Information and Referral

Connects individuals who are visually impaired with a network of ancillary services and programs--SBC, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Joaquin County Department of Aging, Social Security Administration, State Department of Rehabilitation, State Library Service, Veterans Administration, and others--that enables them to live independently and productively.

Support Group/Introduction to Services

Provides useful and practical information that assists with the emotional adjustment to vision loss. Participants obtain information about local community resources and other services for people who are visually impaired. Designed to increase self-esteem; group counseling offers participants the opportunity to discuss feelings and reactions to vision loss; peer support aids the adjustment process. Support groups prepare individuals for other programs and services.

Braille Instruction

Teaches individuals a tactile method of reading and writing. Individuals use Braille to label household items, take notes, and read. Our Braille instructor, Christopher Sanchez has total vision loss and teaches Braille to our clients on an individual basis. By using Braille, blind people can review and study the written word. Most of all, blind individuals can have access to a wide range of reading materials including educational and recreational reading and practical manuals. Also, through Braille, blind people can pursue hobbies and cultural enrichment with such materials as music scores, playing cards, bingo cards, board games.

Daily Living Skills

Teaches visually impaired and blind persons the techniques used to cook, keep house, manage money and care for oneself. Classes are held in our studio apartment at the center and our instructor, Laurie Pattingale, will help students adapt the techniques to their home environment.

Adaptive Computer Training

Individuals learn the latest in assistive technology, common word processing, database and spreadsheet applications as well as the Internet. Using a computer is probably the best low vision aid imaginable — it’s the gateway to a world of information and communication in a format that can be seen, printed or heard by people who are visually impaired. Words can be enlarged on screen, printed in large font, read aloud by the computer and tailored to your specific needs. Encyclopedias full of information, books, recipes, e-mail, banking, shopping and more are at your fingertips. Our instructors are Christopher Sanchez and Ralph Morales.

Orientation and Mobility

Our Orientation and Mobility specialist, Joni Bauer, teaches individuals to familiarize themselves with and travel safely and effectively throughout various environments using remaining vision, a long cane and/or optical aids. Orientation and Mobility services are primarily directed towards assisting blind and visually impaired individuals to achieve independent movement within home, school, work, and community settings.

Aids and Appliances

Items which foster independence and make life more productive for people who have limited or no vision are available at Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The agency stocks the largest supply of special magnifiers in San Joaquin County as well as talking watches, clocks, calculators, scales, blood pressure and blood glucose monitors; large print and Braille playing cards and board games; and many other products.

Leisure Skills Program

Offers many enjoyable educational, recreational and social activities--crafts, ceramics, weaving, bingo, field trips, sewing, gardening, card games, socials--that develop self-esteem, prevent isolation and afford opportunities to socialize with peers in a supportive environment. A monthly calendar of upcoming events is made available to clients and visitors.

Weaving

Instructor Christa Cruz teaches a tradition that goes back for more than 2,500 years. Clients learn how to safely and successfully operate a loom; they are then able to weave Afghans, place mats, ponchos, handbags and a variety of other woven goods. Our weavers enter local fairs and competitions, consistently winning ribbons for their outstanding work.

Ceramics

Under the guidance of Betty Bracey, clients learn to mold clay into wind chimes, picture frames, and a variety of other items. Cleaning, firing and painting ceramic objects are also very popular.

Arts & Crafts

From flower arranging, to woodcrafts, individuals use their tactile senses to produce practical and lovely items for themselves, family, or friends.

White Cane Red Hatters

The White Cane Red Hatters meet the first Wednesday of each month at the Center-to fellowship and to plan projects to better their community.

Beep Baseball Program

The Center supports its own beep baseball team, the Stockton Stingrays.  Players exercise and socialize while learning to perform at their personal best in this exciting, challenging adaptive form of softball.  Since its start in 2003, the program has flourished and now farms a traveling team which competes in an international World Series each summer. Please visit our web page for more information.