Braille Institute Free Online Workshops – October 2021

iPhone and iPad Accessibility
Oct 1 10.00 – 11.30am (Next: Dec 1)
Demonstration of VoiceOver, screen magnification, apps, and voice commands using Siri. Hosted by: Anaheim and Laguna Hills Centers

Learn if The Department of Rehabilitation Can Help You
Oct 1 1.00 – 2.00pm
Join us in learning about obtaining and retaining employment and maximizing your ability to live independently. Hosted by: San Diego Center Guest Speaker: Bonnie Jimenez, CA Department of Rehabilitation

Move-A-Thon Kick Off
Oct 1 1.00 – 2.00pm
Come join us virtually in this healthy and fun physical activity among the visually impaired and blind community. Hosted by: All Centers

All About Audiobooks
Oct 5 2.00 – 3.00pm
Access the latest releases and old favorites through audiobook services including Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD), Audible, Overdrive, and more! Learn about what audiobook services are available to you, how to access them and how to find books you want to read.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Learn Microsoft Teams
Oct 6 10.00 – 11.30am (Next: Nov 10)
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

Tips for Reading PDFs with a Screen Reader
Oct 6 1.00 – 2.00pm
A Portable Document Format (PDF) is a popular and safe way to share a document. For example, the Braille Institute class catalog and many other publications are provided as a PDF. In this workshop, we will give you tips to help read a PDF with JAWS and NVDA, including what to do when it is not readable with a screen reader. Hosted by: San Diego Center

Am I Ready for the White Cane?
Oct 8 1.00 – 2.30pm
Do you wonder whether you should be using a white cane or not? Then this is the workshop for you! We will go over what necessitates the use of the cane, and what is best for the safety of others and yourself. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

How to Use the Lazarillo App
Oct 8 11.00am – 12.00pm
The Lazarillo app guides the traveler, who is blind or visually impaired, through their city and building environments with real-time voice messages and connects users with businesses through accessible online shopping and notification services! Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Introduction to Soundscape
Oct 8 1.00 – 2.30pm
Learn about Microsoft Soundscape, and its 3D audio technology, which enhances your awareness of what is around you and helps you get around and explore your surroundings. Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Oct 8 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next Oct 22)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

Upcycling! Turning Trash Into Treasure
Oct 8 10.00 – 11.30am
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

Compresión de la pérdida de visión
Oct 11 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next Dec 13)
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

Grooming For Success: Two Part Series
Oct 11 11.00am – 12.00pm
Although it doesn’t say everything, appearance is the first shot at making a good impression and overcoming common stereotypes about blind and visually impaired people. That’s why grooming plays an important role. In Grooming for Success, we will assess the level of knowledge you have about personal appearance and ask each what you wish to work on in regard to personal grooming. In addition, we’ll discuss clothing, hair styles, nail care, posture, body language, makeup, hygiene, voice tone, and above all, confidence. Hosted by: San Diego Center Guest Speaker: Nicole Bissett, Bissett Productions

Orientación y Mobilidad para el mes del Bastón Blanco: Como usar la aplicacion Lazarillo
Oct 12 1.00 – 2.30pm
Aprende a usar la aplicacion Lazarillo. La aplicacion de Lazarillo ayuda a guiar a las personas, sin visión o con baja visión, por su ciudad o diferentes edificios con mensajes enviados en tiempo real y conecta a las personas usando la aplicacion con negocios mediante la accesibilidad para hacer compras en linea y servicios de notificacion. Presentado por: Coachella Valley Center

The Art of Aging Gracefully
Oct 12 1.00 – 2.00pm
Learn food options and lifestyle tips to support aging healthily. The keys to successful aging include accepting changes and finding meaningful activities.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Aumente su confianza a través del cuidado personal
Oct 13 1.00 – 2.00pm
¡Cómo te preocupas por ti mismo es la clave de lo bien que te sientes! En este taller aprenderás consejos y trucos para aumentar tu confianza. Hablaremos sobre la hidratación, el sueño, la alimentación saludable y la compra de productos para el cuidado personal cuando tenga un presupuesto limitado, etc. Se enviará por correo un kit especial a los primeros 15 estudiantes que se inscriban. Presentado por: Los Angeles Center

How to Stay Safe Online: Two Part Series
Oct 13 1.00 – 2.00pm (Next: Oct 27)
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

Low Vision 101
Oct 13 11.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Nov 10)
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

What Can Your Apple Watch Do For You?
Oct 13 1.30 – 3.00pm
Besides sending or receiving calls and using apps, you will learn about the accessibility features like Voiceover, Magnification, and Siri on your wrist. You will also discover Workout Tracking and how it can track your workout sessions monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and detect irregularities in your health condition. Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Real Talk: Interview with Visually Impaired Athletes
Oct 14 6.30 – 7.30pm
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to compete with little to no sight, this is the workshop for you! Virtually meet two accomplished visually impaired athletes from the USA Blind Hockey Team and India’s National Paralympic Champion in the 100 and 200 meters. Hosted by: San Diego Center

Best Lighting For Your Sight
Oct 15 3.00 – 5.00pm
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: Coachella Valley Center

Using Social Media
Oct 15 10.00 – 11.30am
Learn how easy it is to join and manage your social media channels. Get social! Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center

White Cane Awareness Day
Oct 15 1.00 – 2.30pm
This is a day to celebrate “White Cane Awareness Day”. The Lions Club will be joining us and sharing how they are “Knights for the Blind”. We will be reading the presidential proclamation and sharing the history of White Cane Awareness Day along with the White Cane Law. White Cane users will share what the cane has done for them. Hosted by: All Centers

Introducing Amazon Alexa
Oct 18 2.00 – 3.00pm (Next: Nov 10)
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

Introduction to Microsoft Office
Oct 19 2.00 – 3.00pm
This workshop will describe the most popular accessibility features of Windows and Microsoft Office.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Protective Techniques and Pre-cane Skills
Oct 20 1.00 – 2.30pm
Protective techniques can selectively and effectively support safe travel with the white cane. We will review techniques and skills like upperbody and lower-body protective techniques, hand trailing, direction taking, clearing a seat and locating dropped objects. We will also consider tips and strategies for usage. Hosted by: San Diego Center

Meet the Riverside Staff
Oct 21 2.00 – 3.00pm (Next: Nov 22)
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

Healthy Eating
Oct 22 10.00am – 12.00pm
Learn techniques for shopping, preparing, and eating healthy! We will discuss delicious and healthy recipes along with the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

So You Want to be an Orientation and Mobility Specialist?
Oct 22 1.00 – 2.30pm
Join us for a special opportunity to listen to Orientation and Mobility specialists and representatives from various schools and agencies. Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Understanding Vision Loss
Oct 22 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Nov 5)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

Coachella Valley Transportation Access and Rideshare Program
Oct 25 1.00 – 3.00pm
Join us as we discuss transportation options available to you from local agencies located in the Coachella Valley. Uber, Lyft and GoGo Grandparent are here for your transportation needs and an overview of each rideshare program will be discussed. Hosted by: Coachella Valley Center

Dental Care and the Impact on Your Health
Oct 25 3.00 – 4.00pm
In this workshop, you will learn how to maintain good dental habits that boost your confidence and keep you healthy. Dental care does not need to be a tedious task; with the right skills you are on your way to keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

El cuidado dental y el impacto en su salud
Oct 26 1.00 – 2.00pm
En este taller, aprenderá a mantener buenos hábitos dentales que aumentan su confianza y lo mantienen saludable. El cuidado dental no tiene por qué ser una tarea tediosa; con las habilidades adecuadas, estará en camino de mantener sus dientes sanos y fuertes. Presentado por: Los Angeles Center

Guide Dogs and Caring for Them
Oct 26 1.00 – 2.00pm
Learn what it means to live with a guide/services dog partner: how to look after them, how to balance work and play time, and the rights guide dogs have in public settings.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Medication Safety/Script Talk
Oct 26 11.00am – 12.00pm
Talking, large print or braille prescription labels allow visually impaired people to safely and independently manage their prescription medications. Learn about Script Talk and how it can help you. Hosted by: San Diego Center Guest Speaker: Sharla Glass, En-Vision America

Delivery Services: Uber Eats
Oct 27 1.30 – 3.00pm
Learn all about Uber Eats delivery services. Find out what restaurants are available, how to get prescriptions delivered, and how it works with Voiceover. In addition, we will cover what stores are open in the app and what benefits you get with the Uber Eats pass. Hosted by: Anaheim Center

How to Stay Safe Online: Two Part Series
Oct 27 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

Is A Guide Dog Right For You?
Oct 28 1.00 – 2.00pm Guide dog partners are trusted friends that offer new opportunities for interaction and greater independence. Learn if a guide dog might be right for you. Hosted by: Anaheim Center

Move-A-Thon Finish Line
Oct 29 1.00 – 2.00pm
Share your accomplishments with the rest of the event participants and hear experiences from a diverse group of move-a-thon finishers! Hosted by: All Centers

Seeing AI App
Oct 29 10.00 – 11.30am
Learn about a free app for iOS 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. Also learn how to configure the app to technology assistant Siri to locate and utilize each channel with ease. Hosted by: Laguna Hills Center