San Diego | 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 San Diego, contact the Registrar at 858-404-5021.
Reading and Writing
Not being able to read or write standard print does not need to be a barrier to accessing literature or nonfiction. We have classes that encourage exploring audio books and learning the braille code, which enables you to continue enjoying books, magazines and newspapers.
Braille Reading and Writing
Covers alphabet, numbers, punctuation and abbreviations.
For remote services, Braille Reading and Writing is taught in one-on-one lessons only.
Weekly one-on-one lessons offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Please call 858-404-5021 for additional information.
Wednesdays
10 – 11 am
Sharon
On-Site
11 – 12 pm
Sharon
On-Site
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.
Advanced VoiceOver for IOS
VoiceoOver is a screen reader that exists on your iPhone, and your Apple computer. We’ll cover typing, editing text, using and changing settings, and trouble shotting tips.
Wednesdays
10 am – 11 am
Daniel
On-Site
VoiceOver: Beginners
Learn to use VoiceOver on your iPhone or iPad. You can navigate the device even if you can’t see the screen. Learning the basics, you’ll be able to make calls, check voicemail, read text messages, send emails, and more!
Wednesdays
10 am – 12 pm
Nikki
On-Site
Art
The arts not only fulfill the important and fundamental human need for creative expression but they are also a powerful way to develop tactile and problem-solving skills; they stimulate and maintain visual memory and promote self-confidence.
Painting Freestyle
This class is designed to teach students how to paint with watercolors. The class is structured for individuals based on visual abilities and their level of creativity.
*Class location details to come.
Thursdays
10 am – 12 pm
Cheryl
On-Site
Remote Class Descriptions
Reading and Writing
Not being able to read or write standard print does not need to be a barrier to accessing literature or nonfiction. We have classes that encourage exploring audio books and learning the braille code, which enables you to continue enjoying books, magazines and newspapers.
US History Book Club
Join visually impaired students as we read and discuss a wide range of works focused on the ever-facinating history of America. Enjoy lively conversations with fellow history buffs.
Book Club
May 20, Jun 17, Jul 15, August 12
This monthly class is for visually impaired students interested in virtual travel to amazing places and through time. Meet other reading enthusiasts who share a passion for novels and incredible fiction and non-fiction stories. Enjoy lively discussions. BARD encouraged. Talking books will be provided by the Braille Institute Library for those who require them.
Library 101
May 06, June 03, July 08, August 05
In this monthly class, we will explore the Braille Institute Library program. Learn the basics, how to check on book
availability, conduct book searches, learn about Braille and Audio Reading Download
(BARD) and BARD mobile.
Life Skills
Learn simple adaptive techniques to support activities of daily living so you can feel more confident and address your most fundamental needs.
Healing Mind and Body
Visually impaired adults practice techniques to keep mind and body healthy and alert during these challenging times.
Eat Smart and Happy Dance
Learn to make smart food choices and healthy ways to proportion your food. This class combines healthy food demostrations and exercise.
Women’s Peer Support
Personal growth, development and community… Where stories, life experiences and learnings are shared and secrets are kept.
Conversational French
This is a highly interactive, fun way to learn to speak French. It is helpful to have a recording device and to have had some background in the French language.
ILS Personal Grooming
Low Vision and blind students will explore a variety of daily living skills to maintain an independent lifestyle including personal grooming, shopping and more!
O&M Essentials
Join us for weekly topics presented on the basics of O&M for safe and efficient travel skills. Visually challenged students will share and learn together.
Young Adult Group
May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12
This class will meet monthly and is for visually impaired young adults (19-35 years). These sessions create a space for socialization and connection while preparing for next steps toward an independent life. Curriculum will be shaped by participating students. Join and together we will create the program that helps you.
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.
Virtual One-on-One
Virtual one-on-one accessible technology sessions with a Connection Point instructor are available Monday through Friday.
Call 858-329-3530.
Technology News and Support Group
This is a weekly virtual computer lab with guided topics and discussions regulated, driven, and supported by your Connection Pointe team. Participants have the opportunity for training, to share information, and support one another. The focus will be on technology and accessibility.
Introduction to Victor Reader
Learn how to download audio books from National Library Services using the Victor Reader Stream, listen to radio stations, create notes and more!
Voice Assistant on Your Device
Voice Assistant can make calls, play music, open apps, get information on the web and more more. Learn and share tips and tricks to make your voice assistant work for you! We will visit Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
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.
Trivia
Challenge your knowledge of celebrities, music, television and sports. Some challenges and fun for everyone.
Cliches and Proverbs
Listen and respond to popular and fun cliches in conversations, movies, books and more.
Tip Tap Tunes
In this class, students request the title track of their favorite records. Have fun reminiscing and tapping your feet to your favorite music. Engage in fun music trivia questions and accumulate points. Winners receive small prizes at the end of the term.
Global Learning World Tour
The goal of this class is to “travel around the world” without leaving your chair. Learn from different countries’ cultures, history, current events and finalize every session with life learnings and key takeaways.
Staying Active
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.
Blind Rhythm
Visually impaired students dance and get fit with R&B and Hip Hop group dance sessions led by a visually impaired instructor.
Yoga for Visually Impaired
Join OG Yoga for a mindfulness based, gentle step-by-step compassionate yoga practice. Braille Institute has partnered with OG Yoga for several years to provide the healing power of yoga, and facilitating breath work, supported poses, and meditation to help control internal stress, build strength, and develop equanimity in the face of extreme stressors.
Remote Class Schedule
Mondays
Braille Reading and Writing
1:1 weekly session scheduled at time of registration.
9 – 10 am
Sharon
Phone
10 – 11 am
Sharon
Phone
11 am – 12 pm
Sharon
Phone
Technology News and Support Group (Spanish)
10 – 11 am
Daniel
Teams
US History Book Club
1 – 2 pm
Hiram
Teams
Technology News and Support Group
1 – 2 pm
Daniel
Teams
Tuesdays
Braille Reading and Writing
9 – 10 am
Sharon
Phone
10 – 11 am
Sharon
Phone
11 am – 12 pm
Sharon
Phone
1 – 2 pm
Sharon
Teams
Blind Rhythm
10 – 11 am
Shon
Teams
Introduction to Victor Reader
10 – 11 am
Denise
Teams
Yoga for Visually Impaired
11 am – 12 pm
Meghan
Teams
Healing Mind and Body
1 – 2 pm
Sheila/Fred
Teams
Wednesdays
ILS Grooming (Spanish)
10 – 11 am
Gigi
Teams
Trivia
11 am – 12 pm
Mary
Teams
2 – 3 pm
Mary
Teams
Cliches and Proverbs
1 – 2 pm
Mary
Teams
Thursdays
Braille Reading/Writing
9 – 10 am
Sharon
Phone
10 – 11 am
Sharon
Phone
11 am – 12 pm
Sharon
Phone
Tip Tap Tunes
10 – 11 am
Shon
Teams
Global Learning World Tour
10 – 11 am
Nicole
Teams
Eat Smart and Happy Dance
11 – 12 pm
Ella
Teams
Women’s Peer Support
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Dianne & Judie
Teams
Conversational French
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Linda
Teams
Fridays
O&M Essentials
11 – 12 pm
Keema
Teams
Voice Assistant on Your Device
11 – 12 pm
Nikki
Teams
Voice Assistant on Your Device
11 – 12 pm
Nikki
Teams
Monthly Classes
Book Club
1 – 2:30 pm
Dennis & Theresa
Teams
Library 101
1 – 2 pm
Julius
Teams
Young Adult Group
2 – 3 pm
Wanda
Teams