Braille Institute Free Online Workshops – December 2021

Introduction to Smart Speakers
Dec 1 10.00 – 11.30am
Smart speakers can be a lot of fun! Join us in discovering all the useful features they have such as organizing your schedule, playing games, making calls and more. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

iPhone and iPad Accessibility
Dec 1 1.00 – 2.00pm
Demonstration of VoiceOver, screen magnification, apps, and voice commands using Siri. Hosted by: Anaheim and Laguna Hills Centers

Lunch & Learn: Diabetes and its Effect on Vision Loss
Dec 1 12.00 – 1.00pm
This is an informative presentation for individuals interested to learn about Diabetic Retinopathy. Dr. Fuh from UCLA Eye Health will talk about the importance of checking your blook sugar and how high/low blood sugar levels affect vision.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Safe Traveling During the Holidays With Tech
Dec 1 10.00 – 11.00am
Learn how to adapt to holiday schedule changes as they affect your daily travel. We will provide information on how to coordinate your holiday travel safely, including what you need to know about COVID-19 travel protocols. Our Technology Specialist will teach you how to use technology specifically for holiday travel using VoiceOver and Apps. Hosted by: Riverside Center

Guide Dogs for the Blind
Dec 2 2.00 – 3.00pm
Learn about Guide Dogs for the Blind, including their eligibility requirements and application and what makes this guide dog school different.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Advanced: Best Lighting For Your Sight
Dec 3 3.00 – 5.00pm
For people with low vision, lighting is a critical factor. If you have attended our Basic: Best Lighting for Your Sight, join us for this advanced workshop as we go into more details about specific lighting for various tasks. The lumens and kelvin bulbs will be reviewed to determine what works best for you. Learn more in depth household lighting tips to help maintain safety and independence. Hosted by: Coachella Valley

Is There An App For That?
Dec 3 10.00 – 11.30am
Discover all the useful apps available to those with low to no vision. We will discuss apps that can read short/long text, currencies and barcodes and more! Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Popcorn and a Movie: The Roku and Netflix Accessibility Features
Dec 3 10.00 – 12.00pm
There are many accessible features available for home entertainment. In this workshop we teach you how to make popcorn in the microwave. We will discuss the Roku which is an inexpensive device that you can plug into your TV to access movies and shows with audio description. Netflix also allows you to play their selections with description and we will teach you how to do that as well. Then we will play a Netflix movie for you to enjoy with your popcorn. Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Dec 3 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Dec 17)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

Introducing Amazon Alexa
Dec 6 2.00 – 3.00pm
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

Traveling with Vision Loss
Dec 7 1.00 – 2.00pm
Our Orientation and Mobility Instructor and guest will discuss tips and tricks for making travel more manageable. They will cover mobility challenges, as well as packing and planning techniques.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Fun and Easy Ideas for Mason Jar Holiday Gifts
Dec 8 1.00 – 2.30pm
Join us for this fun and creative workshop; you will discover how easy it is to make cute and practical gifts in a mason jar. Kit with recipes and accessories included. Quantities are limited so register early. Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Learn Microsoft Teams
Dec 8 10.00 – 11.30am
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

Google Lookout
Dec 10 2.00 – 3.00pm
Learn about the free Android app from Google that allows you to read documents out loud, scan food and explore what objects are around you with ease.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Introduction to Victor Reader
Dec 10 10.00 – 11.30am
An informative online workshop on all the wonderful features the Victor Reader has. The Victor Reader is a handheld, versatile audio book reader, music player, and digital audio recorder. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Compresión de la pérdida de visión
Dec 13 10.00am – 12.00pm
Presentado por Karla Corona, instructora de Coachella Valley para adultos y jóvenes proporcionará información a personas que estén interesados en aprender sobre los fundamentos de la ceguera y la discapacidad visual. Karla también le informará sobre todos los programas y servicios gratuitos que Braille Institute tiene para ofrecer y cómo puede participar en ellos. Esta es una gran manera de comenzar su introducción a los servicios de Braille para usted, su familia y amigos. Presentado por: Coachella Valley Center

Technology Gifts for the Visually Impaired
Dec 14 2.00 – 3.00pm
This workshop will give you gift ideas for the visually impaired or blind techies in your life.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Holiday Movies with Audio Description
Dec 15 1.30 – 3.00pm
Holiday movie watching just got better. Come and experience the latest in audio-described movies. We’ll demonstrate streaming services; specifically, Netflix and Disney+, and an introduction to the American Council of the Blind website, which has a fabulous resource on everything about audio description, including cable company services, master movie and DVD lists, and performing arts. Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Low Vision 101
Dec 15 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

Android Devices with Low Vision to No Vision
Dec 17 10.00 – 11.30am
Learn about the accessibility features an Android Device has to offer. We will discuss magnification, Google voice assistant, talkback and third-party apps that can help you. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

Popcorn and a Movie: The Firestick and Disney Accessibility Features
Dec 17 10.00 – 12.00pm
There are many accessible features available for home entertainment. In this workshop we teach you how to make popcorn in the microwave. We will discuss the Amazon Firestick, which is an inexpensive device that you can plug into your TV to access movies and shows with audio description. The Disney Channel also allows you to play their selections with description and we will teach you how to do that as well. Then we will play a Disney movie for you to enjoy with your popcorn. Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Dec 17 10.00am – 12.00pm
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers