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, chils, 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 and Home Management
8-week series begins May 02 for new Braille Institute students only. On-site enrollment limited to 4. Manage everyday tasks with simple solutions, with in-depth instruction in personal care, organizing, shopping, cooking, home safety & maintenance.
Mondays
10 – 11:30 am
Julie S.
On-Site
Technology
Intro to Victor Reader – Hybrid Class
4-week class begins May 02.
On-site enrollment limited to 4.
Learn how to download audio books/magazines to the Victor Reader Stream, listen to radio stations, connect to NFB Newsline, Bookshare, create notes and so much more.
Thursdays
10 – 11:30 am
Bob A.
On-Site/Remote
Art
Mosaic Studio & Courtyard Project
Begins May 03. On-site enrollment limited to 8.
Reconnect to your pre-pandemic mosaic projects and begin new masterworks with tesserae and tile. In this on-site class, you’ll enjoy access to the mosaic studio, art classroom, and a spectrum of mosaic materials.
We will also spend a portion of the semester revisiting the Courtyard Project, designing one-of-a-kind mosaic artworks as public art. Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Tuesdays
1 – 2:30 pm
Erin S.
On-Site
Ceramics Studio & Courtyard Project
Begins May 05. On-Site enrollment limited to 8.
Reconnect to your pre-pandemic ceramic projects and begin new masterworks with hand building and wheel throwing. In this on-site
class, you’ll enjoy access to the art classroom, ceramics studio, and new potter’s wheel.
We will also spend a portion of the semester revisiting the Courtyard Project, glazing ceramic tiles to be transformed into public art. Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Thursdays
1 – 2:30 pm
Erin S.
On-Site
Remote Class Descriptions
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
Learn the basics of the alphabet and numbers.
Book Club
1st Wednesday of the month.
Remote enrollment limited to 10. Read a variety of books, share opinions, and discuss the literature.
Library 101
May 02, June 06, and July 11.
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Learn how to download audio books/magazines using the BARD mobile app and BARD express. We will discuss the BARD Mobile app and what tools you need to enjoy your free audio books.
Technology Support Group
Share news about technology, deals, services and offers, and address any questions about technology support.
Life Skills
Learn simple adaptive techniques to support activities of daily living so you can feel more confident and address your most fundamental needs.
Independent Living Skills and Home Management
8-week series begins June 13 for new Braille Institute students only.
Remote enrollment limited to 15.
Manage everyday tasks with simple solutions, with in-depth instruction in personal care, organizing, shopping, cooking, home safety & maintenance.
Sensory Awareness
6-week series begins May 05 for new Braille Institute students only.
Remote enrollment limited to 10.
Learn to use visualization techniques and your senses to navigate daily activities.
Orientation & Mobility Basics
5-week series begins July 08.
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Learn the basics of O&M including Human Guide, indoor travel with protective techniques, and different cane techniques in full detail.
Orientation and Mobility Roundtable
2nd Fridays of the month – May 13, June 10, July 08, Aug 12.
Remote enrollment limited to 35.
The O&M Roundtable is a class for BIA students to discuss different O&M topics on the second Friday of the month.
Diabetes, Health, & Cooking
8-week series begins May 3rd.
Enrollment limited to 20.
Learn fun and smart new ways to take control of your Diabetes and make healthy meals. Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Technology
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
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Navigating technology and all the applications that are out there can be confusing. Come join and learn about everyday technology with useful applications that can make tasks easier whether you have low vision or no vision. Get all your questions answered here!
Intro to Victor Reader
4-week hybrid class begins May 02.
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Learn how to download audio books/magazines to the Victor Reader Stream, listen to radio stations, connect to NFB Newsline, Bookshare, create notes and so much more.
Art Endeavors
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: From Renaissance to the Global Avant-Garde
Begins May 02.
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Be transported across the world from the comfort of your home as you immerse yourself in the masterpieces of the past 500 years! We’ll delve into Renaissance art and architecture, the Spanish Baroque, Japanese Zen gardens and tea ceremonies, the Inca Empire, international Modernism, and more! In this dynamic lecture and discussion-based class, you’ll be guided through digital resources to bring the distant past to life.
Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
The Craft of Writing Poetry
Begins May 04.
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Expand your creative writing voice, with a focus on poetry (other writing projects also welcome). Create sound and song, imagery, emotion, and more. You’ll learn techniques for editing, revising, and polishing your poems to their absolute best. We’ll also focus on best practices for submitting poems for publication. Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Your Artistic & Creative Journey
First Fridays of the month – May 06, June 03, July 01, August 05
Remote enrollment limited to 20.
Creativity is an integral part of the human experience. This mini-series will take you through a series of exercises, projects, and in-class discussions designed to reignite and expand your unique version of creativity.
Together, we’ll read and discuss books like Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Michael Gelb’s Think Like Da Vinci, and Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life.
Open to all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
Getting Help
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
Remote enrollment limited to 14.
Build confidence and share experiences with others to offer support, encouragement, and comfort.
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 Class
10-week series.
Remote enrollment limited to 10.
The World is Our Oyster is a weekly discussion group centering on upbeat, noncontroversial subjects. Topics will be decided upon by the participating students.
Word Games for a Healthy Brain
Remote enrollment limited to 15.
Learn and play fun, interactive games and activities that will keep the mind active and sharp while exercising the memory.
Remote Class Schedule
Mondays
Library 101
May 02, June 06, and July 11
10 – 11:00 am
Bob A.
Teams
Independent Living Skills and Home Management
1 – 2:30 pm
Julie S.
Teams
Moments in Art History: From Renaissance to the Global Avant-Garde
1 – 2:30 pm
Erin S.
Teams
The World is Our Oyster Class
1 – 2:30 pm
Anne S.
Teams
Tuesdays
Diabetes, Health, & Cooking
10 – 11:30 am
Julie S.
Teams
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
Tech & App Confidence
10 – 11:30 am
Bob A.
Teams
Community Resources with Guest Speakers
1 – 2:30 pm
Julie S.
Teams
The Craft of Writing Poetry
1 – 2:30 pm
Erin S.
Teams
Thursdays
Braille Reading/Writing
1 – 2:30 pm
Maria B.
Conference Call
Intro to Victor Reader
10 – 11:30 am
Bob A.
Hybrid: On-Site & Teams
Sensory Awareness
10 – 11:30 am
Julie S.
Teams
Word Games for a Healthy Brain
10 – 11:30 am
Debbie P.
Teams
Fridays
Orientation & Mobility Basics
10 – 11:30 am
Lea Ann M.
Teams
Orientation and Mobility Roundtable
10 – 11:30 am
Bob A.
Teams
Orientation and Mobility Roundtable
2nd Friday of the month
1 – 2:30 pm
Lea Ann M., Haw Y. and Maricarmen G.
Teams
Your Artistic & Creative Journey
1 – 2:30 pm
Erin S.
Teams