A group presentation on the Braille Institute of Rancho Mirage for California State University - Palm Desert, ECTS 504, Winter Quarter 2012

1. TEAM MEMBERS:
 JOHN PETERS
 MARC SAXE
 CYNDI HUTCHINSON
 TOM DAVIS
 DIANE STEWART
 JUDY SCHURR*
*Judy is our WR7 author

2. ADA
Most Braille Institute
participants have a
physical disability.
If the person’s disability
substantially limits one or
more of a major life’s
activity, (s)he will qualify
as being disabled under
the ADA

3.  Defined disability as:  IDEA
 A physical of mental  Focuses upon learners with
impairment that substantially disabilities;
limits one or more of the
major life’s activities;  Educational institution must
comply with the Act;
 A record of an impairment;
 Instructors must be trained
 Having regarded as having about IDEA;
an impairment
 Redevelopment of course
 ADA materials;
 Confidentiality

4. Mission of the Institute and its
Profile
MISSION AND PROFILE
• Eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life
caused by blindness and severe
sight loss
• Serves all-from children to those 65
and older
• Most who are served are formerly
sighted females, 65 or older
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Start with the building-designed so
that those with or without sight could
appreciate the open environment
• Instructors-connected and
enthusiastic
• Clients that I met-confident and
optimistic

5. Quality of Life
•Quality of Life
becomes a running
theme:
•The Braille Institute
tailors the needs of each
individual.
•This care and attention
assures that everyone
receives the necessary
tools required to live the
best quality of life possible
despite their disability.

6. Technology at Braille
Institute
Classes and Technology to
Address Clients’ Needs:
• From recent deterioration to long
term blindness.
•From partially impaired to total
blind
Technologies Available:
• Braille Alphabet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braille
• Braille Room Signage:
• Braille Typewriters:
• Computer Lab Software:

7. Computer Lab Software
Jaws:
 Talks, using a Synthesized voice
Zoom Text:
 Large T on Screen
ext
 Varies size –Varies View
 Up to 36 X Original size
 Has voice –Reads T & Email
ext
Guide:
 Menu driven
 Varying Size
 Highly Internet Connected
New iPad Programs:
 Opening communications to Visually & Verbally Disabled

8. Structure and
Funding
Part of a network of 5 regional centers
in So. California
Funding:
• 100% private donations
• No government donations or
subsidies
• No major fundraising events
• Minimal employed staff but many
volunteers
• All services are free
Enthusiastic Staff and volunteers:
• John
• Luis
• Maggie
• Elnora
• Steve

9.  Part of a collaborative network of facilities
 Unique, attractive and open environment
 Most clients have other disabilities
 Broad range of social and educational activities
 State of the art facilities and technologies
 Large volunteer and donor base
 All services are free
 A dynamic, enthusiastic and well qualified staff