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 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 Santa Barbara, contact the Registrar at 805-682-6222.
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.
Independent Living Skills and Home Management
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.
Tuesdays
10 – 11:00 am
Richard
On-Site
Intro to VoiceOver
Students will learn the necessary gestures for use on an iPhone and tricks on using Siri and dictation.
Wednesdays
11 – 12 am
Elena
On-Site
Adaptive Cooking Skills
Through demonstration and descriptive instructions, learn adaptive cooking techniques to prepare simple recipes safely and successfully.
Thursdays
1 – 2 pm
Richard
On-Site
Intro to Siri
In this class you will be introduced to basic Siri commands, tips on how to enhance your experience, and making Siri smarter.
Fridays
1 – 2 pm
Skylar
Teams
6- week class from July 15 – August 19
Art
The arts not only fulfill the important and fundamental human need for creative expression but are also a powerful way to develop tactile and problem-solving skills; they stimulate and maintain visual memory and promote self-confidence. Our rich offering of visual and musical art classes leads to more fulfilled lives and greater independence.
Beginning Ceramics
This class will introduce students to the beauty of ceramics. We will focus on hand-building techniques, pinch methods, coil processes, and slab methods. Students will create functional and decorative clay pieces while learning various ways to form and manipulate clay. A variety of glazing and decoration techniques will be introduced as well.
Mondays
10 am – 12 pm
Diane
On-Site
Hand Building with Clay
Shapes that cannot be formed on the potter’s wheel is made easy by hand-building. Coil, slab, mold, and pinch methods are easy for creating beautiful and usable art forms. Learning to decorate and glaze your work is fun and part of the creative process.
Fridays
10 am – 12 pm
Larry
On-Site
Remote Class Descriptions
Technology
Intro to VoiceOver
Students will learn the necessary gestures for use on an iPhone and tricks on using Siri and dictation.
Advanced iPhone/iPad Voice over
Boost your iPhone/iPad Voiceover navigations skills to the next level. This class will introduce the rotor function, as we navigate through the applications Safari, Messages, Notes, Calendar, and more.
JAWS Tips & Support Group
This course will introduce you to the basics of JAWS screen reader.
A tool for low to no vision users to navigate the computer. You will learn how navigation keys such as tab, alt, space, and the arrow keys can help you navigate many programs on your computer. You will also become comfortable with simple web browsing tasks such as navigating YouTube videos and Google searches.
Android User Group
Join us as we discuss the latest Android news and apps. We’ll also cover how to get the most out of TalkBack and the Google Assistant.
Mac Skills & Magnification
Customize your computer to fit your vision needs. Learn how to navigate with magnification, color, and other low vision accommodation tools. Using these tools, we’ll practice writing documents, sending email, and browsing the web.
Tech News & Support Group
We’ll discuss the latest news on technology, deals, and services. Have questions about the latest tech trend? Or want to discuss a unique experience you had with a device, this is the group to share it with.
Reading and Writing
ABC’s of Braille
This class will cover the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, abbreviations, symbols, and writing.
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 between 20-30 minutes are offered during these times.
Book Club
Mysteries, memoir, 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
Understand how your memory functions, master techniques for improving your brain’s ability to recall information, and learn strategies to help you improve focus when you can’t rely on your vision to help you recall where you left your keys!
Healthy Living
In-depth instructions in personal care, nutrition, cooking, organization and shopping.
Cooking
Adaptive Cooking Skills
Through demonstration and descriptive instructions, learn adaptive cooking techniques to prepare simple recipes safely and successfully.
Art & Music
Poetry of Rock
Explore timeless songs and share memories or reflections you have in relationship in them.
Staying Active
Exercise Fundamentals
Stretch and strengthen all major muscle groups to increase flexibility, coordination, and balance.
Move to the Music
Learn expressive and spontaneous movement inspired by a variety of music, from the 60’s to the present.
Getting Help
Living with Vision Loss Support Group
Join us and share your experiences and coping 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.
Memory Techniques
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 and important dates and maintain an active memory.
Men’s Support Group
Share your experiences and coping 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.
Positive Living
Discuss the importance of having a positive mindset and being proactive in challenging situations.
Oxnard Support Group
Sharing coping strategies and personal perspectives. Discuss how to address and rise above them.
Critical Thinking
Media Club
Have you ever listened to a movie or podcast that you were dying to share with someone? Here’s your chance? Each week students will be assigned interesting and informative media to listen to. During the next class, we will share our opinions, feelings, alikes and dislikes.
Trivial Pursuit
Exercise your mind with a series of tough questions.
Current Events
Join for 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.
Remote Class Schedule
Mondays
ABC’s of Braille
10 – 11 am
Richard
Teams
Oxnard Support Group
10 – 11 am
Linda
Teams
Trivial Pursuit
11 – 12 am
Cindy
Teams
Intro to VoiceOver
1 – 2 pm
Skylar
Teams
Tuesdays
JAWS Tips & Support Group
1 – 2 pm
Skylar
Teams
Move to the Music
1 – 2 pm
Jean
Teams
Mac Skills & Magnification
2 – 3 pm
Elena
Teams
Wednesdays
Living with Vision Loss Support Group
9 – 10 am
Nelly
Teams
Independent Living Skills
10 – 11 am Richard
Teams
Poetry of Rock
6- week class from May 04 – June 08
10 – 11 am
Gail
Teams
Book Club
1 – 2 pm
Lillian
Teams
Thursdays
Tech News & Support Group
9 – 10 am
Skylar
Teams
Adaptive Cooking Skills
10 – 11 am
Richard
Teams
Current Events
11 am – 12:30 pm
Helen
Teams
Exercise Fundamentals
1 – 2 pm
Kaylen
Teams
Media Club
1 – 2 pm
Dave
Teams
Advanced iPhone/iPad VoiceOver
2 – 3 pm
Elena
Teams
Fridays
Positive Living
10 – 11 pm
Lauren
Teams
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
Clases Remota en Español
Clases Remotas para Estudiantes del Braille Institute
- Classes semanales conducidas en linea para estudiantes del Braille Institute
- Classes se llevarán acabo durante varias semanas durante el semestre
- Los estudiantes deberian haber completado un examen de visión o deberian haber obtenido permiso de un especialista del Braille Institute.
Habilidades de la vida independiente
Aprenda soluciones simples que le ayuden a controlar mejor las tareas diarias, incluyendo instrucciones para el cuidado personal, la organización, las compras, la cocina y la seguridad y el mantenimiento en el hogar.
Los lunes
1 – 2 pm
Richard
Teams
Apreciación de música en español
Si le encanta todo tipo de música para cautivar su espíritu entonces esta clase es para usted. Tocamos una gran variedad de música para relajarse y entretenerse durante horas.
Para registrarse a clases en Santa Barbara llame la oficina de registro al 805-682-6222.
Los miércoles
11 am – 12 pm
Maria
Teams