for people with visual impairment.
Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Low Vision Services: Tools to Enrich Your Life
Feb 11 10.00am – 12.00pm
Our low vision rehabilitation specialists are uniquely qualified to help you find the correct tools and training to continue to live an independent life. Join Braille Institute’s Low Vision Occupational Therapists, Katie Scheuring OTR/L, CLVT and Elizabeth Lamprecht MS, OTR/L, to learn about what our low vision rehabilitation services can offer you and how you can take advantage of their services for free at Braille Institute.
Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center (Low Vision Month)

Comprenda la pérdida de visión
Feb 14 10.00am – 12.00pm
A medida que su visión cambia debido a la degeneración macular, el glaucoma, la retinopatía diabética u otras afecciones, ofrecemos programas y servicios gratuitos para ayudarlo a hacer las cosas que ama. Únase a nosotros para una oportunidad informativa en línea para aprender cómo vivir bien con baja visión y adoptar cambios en el estilo de vida.
Presentado por: Coachella Valley Center

The Birth of Jazz
Feb 14 1.30 – 3.00pm
With social changes after the Civil War, American music was ripe to evolve. Participants will gain the basis to appreciate jazz artists and sounds of the early to mid 20th century.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Valentine Cards
Feb 14 3.00 – 4.00pm
Create handmade, heartfelt Valentines cards to give to your loved ones. Let your creativity flow, have fun, and practice your sensory awareness all in one workshop.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Derechos y recursos para personas con discapacidad
Feb 15 11.00am – 12.00pm
Únase a Connection Pointe y nuestro centro de recursos sobre derechos para personas discapacitadas. Una presentación especial de Nancy Urquilla, quien compartirá recursos útiles para la comunidad de ciegos durante el COVID-19. También aprenderemos más sobre recursos útiles para seguir activos y seguros en casa.
Presentado por: Los Angeles Center

Nutrition and Keeping Your Eye Healthy
Feb 15 12.00 – 1.30pm
This is an informative presentation for individuals interested to learn about nutrition and eye health. Dr. Carolyn Katzin, Nutritionist/ Dietitian from UCLA Health, will discuss the best nutrients for eye health, your immune system and what really matters in this time of pandemic.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center (Low Vision Month)

Glaucoma
Feb 16 10.00 – 11.00am
A doctor from Doheny Eye Institute will present about Glaucoma and how it can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Learn more about who is at risk, types of Glaucoma, causes and possible treatments to slow the progression of this eye disease.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center (Low Vision Month)

Low Vision 101
Feb 16 11.00am – 12.00pm
Learn who, what, and the importance of Braille Institute’s Low Vision Program. Hear first-hand how our free low vision consultation can help individuals with low vision and get an overview of our low vision services. Join Melissa Caruso the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for our San Diego Center.
Hosted by: San Diego Center

How to Stay Safe Online Part 1
Feb 16 1.00 – 2.00pm
Whether you’re shopping online, checking email, or browsing social media, you should be aware of bad guys waiting to steal sensitive information. We will discuss common threats and how to stay safe online.
Hosted by: San Diego Center

Windows Accessibility for Low Vision
Feb 16 1.30 – 3.00pm
A windows computer has several accessibility options to help you see it better. Learn about the Magnifier, enlarging your mouse pointer, high contrast color settings and more!
Hosted by: Anaheim Center

How to Use Instacart Delivery Service
Feb 17 2.00 – 3.00pm
Center Join us for this fun workshop to learn about Instacart an online grocery delivery company that is completely changing the way we grocery shop. Learn how easy it is to use the app.
Hosted by: Riverside

Braille Literacy
Feb 18 10.00 – 11.30am
Examine the continued importance of Braille literacy for adult learners, even partially sighted individuals, in an age that brings constant advancement in assistive technology.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Salsa!
Feb 18 10.00 – 11.30am
Join Los Angeles Cooking Instructor Mindy for a crash course in making this tasty condiment! Learn the techniques and recipes to make several different kinds of salsa.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Feb 18 10.00 – 11.30am
As your vision changes due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy or other conditions, we offer free programs and services to help you do the things you love. Join us for an informative online opportunity to learn about living well with low vision and embracing lifestyle changes.
Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Dayle McIntosh 55 and Older Program
Feb 18 11.00am – 12.00pm
Meet with outreach specialists from the Dayle McIntosh Center. They will explain how individuals, who are fifty-five years of age or older, have a significant vision loss, and reside in either Orange County or Los Angeles County, are eligible to receive services through the Aging with Vision Loss program.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Basic Lighting
Feb 18 3.00 – 5.00pm
For people with low vision, lighting is a critical factor. Learn household lighting tips including glare control and contrast enhancement for reading, managing finances, completing personal care, and meal preparation to help maintain safety and independence.
Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Self-Care and Mindfulness
Feb 18 3.00 – 4.00pm
Richard will be addressing the need for healthy self-care rituals when dealing with stressful and challenging times. They will present strategies for enhancing our emotional and physical well-being and introduce valuable self-compassion tools.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Exploring Envision Glasses
Feb 22 10.00 – 11.30am
Envision glasses are AI for your eye. They use the power of speech to make everyday life more accessible. In this webinar, Jose Cintron of Florida Vision Technology will do a complete demonstration of the Envision Glasses, explaining the main features and interactions. Afterwards you’ll be able to ask questions about the glasses.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Aging in Place
Feb 22 1.00 – 2.00pm
A discussion on changes in vision that can develop with age. You will learn how to combat the resulting challenges with home management and organizational techniques.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Emergency Preparedness
Feb 22 2.00 – 3.00pm
How to be prepared for an emergency when you are dealing with vision impairment or other special needs. This will be discussed along with what needs to be done by all.
Hosted by: Riverside Center

Introduction to Amazon Alexa
Feb 23 1.30 – 3.00pm
Discover all the tasks you can accomplish with your Echo Dot or an Echo Show! Join us for this online workshop where we get started with Amazon’s smart assistant, Alexa. You will learn all the things you can accomplish with Alexa and what devices Alexa works with such as how to get information, be entertained and using voice commands.
Hosted by: Anaheim Center

All About CTAP
Feb 24 10.00 – 11.00am
Join us for a special presentation with California Telephone Assistance Program of the Public Utilities Commission Deaf and Disables Telecommunications Program. Learn how you can qualify for FREE specialized landline phones and smart phones. Guest Speaker: Sandra Lambarri Johnson
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Atkinson Hyperlegible: Inclusive Design Is Great Design
Feb 24 10.00 – 11.00am
This seminar will explore how accessible design benefits all people through the case of Atkinson Hyperlegible, an award-winning font designed to improve legibility for readers with low vision. Linus Boman is a graphic designer who was part of the team involved in the creation of the typeface. He will break down some of the principles of type design and how conventions were challenged to create a more legible and accessible font. This seminar will be informative for anyone with low vision or for designers and publishers who want to make their materials accessible.
Hosted by: Los Angeles Center (Low Vision Month)

Eyedaptic Smart Glasses
Feb 24 10.00 – 11.30am Come and learn about new Smart glasses designed by Retina Specialists and Low Vision Optometrists who understand your problem. Through a simulated natural vision software technology, the Eyedaptic glasses optimize the peripheral vision so everyday tasks are easier to manage. Intended for individuals experiencing vision loss caused by retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt’s Disease, Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Introduction to Amazon Alexa
Feb 24 2.00 – 3.00pm
Discover all the tasks you can accomplish with your Echo Dot or an Echo Show! Join us for this online workshop where we get started with Amazon’s smart assistant, Alexa. You will learn all the things you can accomplish with Alexa and what devices Alexa works with such as how to get information, be entertained and using voice commands.
Hosted by: Riverside Center

Is A Guide Dog the Right Fit for You?
Feb 25 10.00am – 12.00pm
Guide Dogs of the Desert’s Tim Hindman, Director of Student Services, will discuss the benefits of applying for a guide dog, and review the application process and requirements to be accepted to the program. He will also share the practicalities and pitfalls of partnering with a Guide Dog. Learn how Braille Institute can assist you with obtaining the Independent Living and Orientation and Mobility skills that are required before being accepted into the Guide Dogs training program.
Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Feb 25 1.00 – 2.00pm
As your vision changes due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy or other conditions, we offer free programs and services to help you do the things you love. Join us for an informative online opportunity to learn about living well with low vision and embracing lifestyle changes.
Hosted by: San Diego Center