Free Services For The Blind And Visually Impaired
Braille Institute offers a wide array of programs and services that are designed to help people who are blind or visually impaired lead enriched and fulfilling lives.
Funded entirely by private donations, all Braille Institute services are completely free of charge.
We offer remote service options, as well as by-phone, and in-person classes and services. Appointments and/or student registration is required to visit a center. Center libraries and the Los Angeles Vistas Store are open to walk-ins during business hours.
“I want to tell people how empowering it feels for me to come here and be taught everything I need to know to be independent and have a fulfilling life.”
Free Services for Adults
A broad range of educational, social and recreational classes and workshops are offered, all focused on teaching adults coping with vision loss. Programs and services are available for those with low vision or blindness through any of our seven regional centers, along with community programs throughout Southern California. Learn more about our programs and services for adults.
Free Services for Youth
Braille Institute offers programs for blind and visually impaired youth, both nationally and here in Southern California.
Youth services include free early intervention services for children, access to free braille books and storybook kits as well as a summer reading program. Braille Institute’s Youth Program focuses on the nine areas of the expanded Common Core Curriculum.
Special Programs for Youth
Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind promoting the importance of braille literacy among elementary through high school students, a program which has grown beyond the United States into Canada and the United Kingdom with over 800 blind and visually impaired youth participating annually.
We have also developed Cane Quest, a challenging orientation and mobility contest for students in grades 3-12 that includes regional Cane Quest events across the country that your child can compete in. Learn more about Cane Quest.
All of these services are offered free of charge thanks to the support of our donors.
