Braille Institute

10/12/2026

We had a wonderful day visiting AlmaVia of Camarillo 💙

10/12/2026

Catch Leticia’s art at LA City Hall through October 27th!

There’s more incredible art to discover at LA City Hall! 🎨
Through our partnership with Braille Institute, we’re proud to feature artist Leticia Madrigal and her mosaic artwork, “Lucky Elephants,” in the 19th Annual Disability Art Exhibition.
See Leticia’s work and discover more talented artists with disabilities at the Henry P. Rio Bridge Gallery through October 27.
The exhibition is free and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about the exhibition and featured artists: https://disability.lacity.gov/disability-art-exhibition-2026 Braille Institute

10/10/2026

Mark your calendars for October 20! You’re invited for a special author talk with social media star, disability rights advocate, and bestselling author Molly Burke. Molly will discuss her latest book, Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog's Tail, her debut in the world of children's fiction.

When: Tuesday, October 20 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PT (3:00 to 4:00 PM ET)

Where: Online via Microsoft Teams

Learn about Molly’s journey as an influencer and writer and the beautiful connection behind the story. This event is 100% free—just register online to save your spot!

https://bit.ly/3VAW3aB

Image Description: Promotional graphic for the upcoming virtual author event featuring the iconic Molly Burke, brought to you by Braille Institute. It features the event information, the illustrated cover of Eltie Takes the Lead, an author photo of Molly Burke, and the Braille Institute logo.

10/09/2026

Every October 15, we celebrate White Cane Day and recognize the important role the white cane can play in the lives of people who are blind or have low vision.

A white cane is more than a mobility tool.

It can help a person detect obstacles, identify changes in the walking surface, and navigate their surroundings. It can also represent something bigger: independence, confidence and the freedom to go where you want to go.

This White Cane Day, we're celebrating every journey, every new route, and every destination made possible through skills, tools, and confidence.

Here's to moving freely and living fully.

10/07/2026

Fall is full of activities to explore, from pumpkin patches and apple orchards to farmers' markets, corn mazes, and Halloween celebrations. Learn safety tips with us that help you just focus on the fun.

Join Braille Institute for a free online workshop, Stay Safe and Have Fun This Fall!

Date: Friday, October 16

Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM PT

We'll share practical strategies for enjoying fall activities safely and confidently, including:

- Choosing safer routes
- Navigating uneven terrain
- Using appropriate lighting for daytime and after-dark outings
- Protective techniques and safe travel practices
- Safety considerations for costumes, makeup, masks, and eyewear
- Using techniques such as a heel-to-toe walking gait to reduce fall risk

Whether you're heading out with family or enjoying the season independently, a little preparation can help you make the most of fall with greater peace of mind.

Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4yQyvgl

10/07/2026

The only thing brighter than the sun during a Los Angeles heat wave? All the smiles from this year’s Cane Quest SoCal participants!

We were thrilled to partner again with the Los Angeles Zoo to host our annual orientation and mobility competition. This year, forty students, their families, and eighty-nine volunteers took on the quest! Participants put their O&M skills to the test as they navigated throughout the zoo.

We want to thank all our incredible partners who made this year’s event another roaring success:

- Waymo and Lime, our generous sponsors! We applaud their commitment to accessibility and their ongoing support for our students.

- Our amazing volunteers! Their support and enthusiasm shape the day.

- Panda Express, who provided a delicious lunch!

- Mattel, for adding extra fun toys to our participants’ swag bags this year.

- California State University, Los Angeles and their Orientation & Mobility program, for their continued partnership and support for our students. Thank you for championing the importance of O&M all year long with us!

- LA Galaxy, who showed out with blind soccer activities and even an appearance by their mascot Cozmo!

- Guide Dogs of America - Tender Loving Canines, who brought nine guide dog puppies and their raisers for participants to meet!

- Last but certainly not least, the Los Angeles Zoo, our host and partner in building an impactful, accessible event!

Congratulations again to all our participants! We’re so glad you joined us for the adventure.

Photos courtesy of Cal State LA by Jill Connelly.

Image Descriptions:

1. A young Cane Quest participant wearing dark sunglasses poses in front of a life-size pair of blue bird wings at the zoo, smiling up at the camera with her white cane in hand.

2. A Cane Quest volunteer supervises as a participant climbs the stairs leading into the zoo while a route monitor looks on in the background.

3. Three smiling Cane Quest route monitors supervise as a participant navigates down a tree-lined path with their cane, their family watching in the background.

4. A Cane Quest Scout participant and her brother (both wearing Braille Institute gear) pose in front of the Valley Carpenter Bee wing installation.

5. Two Scout students, hugging and grinning, are in front of the badger exhibit while holding their gifted Mattel dolls.

6. A Cane Quest volunteer in a bright orange vest guides a smiling young participant through an exhibit with monarch wings visible in the background.

10/07/2026

10/05/2026

What does "Orientation and Mobility" actually mean?

Orientation & Mobility (O&M) helps people who are blind or have low vision develop the skills and confidence they need to travel safely and independently. Orientation is the ability to identify your surroundings, and mobility is the ability to get from one location to another safely.

Braille Institute O&M specialists can help individuals:

- Learn techniques for using a white cane and other mobility tools
- Navigate familiar and unfamiliar environments
- Develop strategies for crossing streets and navigating intersections
- Use environmental sounds, landmarks, and other information to stay oriented
- Build confidence while traveling to the places that matter most

O&M is about helping each person find strategies and tools that work for them, so they can get where they want to go with greater confidence.

10/02/2026

Technology can be a helpful travel companion, but it works best when paired with strong Orientation & Mobility skills.

Join Braille Institute for Travel Tools and Navigation (Maps and WayMap):
Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM PT

This interactive workshop will explore how accessible maps and navigation apps can help people with vision loss:

- Understand routes
- Identify landmarks
- Locate streets and intersections
- Plan trips before leaving home

You'll also learn how to combine technology with environmental awareness, orientation strategies, auditory cues, landmarks, street-crossing skills, and problem-solving techniques. Technology can support independent travel, but strong O&M skills are key.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4dnZrLS

10/01/2026

It's Orientation and Mobility Month! Move Freely, Live Fully.

October is Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Month. It's a time to celebrate the tools and techniques that support independent travel for people who are blind or have low vision.

It might mean learning a new route, traveling to work or school, navigating a busy intersection, using a white cane, or discovering a mobility strategy that makes a favorite activity easier.

Orientation & Mobility services help people develop the skills and confidence to navigate the world safely and make their own choices about where they want to go. This month, we're celebrating the freedom to move freely and live fully.

Get involved: https://bit.ly/4ydUmhF