Online classes provide useful skills for daily living, technology use, and well-being
Palm Desert, CA – December 6, 2021 – Braille Institute Coachella Valley announces enrollment is now open for more than 100 free Winter Session classes and workshops which start January 3 and run through April 15, 2022. They will be conducted virtually, so any Braille student may participate in the free online workshops, classes, and one-on-one sessions from the comfort of their home. Individuals can obtain a full course catalog of classes by visiting BrailleInstitute.org/coachellavalley or by calling 760-321-1111 or 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553).
While Braille Institute centers remain temporarily closed due to COVID-19, the nonprofit organization utilizes the Microsoft Teams platform for its distance learning classes. Students may participate using a computer, tablet, or phone and live instructors and consultants are also available for help. During each class and workshop, participants will be able to speak with their instructors and other participants if they wish. In addition, students may choose to access Virtual One-on-One Sessions and Tele Services conducted by a Braille Institute consultant for services such as Low Vision, Orientation and Mobility, Technology Training, and Independent Living Skills. The benefit of virtual classes is that people can participate in workshops offered by any of the seven Braille Institute centers throughout Southern California. All classes and workshops are free, and many are offered in Spanish.
Online Workshops and Classes
The Winter Online Workshops and Classes run Monday through Friday in 1 – 1.5 hours sessions and will be taught by instructors on a wide range of subjects. There are many classes that focus on the Life Skills category. Students learn simple, yet useful adaptive techniques for daily living that increase confidence and independence. Highlighted Life Skills classes include:
- Daily Living Skills
- Personal Management and Sensory Awareness
- Cooking With Ease
- Orientation and Mobility: Fall Prevention
- Self Defense
- Workforce Ready
- Self-Care and Mindfulness
- Aging In Place
- Emergency Preparedness
- Keep It Clean with Low Vision
- Medication Safety/Script Talk
There are many technology devices, apps and features designed to assist people living with limited or no vision. Highlighted Technology Winter Classes and Workshops include:
- Cooking with Technology
- Understanding Microsoft Teams
- Introduction to Amazon Alexa
- Have Your Device Work For You
- What Can Your Apple Watch Do for You?
- Living Independently with Technology
- iPhone and iPad Accessibility
- How to Use Instacart Delivery Service
- How to Stay Safe Online
- iPhone Photography
- VoiceOver on the Apple Computer
- Intro to Google Home
- Aging In Your Home With Technology
Students can use technology to navigate the classes and workshops offered in the Winter session by participating in a class called Discover the Braille Class Catalog Using an iPhone or iPad. This workshop will allow students to learn how to access the current term’s catalog.
There is evidence that it is healing to mind, body, and spirit when people share and connect with others who are also experiencing and adjusting to vision loss. Getting Help support groups and classes teach coping strategies and techniques to relax and better manage stress so students can thrive. Highlighted Getting Help classes include:
- Understanding Vision Loss
- Diabetic Retinopathy and Healthy Living Tips
- An Overview of Riverside County Office on Aging Programs and Services
- Is A Guide Dog the Right Fit for You?
- Disability Rights and Resources
- Low Vision Services: Tools to Enrich Your Life
Exercising can be a challenge if one has a visual impairment, but there are easy adaptations that make fitness both possible and fun. Classes and workshops in the Staying Active category help students build confidence to participate in mainstream exercise and movement opportunities on their own, including classes like BeMoved – A Dance Fitness Experience, Laughing Yoga, and Eat Healthy Be Active.
Braille Institute has been serving the Coachella Valley community since 1973 by offering free programs and services to those who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, go to BrailleInstitute.org/coachellavalley or call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553).
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