News from Braille Institute Rancho Mirage:
Braille Institute Rancho Mirage announced it will host several activities in support of National Library Week, which runs April 9 – 15, 2017. These events include author talks, a Youth Library Discovery Day, and a Macular Degeneration Seminar & Low Vision Resource Fair.
The primary Library Week event will feature two free author readings and a boxed lunch held on Tuesday, April 11 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the dining room at Braille Institute Rancho Mirage (located at 70251 Ramon Road in Rancho Mirage, CA). The first author, Sir Jr. A.K.A. Johnny Lee, will begin at 10 a.m. with a discussion and readings from his new book, “Classic Short Stories.” Sir Jr. is a retired State Parole Officer and United States Army serviceman and has crafted a gripping, potent collection of short works which are fast-paced and designed to keep the reader’s attention. Sir Jr. draws upon his eclectic life of growing up in Fresno, California during the turbulent sixties. He was on welfare and worked in the fields to survive. He uses his life experiences combining deep emotion with exhilaration and suspense to provide a powerful set of narratives to the reader/listener. While the second author has not yet been confirmed, both authors will share stories and answer questions, and attendees will enjoy a free boxed lunch.
In addition, Braille Institute Rancho Mirage will host a free Youth Library Discovery Day on Friday, April 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Youth and families are encouraged to participate in a fun-filled day of adventure exploring the library. Participants will learn about the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) mobile app, descriptive videos, and audio magazines. They will also be able to interact with computers in the Connection Pointe technology center while downloading their favorite books. A free lunch is included with each registration.
Braille Institute Rancho Mirage will also offer a free Macular Degeneration Seminar & Low Vision Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. This free event will start off with a Low Vision Resource Fair enabling Braille Institute students and all Coachella Valley community residents and visitors to interact with service providers and learn about the wide range of services and options available to them. Vendors and Braille Institute staff members will display the latest products and technology offering assistance with daily low-vision needs. Participating service providers include Molina
Healthcare (a FORTUNE 500, multi-state health care organization), IEHP (Inland Empire Health Plan, a not-for-profit, Medi-Cal and Medicare health plan in California), ButterFLi Transportation (an on-demand assisted transportation company), OVAC Assisted Technology Inc. (a solution provider for software, products and training for people with low vision), and Marquez Products for Independent Living (a one-stop resource providing products and living aids to improve the lives of people with low vision). The resource fair will be followed by a seminar on the latest in research, treatment and scientific findings about Macular Degeneration. (10 – 11:30 a.m.). This informative seminar will be presented by optometrist Dr. Winston Alwes, O.D. of Milauskas Eye Institute. Following the seminar, participants will be able to tour the facility and enjoy a complimentary lunch (only available to participants who RSVP) as they learn more about the free classes and services available to them at Braille Institute Rancho Mirage. To participate, call 760-321-1111 to make a reservation.
About Braille Institute
Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. Thanks to the support of local donors, Braille Institute staff offer a broad range of free programs at six centers and 220 community outreach locations throughout Southern California. Each year Braille Institute serves tens of thousands of people. Braille Institute staff and volunteers create an environment of hope and encouragement for people with vision loss through educational, social, and recreational services, classes, and seminars.