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Home2023-09-12T11:03:33-07:00

Free Classes and Services for Those with Low Vision to No Vision

At Braille Institute, we have always provided 100% FREE services for people of all ages who are experiencing vision loss. Through our individual and small groups programs, students and patrons learn new ways to do the things they love.

Stack of Books and Headphones

EXPLORE OUR LIBRARY

Our Library for the Visually Impaired includes Braille Books, Audio Books, Digital Books, Computers, and more!

Congratulations to the 2023 Braille Challenge Winners!

GET INVOLVED WITH BRAILLE INSTITUTE


Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. Braille Institute serves thousands of visually impaired and blind people through a variety of free programs, classes and services at centers and community outreach locations throughout Southern California – from Santa Barbara to San Diego counties!

SERVICES

Services

Explore our free programs & services provided online, by phone and in-person.

GIVE

Giving

Donate today to immediately help those who need it most. Because of donors our services have always been free!

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers

Get involved and make a difference at any one of our 7 centers located throughout Southern California.

How are you and your loved ones standing strong against falls this season? This National Fall Prevention Week is the perfect time to learn how to help reduce your risk for a fall. Here are Braille Institute Orientation & Mobility Specialist Keema’s top four tips:
1. Build your balance. Find a balance or exercise program for more physical activity to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility and prevent falls.
2. Manage your medications. Review your prescriptions with your healthcare provider, be aware of side effects, and bring up any concerns you may have.
3. Fall-proof your home. By adding more lighting and grab bars as well as removing potential tripping hazards, you can reduce your risk for falls at home.
4. Let us help. We offer free classes and workshops that can help you or your loved one learn to safely navigate your world, make the most of your remaining vision, and get active.
Stay safe this season! To learn more about National Fall Prevention Week, visit the National Council on Aging’s website. Link in stories.
Image Description: Close-up of a nurse holding the hand of a person using a walker. White text on an ink blue background says: "It's National Fall Prevention Week. Let's stand strong together." The Braille Institute logo is in the upper left corner.
@ncoaging

How are you and your loved ones standing strong against falls this season? This National Fall Prevention Week is the perfect time to learn how to help reduce your risk for a fall. Here are Braille Institute Orientation & Mobility Specialist Keema’s top four tips:

1. Build your balance. Find a balance or exercise program for more physical activity to improve your balance, strength, and flexibility and prevent falls.

2. Manage your medications. Review your prescriptions with your healthcare provider, be aware of side effects, and bring up any concerns you may have.

3. Fall-proof your home. By adding more lighting and grab bars as well as removing potential tripping hazards, you can reduce your risk for falls at home.

4. Let us help. We offer free classes and workshops that can help you or your loved one learn to safely navigate your world, make the most of your remaining vision, and get active.

Stay safe this season! To learn more about National Fall Prevention Week, visit the National Council on Aging’s website. Link in stories.

Image Description: Close-up of a nurse holding the hand of a person using a walker. White text on an ink blue background says: "It`s National Fall Prevention Week. Let`s stand strong together." The Braille Institute logo is in the upper left corner.

@ncoaging
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Today we’re proud to highlight Braille Institute student and upcoming braille graduate, Beena! Right before the pandemic, Beena became legally blind. As an avid reader, she was determined to find a new way to enjoy her favorite hobby — which ultimately led her to begin braille classes through our Los Angeles Center. In a short time, Beena has learned both Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille, and she continues to practice her braille reading with a variety of short stories.
“I’m proud because I learned something totally new, and I am starting to think outside the box,” Beena shares. “With braille, I have another way to devour books. It’s also made me feel very independent.”
Congratulations, Beena! We’re so proud of you and your dedication to braille literacy. 🎓
Image Description: Beena sits on a wooden bench in the sun, smiling down at her guide dog. She wears a bright teal sweater.

Today we’re proud to highlight Braille Institute student and upcoming braille graduate, Beena! Right before the pandemic, Beena became legally blind. As an avid reader, she was determined to find a new way to enjoy her favorite hobby — which ultimately led her to begin braille classes through our Los Angeles Center. In a short time, Beena has learned both Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille, and she continues to practice her braille reading with a variety of short stories.

“I’m proud because I learned something totally new, and I am starting to think outside the box,” Beena shares. “With braille, I have another way to devour books. It’s also made me feel very independent.”

Congratulations, Beena! We’re so proud of you and your dedication to braille literacy. 🎓

Image Description: Beena sits on a wooden bench in the sun, smiling down at her guide dog. She wears a bright teal sweater.
...

Meet Aaron! He’s a Braille Institute Youth Program student currently in his sophomore year of high school. Last year, Aaron participated in SoCal Cane Quest for the first time, and now he’s eagerly awaiting next month’s competition! When we asked Aaron to describe Cane Quest, he said, “It’s basically about trying your best. You know, even if you don’t win, that doesn’t mean you’re not gonna WIN. We’re all gonna be winners by participating!”
You can still sign up for our 2023 Southern California Regional Cane Quest on October 21 at Cal State LA! We’re inviting students of all grade levels to show off their white cane skills and celebrate Orientation & Mobility. Register today with the link in our bio.
Image Description: Aaron, a teenage boy wearing glasses and a SoCal Regional Cane Quest raglan shirt, smiles wide at the camera during the 2022 SoCal Cane Quest. At the bottom of the image is an ink blue banner with the Cane Quest logo and text: “We’re all gonna be winners by participating!” – Aaron, Cane Quest SoCal Participant.

Meet Aaron! He’s a Braille Institute Youth Program student currently in his sophomore year of high school. Last year, Aaron participated in SoCal Cane Quest for the first time, and now he’s eagerly awaiting next month’s competition! When we asked Aaron to describe Cane Quest, he said, “It’s basically about trying your best. You know, even if you don’t win, that doesn’t mean you’re not gonna WIN. We’re all gonna be winners by participating!”

You can still sign up for our 2023 Southern California Regional Cane Quest on October 21 at Cal State LA! We’re inviting students of all grade levels to show off their white cane skills and celebrate Orientation & Mobility. Register today with the link in our bio.

Image Description: Aaron, a teenage boy wearing glasses and a SoCal Regional Cane Quest raglan shirt, smiles wide at the camera during the 2022 SoCal Cane Quest. At the bottom of the image is an ink blue banner with the Cane Quest logo and text: “We’re all gonna be winners by participating!” – Aaron, Cane Quest SoCal Participant.
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Great news! From now until November 15, every dollar will be TRIPLE-MATCHED, up to $100,000. That means your generous donation goes 3 times as far to help fill #BrailleInstitute libraries with more books, tools, and life-changing resources – all 100% FREE to people of all ages facing vision loss. Donate now to TRIPLE your impact! Link in bio.

Great news! From now until November 15, every dollar will be TRIPLE-MATCHED, up to $100,000. That means your generous donation goes 3 times as far to help fill #BrailleInstitute libraries with more books, tools, and life-changing resources – all 100% FREE to people of all ages facing vision loss. Donate now to TRIPLE your impact! Link in bio. ...

OUR STORIES


Braille Institute is a community of individuals who are sighted, blind or have low vision. Every day throughout the country, we work together to empower people who live with vision loss.

These are our stories.

Braille Institute Of America Names James P. Kales As Chief Executive Officer

Braille Institute announced today that the Organization’s Board of Directors has named James P. Kales as Chief Executive Officer. He will assume day-to-day leadership of the organization as CEO on December 12, 2022. Kales, a leader in the non-profit sector, brings more than 25 years of experience working for organizations such as United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

BRAILLE INSTITUTE LOCATIONS

We offer programs and services in-person, by phone and remotely online. Appointments and/or student registration are required to visit a center. Center libraries are open to walk-ins during business hours. Los Angeles Vistas Store is open to walk-ins during business hours.

Anaheim

527 North Dale Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92801

Coachella Valley

74-245 Highway 111 #E101
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Laguna Hills

24411 Ridge Route Drive #130
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Los Angeles

741 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029

Riverside

6974 Brockton Avenue #100
Riverside, CA 92506

San Diego

9635 Granite Ridge Dr. #130
San Diego, CA 92123

Santa Barbara

2031 De La Vina Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Non-Discrimination Statement

Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. Braille Institute serves more than 37,000 people through a variety of free programs, classes and services at centers and community outreach locations throughout Southern California – from Santa Barbara to San Diego counties.

Braille Institute admits students and clients of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, religion and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students and clients of Braille Institute. We do not discriminate against the foregoing in the administration of any of our policies or programs.