Santa Barbara | 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 Classes
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 Santa Barbara, contact the Registrar at 805-682-6222.
Reading & Writing
Book Club
Wednesdays 1 – 2 pm
Mysteries, memoirs, contemporary and classic fiction, come read audio and braille books, in various genres and discuss their themes and the art of writing.
Life Skills
Independent Living Skills
Tuesdays 10 – 11 am
Learn simple solutions to help better manage everyday tasks, including instruction in personal care, organizing, shopping, cooking, home safety, and maintenance.
Orientation & Mobility Basics
Mondays 10 am
September 12, October 10, November 14 and December 12
Learn how to get and use a white cane. Learn fall prevention tips and strategies to effectively and safely travel to where you want to go.
Self Defense
Thursdays 1 – 2 pm
6-week series begins September 22 -October 27
Become more aware of how to be safe without sight as you are walking or traveling in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.
Technology
iPhone/iPad Siri Shortcuts
Tuesdays 11 am – 12 pm
The voice assistant Siri for iPhone and iPad gives you the ability to make calls, send text, and more without having to lift a finger. We’ll introduce you to Siri commands, along with tricks on enhancing that experience.
Cooking
Advanced Cooking Skills & Baking
Thursdays 1 – 3 pm
Take your cooking skills to the next level as we travel across cultures, exploring new recipes and integrating adaptive techniques with the traditional cuisines of other nations. We will also have a guest baker show us how to make sourdough bread in the month of October.
Art& Music
Ceramics-Hand Building
Fridays 10 am – 12 pm
Discover the process of sculpting and explore all the properties of clay from abstraction to realism.
Poetry of Rock
Wednesdays 10 – 11 am
Explore timeless songs and share memories or reflections you have in relationship in them.
Introduction to Classical Music
Wednesdays 11 am – 12 pm
In this class we’ll listen to and talk about various aspects of what’s broadly termed “classical” music in an easy, informal setting.
Move to the Music
Fridays 1 – 2 pm
Learn expressive and spontaneous movement inspired by a variety of musc, from the 60’s to the present.
Critical Thinking
Current Events
Thursdays 11 – 12:30 pm
Join in on conversations about the latest happenings in the news. We will discuss current events in local, national and global news and the impact of these events on our communities.
Getting Help
Positive Living
Fridays 10 – 11 am
Discuss the importance of having a positive mindset and being proactive in challenging situations.
On-Site Class Schedule
Mondays
Orientation & Mobility Basics
Monthly – September 12, October 10, November 14 and December 12
10 am
Karen
On-Site
Habilidades para vivir Independiente
Los Lunes
1 – 2 pm
Richard
el Centro
Tuesdays
Independent Living Skills
10 – 11 am
Richard
On-Site
iPhone/iPad Siri Shortcuts
11 am – 12 pm
Skylar
On-Site
Wednesdays
Book Club
1 – 2 pm
Lillian
On-Site
Poetry of Rock
10 – 11 am
Gail
On-Site
Introduction to Classical Music
11 am – 12 pm
Gail
On-Site
Intro to VoiceOver
11 – 12 pm
Elena
On-Site
Thursdays
Living with Vision Loss Support Group
10 – 11 am
Nelly
On-Site
Current Events
11 – 12:30 pm
Helen
On-Site
Self Defense
6-week series begins September 22 -October 27
1 – 2 pm
Terri
On-Site
Advanced Cooking Skills & Baking
1 – 3 pm
Richard
On-Site
Fridays
Positive Living
10 – 11 am
Lauren
On-Site
Ceramics-Hand Buildings
10 am – 12 pm
Larry
On-Site
Move to the Music
1 – 2 pm
Jean
On-Site
Remote Class Descriptions
Technology & Communications
Intro to VoiceOver
DATE TBD
Learn about VoiceOver and the basic gestures.
Intermediate VoiceOver for IOS
Mondays 1 – 2 pm
In this class you will learn the basics, you’ll be able to make calls, check voicemail, get the weather and so much more.
Advanced VoiceOver
Thursdays 2 – 3 pm
Boost your iPhone / iPad Voiceover navigation skills to the next level. This class will introduce the rotor function, as we navigate through the applications Safari, Messages, Notes, Calendar, and more.
Social Media
JAWS
Tuesdays 1 – 2 pm
This course will introduce you to the basics of JAWS as well as some of the more advanced techniques and keyboard commands.
Tech News & Support Group
Thursdays 9 – 10 am
We’ll discuss the latest news on access technology and answer any questions you have about your devices.
Android User Group
Fridays 2 – 3 pm
Join us as we discuss the latest Android news and apps. We’ll cover how to get the most out of TalkBack and the Google Assistant.
Cooking
Basic Cooking Skills
Thursdays 10 – 11 am
Learn the basic adaptive cooking techniques to prepare simple recipes safely and successfully.
Reading & Writing
Research, Writing & Editing
Thursdays 11 am – 12 pm
Learn how to research, write, and edit your essays and writings using various access technology programs.
ABC of Braille
Mondays 10 – 11 am
This class will cover the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, abbreviations, symbols, and writing.
Braille Reading and Writing
Mondays 10 – 11am
Covers alphabet, numbers, punctuation, and abbreviations.
Life Skills
Independent Living Skills
Wednesdays 10 – 11 am
Learn simple solutions to help better manage everyday tasks, including instruction in personal care, organizing, shopping, cooking, home safety, and maintenance.
Memory Techniques
Fridays 2 – 3 pm
Forget what you forgot: This happens to all of us at one time or another, but there are some hands-on techniques that will help you easily remember names, important dates. This will help you maintain an active memory.
Health & Wellness
Healthy Living
Fridays 10 – 11 am
In-depth instructions in personal care, nutrition, cooking, organization, and shopping.
Social Skills & Building Confidence
Wednesdays 2 – 3 pm
Learn how to support healthy self-esteem, build social confidence, interact safely & conducive with blind and sited peers.
Getting Help
Memory Techniques
Fridays 2 – 3 pm
Learn hands-on techniques that will help you easily remember names and important dates and maintain an active memory.
Living with Vision Loss Support
DATE TBD
This support group will explore topics on denial, anger, stress, acceptance and how to work towards living a positive and productive life with vision loss.
Men’s Support Group
Fridays 11 am – 12 pm
Share your experience and coping skills and strategies related to vision loss. This support group is meant to explore topics on denial, anger, stress, acceptance and how to work towards living a positive and productive life with vision loss.
Ventura County Support Group
Mondays 10 – 11 am
Sharing coping strategies and personal perspectives Discuss how to address and rise above them. Various guest speakers from Ventura County will be present throughout the semester.
Critical Thinking
Media Club
Thursdays 1 – 2 pm
Each week students will be assigned interesting and informative media to listen to. The following week we’ll share our opinions, feelings, likes and dislikes.
Trivial Pursuit
Mondays 11 – 12 am
Exercise your mind with a series of tough questions.
Remote Class Schedule
Mondays
ABC’s of Braille
10 – 11 am
Richard
Teams
Ventura County Support Group
10 – 11 am
Linda
Teams
Trivial Pursuit
11 – 12 am
Cindy
Teams
Intermediate VoiceOver for IOS
1 – 2 pm
Skylar
Teams
Tuesdays
JAWS
1 – 2 pm
Skylar
Teams
Wednesdays
Independent Living Skills
10 – 11 am
Richard
Teams
Social Skills & Building Confidence
2 – 3 pm
Richard
Teams
Apreciación de música en español
Los miércoles
11 am – 12 pm
Maria
Teams
Thursdays
Tech News & Support Group
9 – 10 am
Skylar
Teams
Basic Cooking Skills
10 – 11 am
Richard
Teams
Research, Writing & Editing
11 am – 12 pm
Elena & Skylar
Teams
Media Club
1 – 2 pm
Dave
Teams
Advanced VoiceOver
2 – 3 pm
Elena
Team
Fridays
Healthy Living
10 – 11 am
Richard
Teams
Men’s Support Group
11 am – 12 pm
Travis
Teams
Memory Techniques
2 – 3 pm
Richard
Teams
Android User Group
2 – 3 pm
Elena
Teams