Solutions in Sight: News Article: Braille Institute Gears Up For Summer Fun and Fitness
July 16, 2010
Braille Institute Gears Up For Summer Fun and Fitness
From hiking to meditating, visually impaired people learn how to take part in the activities they enjoy
(Los Angeles) As the summer heat settles in and the days grow longer, it’s prime time for engaging in every type of outdoor and recreational pastime. For people with vision loss, it may seem that participating in organized or individual sports, exercising or even playing a favorite card game poses insurmountable obstacles. But surprisingly, nearly every recreational activity – from golf to bowling to scuba diving – can be adapted and made accessible for those with reduced vision to enjoy. During July and August, Braille Institute’s Solutions in Sight public education campaign will be focusing on “Fun and Fitness,” offering information, resources, classes and showcasing some of the exciting possibilities that can expand the horizons of those who don’t want vision issues to stand in the way of living a fun, active and fulfilling life.
Throughout the summer, our five locations across Southern California will be hosting classes and trips for people with low vision to take part in the activities they love. For the first time, a group of visually impaired hikers will scale Mt. Baldy in the Angeles National Forest. In our Orange County center, busy minds will find tranquility with tai chi chih classes, a meditative exercise that produces both physical and spiritual health benefits. Other activities include strength training for seniors and a “hands-on” tour of the Kellogg House in Santa Ana where visually impaired visitors will be able to check out vintage toys, make butter and enjoy a crafting session.
Braille Institute “Fun And Fitness” highlights for July and August include:
- Los Angeles: On July 17, Braille Institute’s Los Angeles center will hike Mt. Baldy in Angeles National Forest. The hikers have been preparing for the hike for several weeks, working with professional trainers to master techniques that will to help them adapt to the changing terrain.
- Palm Springs: On July 9, Braille Institute’s Rancho Mirage Center hiked at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Much like the Mt. Baldy hike in Los Angeles, hikers were delighted to discover that despite being visually impaired, they could do the things they enjoyed most.
- Santa Ana: On July 30, from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Braille Institute’s Orange County Center will visit the Kellogg House to get a “hands-on” experience of the late 1890s lifestyle. They will learn how to make butter, play with vintage toys and attend a crafting session.
- Santa Barbara: Every Wednesday, from August 4 to 25, Braille Inistute’s Santa Barbara Center will be hosting a FREE senior strength training class for anyone over the age of 55. Classes will help improve balance, prevent injury, increase bone strength and encourage everyone to have fun!
- Braille Institute’s San Diego Centers are also preparing related activities, and they will be posted here once they are finalized.
“Fun And Fitness” is one of a series of themes Braille Institute is highlighting as part of its public education campaign, Solutions in Sight public education campaign. If you would like more information about Braille Institute’s “Fun and Fitness” activities, please contact Matt Sun, Public Education Specialist, at 323-663-1111, Ext. 1273.
