Laguna Hills | Classes
On-Site Classes
We look forward to welcoming students back to our centers, however please note the new safety protocols below that are required. Only students with scheduled classes or appointments may visit the centers on the appointed days.
New Safety Protocols For In-Person Visits To Braille Institute Center*
- All students, library patrons and volunteers must be fully vaccinated. Definition of “fully vaccinated” is having received both shots of a two-dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna) or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND received a booster once “booster-eligible.” Booster-eligible is defined as 6 months after the second dose for Pfizer or Moderna or 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
- All students must provide proof of full vaccination status prior to registering for classes.
- All persons must wear face covering upon entering and while in the building. The face covering must be a surgical grade,
N95 or KN95 mask. - No more than one additional person may escort student/patron to the center.
- Please stay home if you are feeling ill or exhibiting any symptoms (cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, chills, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, body aches, diarrhea, nausea vomiting, etc.).
Students and patrons who are unable to meet the guidelines above can continue to receive services and support through our remote capabilities as an alternative option.
Remote Classes
You can attend “live and online” classes and workshops remotely from the comfort of your home. We utilize the Microsoft Teams platform for our distance learning classes which you can attend using your computer, tablet, smartphone or traditional phone.
How Does It Work?
Braille Institute will provide you with an online link or phone number that will be used to connect to your specific class or workshop. Each session is live so you have the ability to speak with the instructor and other participants. If you need assistance or training with using Microsoft Teams, you can view helpful videos on our website at brailleinstitute.org/remote-services or call the center at 1-800-BRAILLE to schedule 1-1 help from a technology specialist. All services are free of charge.
Braille Institute Classes
Classes are held over multiple weeks during the semester period and attended weekly. Classes are for individuals who are presently students of Braille Institute. In order to become a student, you must complete a low vision assessment or have been on-boarded by a Braille Institute Intake Specialist. Classes are offered by each of the seven Braille Institute centers with some classes being held in-person at the center and other held remotely which are attended by phone, computer or smartphone.
On-Site Classess
On-Site classes are held in person over multiple weeks during the semester period and attended weekly. Classes are for individuals who are presently students of Braille Institute. In order to become a student, you must complete a low vision assessment or have been on-boarded by a Braille Institute Intake Specialist.
To register for classes at Laguna Hills, contact the Registrar at 949-330-5062.
Life Skills
Independent Living Skills
Mondays 10 – 11:30 am
September 12 – November 07
Manage activities of daily living by learning organizing, marking & labeling, shopping, writing, kitchen and dining, personal care, managing medications, cleaning, and clothing maintenance.
Sensory Awareness
Mondays 10 – 11:30 am
November 14 – December 12
Incorporate the senses in activities of daily living by learning techniques for safety, and how to include the senses when living with vision loss.
Self Defense
Mondays 10 – 11:30 am
September 09 – October 06
Become more aware of how to be safe without sight as you are walking or traveling in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.
Cooking
Basic Cooking
Tuesdays 10 – 11:30 am
8-week class September 06 – October 25
Learn cooking techniques to prepare healthy and simple recipes safely and successfully. A great way to practice cooking skills without using a stove.
Reading & Writing
Braille Reading/Writing
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the Month
10 – 11:30 am
1 – 2:30 pm
September 06 – December 16
Learn the basics of reading and writing the Alphabet, numbers, symbols, indicators and uncontracted and contracted Braille.
Technology & Communications
Victor Reader Stream
Thursdays 10 – 11:30 am
September 08 – October 27
Learn how to download audio books/magazines on Victor Reader Stream, listen to radio stations, connect to radio station, connect to
NFB Newsline, Bookshare, create notes and so much more.
Health & Wellness
Basic Balance Exercises
Thursdays 10 – 11:00 am
September 08 – October 27
Improve your balance by executing the Otago Exercise Program. Specific descriptions and instructions are given.
Remote Class Descriptions
Technology & Communications
Whatever your degree of vision loss there is technology to help you live with greater ease. Discover how to use the latest and most user-friendly devices and apps through one-on-one training at Connection Pointe.
Tech & App Confidence on Apple devices and PC
Tuesdays 10 – 11:30 am
September 06 – December 13
Learn about various apps that are available to complete tasks whether you have low vision or no vision using your smart device. These tasks can be anything from reading a short text to requesting Uber/Lyft ride and more. Follow your interests such as listening to an audio book, radio station, and stay in touch socially with friends and family. We will discuss problems and answer questions related to technology.
Victor Reader Stream
Thursdays 10 – 11:30 am
September 08 – October 27
Learn how to download audio books/magazines on Victor Reader Stream, listen to radio stations, connect to radio station, connect to NFB Newsline, Bookshare, create notes and so much more.
Reading and Writing
We have a variety of classes that encourage exploring audio books and learning the braille code, which enables you to continue enjoying books, magazines and newspapers.
Braille Reading/Writing
Thursdays 10 – 11:30 pm
Begins September 08
Learn the basics of the alphabet and numbers.
Book Club
First Wednesday of the month. 1 – 2:30 pm
Reading a variety of books, sharing opinions, and discussing the literature.
Health & Wellness
There is evidence that it is healing to mind, body and spirit when we share and connect with others who are experiencing and adjusting to vision loss. Our support groups and classes teach coping strategies and techniques to relax and better manage stress – they help you thrive.
Support Group
Tuesdays 1 – 2:30 pm
Begins September 06
Enrollment limited to 10.
Build confidence and share experiences with your fellow peers.
Basic Balance Exercises
Thursdays 10 – 11:00 am
September 8 to October 27
Improve your balance by executing the Otago Exercise Program. Specific descriptions and instructions are given.
Critical Thinking
In our discussion classes, we have meaningful engagement with a wide variety of subject matter. Connecting and interacting with others in a classroom is a powerful way to combat social isolation and loneliness. Come connect with new ideas and new friends.
The World is Our Oyster
3rd Monday of the month. 1 – 2:30 pm
Enrollment limited to 10.
Monthly discussion group centering on upbeat, noncontroversial subjects. Topics will be decided upon by the participating students.
Word Games for a Healthy Brain
Thursdays 10 – 11:30 am
Begins September 08
Learn and play fun, interactive games and activities that will keep the mind active and sharp while exercising the memory.
Conversational Spanish
Thursdays 1 – 2:30 pm
Begins September 15
Have fun interacting with classmates, while leaning basic words and phrases in Spanish.
Art
Our rich offering of visual and musical art classes are a powerful way to develop tactile and problem-solving skills; they stimulate and maintain visual memory and promote self-confidence.
Moments in Art History: The History of Painting
Mondays 1 – 2:30 pm
Begins September 12
In this dynamic, lecture and discussion-based class, you’ll be guided through digital resources (such as streaming videos, audio tracks, and accessible slide presentations) to bring the world’s most celebrated paintings from the easel into your mind’s eye. Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Music
Greatest Hits from Bach to Rock
Wednesdays 1 – 2:00 pm
Begins September 14
If you’re a music lover, this class is for you! Listen to familiar songs and new ones, while learning about the people and stories behind the music. Students decide on the music to be featured each week – Big Band, Country, Rock and Roll – anything goes!
Remote Class Schedule
Mondays
Moments in Art History: The History of Painting
1 – 2:30 pm
Erin S.
Teams
The World is Our Oyster Class
3rd Monday of the Month
1 – 2:30 pm
Anne S.
Teams
Tuesdays
Tech & App Confidence
10 – 11:30 am
Bob a.
Teams
Support Group
1 – 2:30 pm
Linda B.
Teams
Wednesdays
Book Club
1st Wednesday of the month
1 – 2:30 pm
Anne S.
Teams
Greatest Hits from Bach to Rock
1 – 2:00 pm
Erin S.
Teams
Thursdays
Basic Balance Exercises
10 – 11:00 am
Lea Ann M.
Hybrid: Teams & On-Site
Braille Reading/Writing
10 – 11:30 am
Maria & Susan
Hybrid:Teams & On-Site
Victor Reader Stream
10 – 11:30 am
Bob A.
Hybrid: Teams & On-Site
Word Games for a Healthy Brain
10 – 11:30 am
Debbie P. & Beth
Teams
Conversational Spanish
1 – 2:30 pm
Carmen
Teams
Fridays
Self Defense
10 – 11:30 am
Lea Ann M.
Teams