Braille Institute San Diego Offers Free Classes and Services; Registration Open for Winter Term

SAN DIEGO – Jan. 30, 2017 – Braille Institute San Diego encourages San Diegans affected by vision loss to register and attend their Winter Term classes at their centrally located campus in the University City area of San Diego. The classes have been developed and are taught for those who are blind and visually impaired. The classes are free, and are open to anyone with vision loss. To help people access the programs, Braille Institute San Diego offers limited free transportation, particularly for people living in North San Diego County.

“Our staff and volunteers thoughtfully create each class schedule and curriculum to help people with vision loss maximize their remaining vision,” said Jay Hatfield, executive director, Braille Institute San Diego. “Because our financial support comes from local philanthropists, rather than government funding, we are uniquely positioned to offer a broad range of services – everything from daily living skills to arts and healthy living programs – and students are able to get as much or as little support as they desire.”

Students who attend classes regularly at the Braille Institute San Diego often experience a renewed sense of confidence, gain independence, and are given the necessary tools to live well with low vision. While the center offers classes throughout the week, additional spots are available for their Monday classes, which cover the following topics and interests:

• Beginning Kitchen Skills
• Braille
• Computer Keyboarding
• Computer Zoomtext
• Computers Talk Back
• Cultural Exploration
• Fun Social Bridge
• Gardening Projects
• Healthy Smoothies
• iPhone / iPad Instruction
• Microwave Cooking
• Move Your Body
• Music Ablaze and Old Time Radio Shows
• New Independence
• News and Views
• Paper Crafting
• San Diego & California History
• Sensory Awareness

For more information on enrollment and full descriptions for each class, please visit brailleinstitute.org/sandiego. Registration is required.

Nearly 90 percent of Braille Institute San Diego students and patrons have some remaining vision, and it’s the organization’s mission to support their independence as their students’ vision changes. The Braille Institute San Diego’s free programs, training and services help adults, and youth with vision loss learn new ways to do the things they love while reducing stigma of vision loss.

“A lot of people, when they first find out they have vision loss, there is a kind of denial, and I find here that people understand that process, and put people at ease,” said Tom Metzger, Braille Institute San Diego volunteer, and Carlsbad resident. “The staff and volunteers really understand how important their work is, and I think that is very fundamental to the success, and welcoming environment of Braille Institute San Diego.”

CALENDAR LISTING
Winter Term Monday Classes
Every Monday through April 6
Braille Institute San Diego
4555 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
FREE Admission
Ample parking available in the lot in front of the building.
Limited transportation for students to the center is available.
RSVP online at brailleinstitute.org/sandiego or call 858-452-1111.

ABOUT BRAILLE INSTITUTE
Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. It serves thousands of people of all ages each year through a broad range of educational, social and recreational programs designed to help people with vision loss lead enriched and fulfilling lives. Funded by private donations, all services are free-of-charge. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/brailleinstitute and on Twitter @BrailleInst.