COVID-19 guidelines and safety protocols for in-person visits

September 28, 2022

• Those who have registered for in-person classes, workshops or individual appointments are eligible to be on-site at the center on their scheduled class/workshop/appointment day(s).
• All students, library patrons, volunteers and clients who come on-site to a center must be fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. Those who are not vaccinated, can continue to receive services and attend classes remotely online and over the phone.
• All in-person library services are available at this time including utilization of the library area and computers.
• In-home services have resumed. Students who receive in-home visits must be fully vaccinated* and show proof of vaccination.
• Child Development Services have returned to in-person at this time. Parents must be fully vaccinated* and provide proof of vaccination.
• Youth Services have the option for in-person, small group instruction. Youth students (ages 7-18) must be fully vaccinated* and provide proof of vaccination. Parents of youth who attend youth programs must be fully vaccinated* and provide proof of vaccination.
• Clients/patrons may bring no more than one escort with them.
• Masks are optional for all individuals visiting centers at this time and during home visits, unless you are unvaccinated (due to a medical or religious exemption) – then a mask is required. Surgical/medical grade, N95 or KN95 face masks are suggested.
• Please stay home if you are feeling ill or exhibiting any symptoms (cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, chills, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, aches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.)

Remote Online Classes and 1-1 Services

Braille Institute offers a hybrid delivery model that enables individuals to participate in-person and/or remotely online, or by phone for classes and services. There are more than 300 online classes and workshops available for you to attend from the comfort of your home, free of charge.

*Definition of Fully Vaccinated

The 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, which is 6 months after the second dose for Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

If you have questions about our protocols, need to explore an accommodation, or are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553).

Please note Braille Institute guidelines and policies may be subject to change based on latest COVID-19 cases and/or updates from the CDC, Cal OSHA, state or local authorities.