Braille Institute Free Online Workshops – September 2021

Gathering from Nature: Garlands, Wreaths and Crowns
Sept 20 10.00 – 11.30am
First, from your own neighborhoods and yards, you will gather a variety of fresh flowers, found grasses, tender branches from trees— even available herbs will work here. Then, we will gather online over Teams 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

Blind/Visually Impaired and Social Confidence
Sept 21 1.00 – 2.00pm
Learn how to interact with “sightees” and relate to your family and friends in a healthy manner. This workshop involves tips on how to act and on what resources are available in various social situations such as dining out, shopping, and traveling. It also involves fun anecdotes to demonstrate how to handle awkward or difficult interactions.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Meet the Riverside Staff
Sept 23 2.00 – 3.00pm (Next Oct 21)
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

Non-24 Circadian Rhythm Sleep Wake Disorder
Sept 23 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Nov 18)
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

Understanding Vision Loss
Sept 24 10.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Oct 8)
For those who are interested in learning about the basics of blindness and visual impairment. Hosted by: Coachella Valley and Laguna Hills Centers

Grooming For Success: Two Part Series
Sept 27 11.00am – 12.00pm (Next: Oct 11)
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

Southern California Travelogue
Sept 27 3.00 – 4.00pm
Learn and share about different communities, how to get there with adaptive tools and what to expect. Learn about the highlights of the fantastic geographic diversity of California neighborhoods and discover new ones. We will also play fun games to see how well your know Southern California. Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

More Than One Way to Brew a Pot
Sept 28 1.00 – 2.00pm
Learn the many different ways to prepare coffee and tea beverages safely and efficiently.
Hosted by: Santa Barbara Center

Boost Your Confidence Through Personal Care
Sept 29 1.00 – 2.00pm
How you care for yourself is the key to how good you feel! In this workshop you will learn tips and tricks to boost your confidence. We will discuss hydration, sleep, eating healthy, and shopping for personal care products when you are on a budget, etc. A special kit will be mailed to the first 15 students to sign up. Hosted by: Los Angeles Center

Cooking in a Smart Home
Sept 29 10.00am – 11.30am (Next: Nov 12)
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

iPhone and iPad Accessibility
Sept 29, Dec 1 1.00 – 2.00pm (Next: Oct 1)
Demonstration of VoiceOver, screen magnification, apps, and voice commands using Siri. Hosted by: Anaheim and Laguna Hills Centers

Social Media Overview
Sept 29 1.00 – 2.00pm
Explore what types of social media are out there that may interest you. Learn what’s new and why or why you may not want to use social media. All are welcome for this free, informative online workshop. Hosted by: San Diego Center

Is A Guide Dog Right For You?
Sept 30 11.00am – 12.00pm
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: San Diego Center Guest Speakers: Zack Gittlen, Guide Dogs of America and Patti Robitaille, Guide Dogs for the Blind