Celebrate “Low Vision Awareness Month” With Braille Institute In February
Attend online seminars and receive a personalized low vision consultation,
Braille Institute Celebrates 4th Annual “Assistive Technology Month” In January
Experts discuss the latest in assistive technology to increase independence
Donate Today! Support Those Living With Vision Loss
Give the gift of life-changing programs for the visually impaired. Donate today.
Celebrate “Low Vision Awareness Month” With Braille Institute In February
Los Angeles, February 1, 2022 - February is "Low Vision Awareness Month" and Braille Institute is offering free online seminars with eye doctors and professional experts discussing important topics - macular degeneration, glaucoma, nutrition and eye health, cancer and the eye, and more. Medical professionals from UCLA Health, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, Doheny Eye Institute, and Retina Consultants San Diego will be speaking.
Braille Institute Celebrates “Technology Month” In January
Los Angeles, January 4, 2022 – For the third-straight year, Braille Institute celebrates January as “Technology Month” with 19 free educational and interactive online technology workshops. Additionally, one-on-one training and how-to videos will be offered online throughout the month.
Braille Institute Receives 2021 COSB Champion Award
Los Angeles, November 29, 2021 – The Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB) has bestowed their highest honor, the Champion Award, to Braille Institute in recognition of their positive and significant impact nationally with youth who are blind or visually impaired (BVI).
Braille Institute Presents Unique Holiday Gift Items For Anyone With Low To No Vision
Los Angeles, November 29, 2021 – Searching for the perfect gift for a family member or friend who is blind or visually impaired? Braille Institute has put together a selection of the best gifts for those with low to no vision.
Braille Institute Coachella Valley Partners with Guide Dogs of the Desert
Palm Desert, CA – October 14, 2020 – Braille Institute Coachella Valley announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Guide Dogs of the Desert to provide training solutions to individuals living with vision impairment and blindness.
BRAILLE INSTITUTE’S ATKINSON HYPERLEGIBLE TYPEFACE NOW AVAILABLE ON GOOGLE FONTS
Los Angeles, August 3 – Braille Institute’s “Atkinson Hyperlegible” font family is now available on Google Fonts.
The Joy of Reading With Braille
Sitting under the shade of a tree, the warm breeze
Local Santa Barbara native, Angela Miller-Bevan, named Regional Manager of Braille Institute Santa Barbara
Braille Institute is pleased to announce Angela Miller-Bevan as the new regional manager of the Santa Barbara center.
Braille Institute Celebrates Library Month with a special “Welcome to Your Library” Event & Free Online Workshops
April is “Library Month” and Braille Institute’s Library is hosting a special “Welcome to Your Library” free livestream event featuring guest speakers, musical performances and more on April 7, 2-3pm PT, during National Library Week.
Technology Month: Meet Braille Institute Student Leo and His “Smart Home” Technology for Visually Impaired
Leo started taking technology classes and receiving one-on-one technology instruction at Braille Institute’s Coachella Valley Center. Because there are instructors at Braille Institute who are blind or visually impaired themselves, they understand how to teach someone without vision to use a computer and use other assistive technology devices and apps.
Technology for Vision Impaired: Who Are The Most-Popular, Blind YouTube Content Creators?
Those who are blind and visually impaired have taken to YouTube and created their own channels and videos which have been viewed by millions. The open access aspect of YouTube has broken down barriers and walls that have allowed those who are visually impaired to create their own content and find their own audiences.
Braille Institute Students Create their own YouTube Channels and Blogs including Focus on Technology for Vision Impaired
At Braille Institute, we’re lucky to have some brilliant and tech savvy content creators who are visually impaired and who share their expertise and experiences online. Many of them focus on technology but some also focus on cooking and sharing what it is like to live with vision impairment.
Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired: The Best Devices for Listening to Audio Books on the BARD Mobile App
There’s never been a better time to get lost in the magic of reading and Braille Institute’s Library Service offers great news for those who are blind or visually impaired with access to free books and magazines digitally with the BARD app.
Braille Institute Celebrates “Technology Month” In January
Over 30 free interactive online technology workshops and resourceful content to help people stay connected during COVID-19 social distancing.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Can Support a Charity for the Blind
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) provides generous provisions for donors to take advantage of tax benefits for charitable giving in 2020. You, too, can take advantage by including Braille Institute – a charity for the blind and low vision community – in your year-end giving. There is something for everybody and key provisions are shared below.
This Giving Tuesday Support Braille Institute – a Charity for the Blind and Low Vision Community
On Giving Tuesday – December 1, millions will donate generously to causes they believe in. We hope you’ll choose Braille Institute, a charity for the blind, where your gift has the power to transform lives!
Online: Make Technology Work for You
During this online workshop you’ll learn the shortcuts, commands, and
Braille Institute Announces Senior Technology Executive, Patricia Bramhall, To Join Board of Directors
Braille Institute of America announces the appointment of Patricia Bramhall to its board of directors. Ms. Bramhall brings over 42 years of experience in the area of information technology management and consulting.
Finalists Announced for 2020 Braille Challenge Finals
Braille Institute is proud to announce the 50 finalists for the 2020 Braille Challenge Finals competition. Braille Challenge is celebrating its 20th anniversary and will be holding Finals testing and an award ceremony remotely this year to accommodate social distancing.
Art Project: Pressing Spring Time Flowers
1. The first step is to follow your nose.
What Exactly is Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired?
Learn how using technology to enhance life is especially empowering among those who are blind or visually impaired.
Holiday Gift List for the Blind or Visually Impaired
Looking to find the perfect gift for a family member
Braille Institute Celebrates Orientation and Mobility Awareness Month
Learn to navigate the world. Or just your kitchen. During the month of October, Braille Institute is raising awareness of Orientation and Mobility (O&M). People who have low vision or blindness use a variety of techniques to travel safely and effectively within their environment whether that be their home or the world outside their door.
Braille Institute Names Winners of the 2019 Braille Challenge
Celebrating 100 years of positively transforming the lives of those with vision loss, Braille Institute announced the winners of the 2019 Braille Challenge. Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Mobile apps give the blind and visually impaired a new sense of freedom
By Shelby Brown, Cnet.com
Ask anyone who was around before smartphones,
Sandra & Terence – The Legacy of a 46-Year Love Affair
By Karen Gerst
Inspiring Instructor Speaks at Braille Institute Auxiliary of Santa Barbara Meeting
By Gail Arnold, Santa Barbara Independent
At the January monthly meeting
Braille Institute Kicks Off 2019 Centennial With Rose Parade
Three musically-talented, local Braille Institute students (ages 11-16) can check
Refining restaurants one menu at a time: Monrovia teenager creates company to provide Braille menus
By Kayiu Wong, Pasadena Star News
Mason Fessenden’s favorite hometown restaurant
No Existen Barreras Para Disfrutar Del Mundial
Entre gritos y carcajadas, un grupo de
Meet John Phillips, a Vision-Impaired Professional Chef Who Shares His Skills at the Braille Institute
By Anita Rufus, CV Independent
I don’t cook. It’s not that
Helping Others With Vision Loss Use Technology
By Lisa Deaderick, The San Diego Tribune
Daniel Ortiz Merino has
Immersed In Johnny Mercer’s Music
Braille Institute students and staff performed songs by Johnny Mercer
CSUF Student And Award-Winning Artist Josephine Hernandez Overcomes Visual Impairment
By Lauren Diaz, Daily Titan
Josephine “Joey” Hernandez was a sophomore
Lifelong Learner
“Lifelong Learner – Peter A. Mindnich, Braille Institute of America
A Sensory Adventure At Cavalia Odysseo
On January 10, students in Braille Institute Santa Barbara’s Youth
Exposing A World Of Adventure Through Orientation and Mobility
Moving was an adventure for the whole family. As the
Braille Institute Youth Participate in Winter Concert
The Johnny Mercer Children’s Choir and the Anaheim Christian
Construction Underway For New Anaheim Center
On October 12, we broke ground on our new Anaheim
Set Your Sight on Braille Institute: Low Vision Consultation Opens Doors
By Ellen Jones
As the end of the year approaches, many
Los Angeles Welcomes New Art Instructors
Acrylics. Ink. Paper Mache. Clay. Tile. Fabric. Name the medium,
AS&F Foundation Donates $5 Million to Braille Institute for Low Vision Programs
The AS&F Foundation awarded $5 million to Braille Institute of
For
Ask Nate
By Nate Streeper, Library Coordinator
Dear Nate,
Braille Institute to build new $10 million campus in Anaheim
By Joseph Pimentel, Orange County Register
The Braille Institute is replacing its
EmergenSee Class Helping Prepare Visually Impaired
By Anna Conkey, NBC San Diego
Braille Institute San
Visually Impaired Students Explore Desert and San Andreas Fault
By Xochiti Pena, The Desert Sun
It was a
I’m Independent Once Again
I’m Independent Once Again
USE YOUR IRA to Help Braille Institute
USE YOUR IRA to Help Braille Institute
Couple’s Compassion Spurs 50+ Years of Giving
Couple’s Compassion Spurs 50+ Years of Giving
From the President
From the President
Earn Up to 9% Annual Income For Life
Earn Up to 9% Annual Income for Life
With a
Include 40,000 People in Your Will
Include 40,000 People in Your Will
While its natural to
I’m Thankful for the Wonderful Opportunities
I’m Thankful for the Wonderful Opportunities
USE YOUR IRA to Help Braille Institute
USE YOUR IRA to Help Braille Institute
She Kept Her Job—Thanks to Braille Institute
She Kept Her Job—Thanks to Braille Institute
From Devastation to Joy
From Devastation to Joy
Earn Up to 9% Annual Income for Life
Earn Up to 9% Annual Income for Life
With a
Include 40,000 People in Your Will
Include 40,000 People in Your Will
From the President
From the President
Dear Friend,
As we approach the holiday season,
Include 40,000 People in Your Will
Include 40,000 People in Your Will
Annual Report 2016
Annual Report 2016
(July 1, 2015 – June 30,
Inspiring Others To Give Back
Inspiring Others To Give Back
Use Your IRA to Help Braille Institute
Use Your IRA to Help Braille Institute
Sailor Enjoys Discovering New Worlds
Sailor Enjoys Discovering New Worlds
A Grandmother’s Smile is Remembered by All
A Grandmother’s Smile is Remembered by All
Teresa is Excited About Her Bright Future
Teresa is Excited About Her Bright Future
His Growing Confidence Will Pave the Way to Success
His Growing Confidence Will Pave the Way to Success
Braille Books Changed This Child’s Life
Braille Books Changed This Child’s Life
Coming to a Neighborhood Near You
Coming to a Neighborhood Near You
Your Home, Your Gift
Your Home, Your Gift
Lifeline for the Homebound
Lifeline for the Homebound
A Place of Rainbows, Unicorns, and Sparkly Magic
A Place of Rainbows, Unicorns, and Sparkly Magic
Are You Using Your Will Power?
Are You Using Your Will Power?
As you
From the President
From the President
Enjoy Both Safety and High Returns on Your Savings
Enjoy Both Safety and High Returns on Your Savings
A Salute to the Generosity of the Greatest Generation
A Salute to the Generosity of the Greatest Generation
Carter . . . A Real Super Hero
Carter . . . A Real Super Hero
A Dynamic Duo with a Shared Passion
A Dynamic Duo with a Shared Passion
Removing Roadblocks to a Dream Job
Removing Roadblocks to a Dream Job
A Son Shows His Gratitude
A Son Shows His Gratitude
About Albinism
About Albinism
Success Feels Good
Success Feels Good
A Feeling of Worth Restored
A Feeling of Worth Restored
Your Dollars in Action – The Braille Challenge
Your Dollars in Action – The Braille Challenge
The Future is Hers
The Future is Hers
Earn Up To 9% Annual Income for Life
Earn Up To 9% Annual Income for Life
Special Giving Opportunities
Special Giving Opportunities
Annual Library Services Matching Gift
Good News About Special Tax-Free IRA Gifts
Good News About Special Tax-Free IRA Gifts
For
A Doctor Rises Above His Vision Loss
A Doctor Rises Above His Vision Loss
Receive Income for Life from a Charitable Gift Annuity
Receive Income for Life from a Charitable Gift Annuity
Writing My Own Story by Mrs. Stevey Bruce
Writing My Own Story by Mrs. Stevey Bruce
A Popular App for the Visually Impaired
A Popular App for the Visually Impaired
According
Passports to Freedom
Passports to Freedom
From a Homeless Shelter to a Life Transformed
From a Homeless Shelter to a Life Transformed
From Desperation to a LIfe of Possibilities
From Desperation to a LIfe of Possibilities
The Holiday Gift that Keeps on Giving
Give the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season
Are You Using Your Will Power?
As you consider ways you might contribute to Braille Institute
From the President
Dear
Recipes from Braille Institute 2015
Ruth Slater’s Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Quiche
As printed in
Annual Report 2015
Annual Report 2015
Fulfilled. Lives. These
Have You Considered Giving Securities
Have You Considered Giving Securities
Stocks are considered
Include Thousands of People In Your Will
Include Thousands of People In Your Will
While
Include 40,000 People In Your Will
Include 40,000 People In Your Will
While it’s
Include 40,000 People In Your Will
Include 40,000 People In Your Will
While it’s
Thank You
Thank You
Look At All We’ve Accomplished Together
Dear Friend,
Fulfilled. Lives. These two beautiful words sum up
The Pleasure of Talking Books
The Pleasure of Talking Books
Be Wise About Your Eyes
Be Wise About Your Eyes
Sunglasses are a
Opening Up the World of Literacy: Braille Special Collection
Opening Up the World of Literacy: Braille Special Collection
Monthly Giving: An Easy Way to Support Our Programs
Make an even bigger impact with your gift when you
Creating A Legacy That Makes Dreams Come True
Creating A Legacy That Makes Dreams Come True
A Volunteer “For Life”
A Volunteer “For Life”
A Child With a Bright Future
A Child With a Bright Future
Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher
Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher
Restoring a Passion For Reading
Restoring a Passion For Reading
Receive Income for Life from a Charitable Gift Annuity
Receive Income for Life from a Charitable Gift Annuity
Leadership
Board of Directors –Fiscal Year 2015
Chair
George E. Thomas
From the President
Dear Friend,
On July 4th we celebrated 239 years
Are You Using Your Will Power?
As you consider ways you might contribute to Braille Institute
Are you Seeking Safety and High Returns on Your Savings?
If you seek a safe, high return on your savings
Tell Us Your Story
Telling stories is the most powerful way we have to
Receive Income for Life from a Charitable Gift Annuity
What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?
A gift annuity is
New Technology for the Visually Impaired
Our Connection Pointe technology specialists are watching new technology trends
Your Dollars in Action – Connection Pointe Empowers Clients Through Technology
When Louis Braille first developed the braille code in 1824,
A Special Celebration
A Special Celebration for the First Day of Spring
Friday, March
Kitchen Confidence Program Relaunched
Kitchen Confidence Program Relaunched in Santa Barbara with Exciting Updates
“I
Receive Income For Life
What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?
A gift
Gift Planning
A GIFT TO BRAILLE INSTITUTE CAN
How We Help
At Braille Institute, we demonstrate that vision loss is not
Include 40,000 People In Your Will
While it’s natural to leave bequests to loved ones, there’s
Your Dollars In Action – The Next Stage of Braille Institute’s Kitchen Confidence Program
Big changes are coming to the Kitchen Confidence program, and
If you could have the chance to see, would you take it?
If you could have the chance to see, would you
Braille Challenge Teacher of the Year 2013: Christine Short
The 2013 Teacher of the Year, Christine Short, has worked
Meet Marcy: Braille Challenge Lead Transcriber
Braille transcriber Marcy Ponzio takes you behind the scenes of
What is Braille Institute? We Are Braille Institute
Today’s world is a visual one. We are
Stem Cell Research: New Hope For Restoring Vision
By Ron P. Gallemore, M.D., Ph.D.
Stem cells are the building
Retinal Implants
By Rajat N. Agrawal, M.D.
Patients with advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
Low Vision Doctors Can Help You Read Again
By Bill Takeshita, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.C.O.V.D.
Low vision optometrists and ophthalmologists
Choosing a Magnifier
By Dr. Bill Takeshita, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.C.O.V.D.
Each year, thousands of
Common Misconceptions About Sight Loss
Legal blindness means total blindness.
Legal blindness is a term used
Retaining a Life of Leisure and Travel
By Bill Takeshita, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.C.O.V.D.
The loss of vision does
Helping a Loved One
What Do I Say?
Initially, you should communicate with your loved
Coping with Sight Loss
When you first notice a change in or reduced vision,
Seasons Greetings from Braille Institute 2015
Braille students, staff and volunteers express what Braille Institute means
Volunteers at Braille Institute: Why We Volunteer
Our network of volunteers — affectionately known as Team Braille
Johnny Mercer Music Program at Braille Institute
A look at the Johnny Mercer Music Program and how
Braille Institute 2012 Teacher of the Year: Laurie Hudson
Ms. Hudson’s work with visually impaired children has inspired many
Teaching the iPad to Low-Vision Users
Our exciting Connection Pointe teaches low vision users how
San Diego Braille Institute Commercial
Braille Institute’s San Diego center, like all our 6
‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ at California Plaza
Braille students decorate a piano for the public to play. Braille
Happy Holidays from Braille Institute
During the holidays, Braille Institute offers thanks to volunteers, donors,
Connection Pointe – Braille Institute’s Technology Center
Braille Institute assists the visually impaired in getting the most
Braille Institute San Diego Regional Director Shares Vision
Braille Institute San Diego Regional Director shares his vision for
Braille Institute San Diego Art Tour
Student’s at Braille Institute enjoy a unique visit to Centro
About Braille Institute Rancho Mirage
Braille Institute Rancho Mirage offers many services for blind
Sobre Braille Institute Rancho Mirage (en Español)
Braille Institute Rancho Mirage ofrece muchos recursos para las
The Importance of Travel Skills
Some tips on how to navigate through the world. Braille Challenge
How to Handle Money When You’re Blind
Some quick tips on dealing with money when you’re visually
How to Zoom In-and-Out in Safari
Watch or listen to the video below to learn how