Braille Institute

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How You Can Help

Here are some of the many ways you can help us achieve our mission to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss:

Become an Instructor!
Volunteer instructors are people that possess particular skills or that have professional backgrounds and are interested in donating their talents and time for the benefit of our students. Some classes currently taught by volunteer instructors include:

• Photography
• Collage
• Computer classes
• Leather craft
• Sewing

If you are interested in this assignment, you would have to commit to a minimum of two hours a week for at least one year. Submit your application (be detailed about your background and skills) and a description of the class/subject you would like to teach.

We are also looking for creative people who would like to share your talent and passion for art with others! Painting, sculpting, weaving, seasonal crafts - anything goes - you will help our blind and visually impaired adults build tactile skills and discover hidden talents.

Become a Classroom Assistant!
Help provide our students with the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will help them live fulfilling lives. These skills are developed through a variety of enrichment classes that are offered both by staff and volunteer instructors. Some of the areas include:

• Creative Arts
• Physical Activities
• Cooking
• Computer/Technology
• Music

Classes are offered Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 3 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering as a classroom assistant you would have to commit to a minimum of two hours a week for at least six months, in most cases.

Love technology? We are looking for volunteers to assist in teaching basic computer skills to blind and visually impaired adults. Volunteers will work one-on-one and in small groups alongside the Computer Instructor. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Training in the adaptive programs used in the class will be provided.

Become a Tech Center Volunteer!
Our new Tech Center will be opening soon and we need volunteers to help visitors to explore everything we will have to offer.

Become a Support Group Facilitator!
Our Support Groups are designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for clients/students through regularly scheduled meetings. They help participants develop coping methods and encourage discussions and sharing of pertained topics and issues, provide education, resources and guest speakers. Prospective volunteers will need to have a willingness to continuously learn about low vision and blindness and its impact on individuals; strong listening and interpersonal skills; comfort with emotional expression and silence; a sense of humor; a minimum of one year commitment. The time commitment for this opportunity is two hours per week. Facilitators will need to complete a series of trainings culminating in a total of 6-9 hours and attend a minimum of two additional meetings per year offered by Braille Institute’s Counselor and Volunteer Services Manager.

Become a Community Ambassador!
Play an important role in Braille Institute’s community outreach efforts through high-profile presentations and other leadership activities.

Become a Clerical/Reception Volunteer!
Help cover reception areas, welcome visitors, answer phones, assist with data entry and filing, among other tasks. Reception areas are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering in this area you would have to commit to at a minimum of four hours a week for at least six months.

Become a Health Fair Volunteer!
Volunteers are needed to represent Braille Institute at local health fairs and other community events.

Become a Community Networker!
Get the word out about Braille Institute’s programs and services in your community. Individuals or groups located near one of our Centers can affiliate with that Center and will have access to posters, brochures and other materials to distribute to the public.

Become an Online Volunteer!
Everyone is invited to become a virtual volunteer and joining our online communities at Facebook and Twitter. Share events, pictures and even your experience at Braille Institute. The more you mention Braille Institute, the more you become part of a special group of volunteers who uses their online knowledge to help a great organization. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/brailleinstitute and on Twitter at twitter.com/brailleinst.