Second Sense

10/12/2026

It’s Cyber Security Awareness month! On Friday, October 16 at 1:00 pm, Second Sense welcomes Identity Theft Resource Center to discuss ways to protect yourself online. Knowing how to protect your identity online is more important than ever. Bad actors are becoming smarter and faster, and threats can come from all directions—from email and online accounts to text messages and phone scams. Throw in some artificial intelligence and it gets even harder to know what to do and not to do. Learn about the latest scams to be on the lookout for, how AI might be tricking you into giving up your personal information, and what to do if your identity is stolen. Call us at Second Sense,312-236-8569 to request the Zoom information.

ITRC is a nonprofit that helps victims of identity theft. Join us to learn about protecting yourself from identity theft, fraud, and scams.

10/09/2026

Get your tickets for this fun and exciting audio described performance of Dead Girl’s Quinceañera at the Goodman Theatre, Saturday, October 17, 12:00 pm touch tour; 2:00 pm curtain. About the show: Maria was last seen at her Quinceañera, but the party ended early due to an unknown emergency. Maria has not responded to any messages in 19 hours. Now her three best friends, armed with confidence, questionable clues and zero adult supervision, are on the case, racing against the clock to find out what happened to Maria. Discounted tickets are available for patrons with vision loss for this performance. Call the box office at 312-443-3800 for more info.

Charitable contributions are crucial to our mission of producing world-class theater while serving Chicago with our renowned education and community programs.

10/08/2026

The IC Network is sponsoring an Accessibility and Resource Fair on Tuesday, October 13 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the JLM Life Center, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago. Explore resources and tools to make your life easier! You can talk with experts, connect with helpful organizations, and discover new ways to enhance accessibility in your community. The I Can Network’s vision is to build strong connections within the blind and disabled community and to provide resources and services that empower and promote independent living. To learn more, visit the IC Network event page.

Discover cool tools and tips to make life easier for everyone at the Accessibility Resource Fair!

10/08/2026

Attention south suburban folks with vision loss! The Plum Creek Nature Center, located in Crete township, is offering a Birding by ear event on Monday, Oct. 19 from 8:30 to 10:00 am, for those 16 years and older. This is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy a hobby that everyone can enjoy. Birdability is offering their expertise on this outing that includes a one-mile hike on easy to navigate paths. This is a free event, and all are welcome, even those who do not have a vision challenge. Registration is required by Oct. 15 by calling 815-722-9879 or visit the Plum Creek event page.

Free Oct. 19 program teaches participants to identify birds by sound.

10/06/2026

Creating spaces that are accessible to everyone – disability or not – is a complex problem. What works for some, doesn’t work for others. Andrew Leland, author of The Country of the Blind, shares the intricacies of designing spaces and how sometimes, it happens naturally. A great read by a terrific author!

Acoustic cues don't just make spaces more accessible — they also create opportunities for exploration and delight.

10/05/2026

Eric has been giving the staff a sneak peak of all the terrific new features in the new iOS 27 update that are important for people with vision loss. As always, Eric is on top of it all and will share everything you need to know on our Thursday, October 8 Apple Exchange at 1:00 pm. As a reminder, Eric cautions not to update right away to avoid any accessibility issues that might occur with the new update. He recommends waiting until the second update, iOS 27.2, is released. This is a don’t miss Apple Exchange! We meet on Zoom. To request the Zoom information, call Second Sense at 312-236-8569.

10/02/2026

We are exactly one month from the November midterm election. Have you checked to make sure you are registered? Do you know how your local candidates stand on issues that are important to you? Join us as we welcome the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization that has been standing up for voters rights since 1920. You‘ll learn how to check your voter registration, research your candidates, and understand your rights as a voter with visual impairment. There’s no time to waste! Make sure your vote is heard and join us on Wednesday, October 7 at 1:00 pm via Zoom. Call us at Second Sense,312-236-8569 to request the Zoom information.

Join us to learn about voter registration, polling places, early voting, and researching candidates.

10/01/2026

For someone who is blind or visually impaired, getting orientation and mobility training is more than just picking up a white cane and walking down the block. The white cane is the tool, the training provides the knowledge on how to use it. Linda had been losing vision for some time and she wanted just to get out to the neighborhood coffee shop, a daunting thought when you cannot see where you are going. Linda started her training with Lauren, our summer intern. During her assessment, Lauren suggested some adjustments to improve Linda's posture, balance, and pace. These included changing her cane tip to a roller ball and switching out her shoulder bag for a backpack. Lauren also emphasized nonvisual orientation, such as sounds and smells, so Linda was not trying to use her remaining vision as much. Linda said using her vision sometimes makes her feel "wobbly." Linda worked with Lauren getting the proper cane techniques down and when she felt confident, they progressed to crossing stop sign intersections. Linda is now working with Mandi and learning how to navigate through a construction zone to get to that coffee shop. Linda says "I love training! I absolutely love it. I will do absolutely anything to keep getting this training." Orientation and mobility is an art and a science, a multi- faceted training that takes into account more than just the white cane. We know Linda will get to that coffee shop and enjoy that latte!

09/30/2026

Attention Chicago residents with disabilities! Are you in need of a computer plus the training to use it? MOPD, in partnership with Access Living, is hosting a free, 6-week basic computer skills class for Chicago residents with disabilities, ages 16- 59. Those who complete the class will get a free computer. The class will be held in person at Central West Community Center, located at 2102 W. Ogden Avenue. Classes meet on Thursdays for six weeks beginning October 15 from 10:00 to 12:00 pm. To be screened for eligibility, call the MOPD Career Center at 312-746- 5773, prompt #3 or email [email protected]

The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) works to meet the diverse needs of Chicago's disability community.

09/29/2026

Are you a person with a disability and want to shape public transit services for riders with disabilities? The new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) is now taking applications for the ADA Advisory Council. This council will make recommendations for how to improve accessibility across the region's transit system. riders from across Cook County, the collar counties, and the City of Chicago are welcome to apply. Deadline to apply is October 31. Check out all the details and link to the application page.

NITA is now accepting applications for two new volunteer advisory councils: the Riders Advisory Council and the ADA Advisory Council, both required by the…