Braille Institute Free Online Workshops – November 2021

Lunch & Learn: Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Nov 3 12.00 – 1.00pm
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. In this presentation given by Dr. Heilweil from UCLA Eye Health, he will discuss what AMD is, how it affects your vision and the latest progress in developing treatments, causes, vitamins and symptoms.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Giving Up the Car Keys
Nov 5 1.00 – 2.30pm
When is the right time to give up the car keys? Are you and others safe? What options are available without a car? How can you be independent and safe without a car? All these questions will be answered and discussed in this workshop. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Shopping for the Holidays: Instacart, Markets and Online Shopping
Nov 5 3.00 – 5.00pm
Learn safer, easier ways to obtain your holiday groceries and gifts. We will teach you how to order groceries and gifts using your computer, smart phone, or tablet and have them delivered to your home. Find out about holiday apps to help you organize and get your gifts purchased, wrapped and shipped on time. You will also learn about the many other delivery options from your favorite stores and restaurants that are quick, safe and convenient. Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Nov 5 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Nov 15)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

How to Access Free Audiobooks Using the BARD App
Nov 8 2.00 – 3.00pm
Learn how to instantly download audio books and magazines for free using the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) app. Hosted by: Laguna Hills and Riverside Centers

Delivery Services: Instacart and Online Shopping
Nov 9 2.00 – 3.00pm
Learn how to use the Apps Grub Hub, Instacart, and more on any device to order food independently. Hosted by: Anaheim and Riverside Centers

Making Autonomous Driving Accessible
Nov 9 1.00 – 2.00pm
Explore the latest technology advances surrounding navigation such as with autonomous vehicles and other artificial intelligence platforms.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Introducing Amazon Alexa
Nov 10 1.30 – 3.00pm (Next: Dec 6)
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 and Riverside Centers

Learn Microsoft Teams
Nov 10 10.00 – 11.30am (Next: Dec 8)
Microsoft Teams is a similar platform to Zoom. It offers many features and there are many ways to join meetings. In this workshop we will highlight the easiest ways to join and participate in Braille Institute meetings and classes using Teams. It can be used on Apple and Android devices as well as Macs and Windows. Hosted by: Riverside Center

Low Vision 101
Nov 10 11.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Dec 15)
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

Virtual Tour of the Santa Barbara Braille Institute Campus
Nov 11 2.00 – 3.00pm
Take a virtual tour of our beautiful Santa Barbara Center’s campus.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Basic Principals of Contrast
Nov 12 3.00 – 5.00pm
Using contrast is an essential coping strategy for people with low vision. The more contrast, the easier it is to find and use objects, complete daily tasks, and remain independent. Learn simple methods to utilize contrast techniques to maximize vision and safety in your home and outdoors. Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Cooking in a Smart Home
Nov 12 10.00am – 11.30am
This informative workshop will demonstrate how to incorporate assistive technology using kitchen appliances. Participants will learn how to navigate devices and apps to advance their cooking abilities. Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Fall Prevention for the Holidays
Nov 12 1.00 – 2.30pm
Let’s get together to discuss ways to stay safe from falls this holiday season. We will review the top tips for fall prevention so we can all safely enjoy this festive time of year. Let’s share ideas and experiences to build our knowledge of how to prevent falls this season and beyond. Hosted by: San Diego Center

Make Technology Work For You
Nov 12 10.00 – 11.30am
Learn simple shortcuts, commands and apps to use with your smart devices. We will discuss how technology can help you catch up with communication in your daily life. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Braille 101
Nov 15 2.00 – 3.30pm
In this workshop we will talk about how Braille began. Methods of writing Braille, Uncontracted Braille, Contracted Braille, Braille literacy and Technology today. Hosted by: Riverside Center

Go-Go Grandparent, Ride Share Options
Nov 15 1.00 – 2.30pm
Learn from our Orientation & Mobility Specialist on how to make your life easier, obtaining transportation, groceries, home services and much more – built better for older adults without a smartphone. Hosted by: Riverside Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Nov 15 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Nov 19)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

Exploring Clubhouse
Nov 16 2.00 – 3.30pm
Join us as we explore a brand-new social networking app that only requires audio! This is the first audio chat app of its kind. We will demonstrate how this app makes it accessible to all who are visionally impaired and blind. Participants will need a smart phone. Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Apps
Nov 16 2.00 – 3.00pm
There are many free or low-cost options that don’t require any additional equipment. Learn how to use these apps including Seeing AI, Voice OCR, and Voice Dream Scanner.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Traveling & Safety Tips for the Holidays
Nov 16 1.00 – 2.30pm
Keeping safe while traveling during the holiday can be quite a challenge. This workshop will provide you with all the tips you need to safely enjoy traveling with your vision loss. We will discuss all forms of travel. We will also discuss tips on packing and checking into a hotel. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Beyond BARD: Methods for Obtaining Audio Books: Two Part Series
Nov 17 1.00 – 2.00pm (Next: Dec 15)
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is wonderful, but there are other ways to get audio books, both free and paid. In this workshop we will explore commercial and local library apps available to match your audio book download preference. Hosted by: San Diego Center

Introducción Amazon Alexa
Nov 17 1.30 – 3.00pm
¡Únase a nosotros en este taller gratuito donde comenzamos con la asistente inteligente de Amazon, Alexa! Aprenderá todas las cosas que puede lograr con Alexa y con qué dispositivos trabaja Alexa, cómo obtener información, entretenerse y usar comandos de voz. Presentado por: Anaheim Center

Tips for Staying Connected During the Holidays
Nov 17 1.00 – 2.30pm
Join us for this fun interactive workshop! You will learn about the and different ways you can continue to stay connected with your loved ones during the holidays. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

How Blind People See the Internet
Nov 18 3.00 – 4.00pm
Our Accessible Technology Instructor will give tips and tricks on how to search the web using screen readers. He will show you how to scan a page to find what you are looking for and how to quickly navigate through the world wide web.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Comidas saludables
Nov 19 1.00 – 3.00pm
La instructora de habilidades para la vida independiente, Leticia Hernandez del Centro de Coachella Valley, le enseñará las técnicas para comprar, preparar y comer saludablemente. Ella hablará sobre recetas deliciosas y saludables junto con los beneficios de comer frutas y verduras. Presentado por: Coachella Valley Center

Non-24 Circadian Rhythm Sleep Wake Disorder
Nov 18 10.00am – 12.00pm
Non-24 Circadian Rhythm Sleep Wake Disorder is a chronic condition affecting mainly individuals who are totally blind but also those with limited light perception. If you have difficulty falling asleep, difficulty getting a full night’s sleep and/or difficulty staying awake during the day, please join us! Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Riverside Centers Guest Speaker: Shauna Jatho, clinical nurse educator

Stay Connected with California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
Nov 19 11.00am – 12.00pm
Learn about free specialized phones that make it easier to hear, dial, and make calls. At this workshop, learn if you qualify and how to enroll. Hosted by: San Diego Center Guest Speaker: Sandra Lambarri Johnson, CTAP

Understanding Vision Loss
Nov 19 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Dec 3)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

Meet the Riverside Staff
Nov 22 2.00 – 3.00pm
Introducing the Riverside Staff! Join us for this online meet and greet where staff will introduce themselves, discuss our free programs and services, and upcoming online presentations. Hosted by: Riverside Center

“Alexa, I need help.”
Nov 23 1.00 – 2.00pm
Learn how Alexa can help with living skills in your home to make your life easier and more efficient.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Acceso al transporte y programas de viaje compartido del Valle de Coachella
Nov 29 10.00am – 12.00pm
Unase a nosotros mientras conversamos las opciones de transporte disponibles para usted de las agencias locales ubicadas en el Valle de Coachella. Los oradores invitados proporcionarán información valiosa sobre sus servicios de transporte. Uber, Lyft y GoGo Grandparent están aquí para sus necesidades de transporte y se discutirá una visión general de cada programa de viaje compartido. Presentado por: Coachella Valley Center