| Virtual and Hybrid Programs Schedule
*Note: Vista Center is closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day |
|
|
|
|
| Client Connection Meeting - Hybrid
Description: Each week features a different topic, community resources, wellness and healthy living, helpful technology, safety, creative workshops, guest speakers, and other timely subjects that support everyday life. Presentations are designed to be accessible, welcoming, and easy to follow, with clear pacing and time built in for questions and group discussion.
Hosting Branch: San Jose Date: Every Wednesday Time: 9:30 - 11:00 A.M. Location: Vista Center Conference Room and Hybrid on Zoom Registration: Not Required Fee: $2, Donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Tech It Out With Vista - Virtual
Description: Industry speakers present the latest accessibility technology devices and trends. Check out previous discussions on our Youtube Channel!
Date: Friday, August 7 (First Friday of every month) Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM Location: Zoom Registration: Required Fee: None, donations appreciated
Speakers: Nathan Deutsch (Chief Operating Officer)
About: TAMI is an assistive mobility eyewear device designed and engineered for people who are blind or visually impaired. It aims to enhance users’ confidence, spatial awareness, and mobility by sensing obstacles at up to 8.5’ in the upper body zone, an area unprotected by the white cane. Information is relayed to the user with tactile feedback, keeping ears free and offering insights into both the location and proximity of potential hazards. TAMI is available in 2 sizes and 3 fashionable colors. It is waterproof rated IP55, provides 4 hours of active use per charge, and accepts prescription lenses or filters. |
|
|
|
|
| Book Club SC
Description: Join the virtual book club for fun and spirited discussions about the book choice of the month and favorite reads!
Date: August 10 (second Monday of every month) Time: 3:30 - 4:30 PM Location: Zoom Registration: Required Fee: None, donations appreciated
Topic: "The Searcher" by Tana French (DB100859) and "Yesteryear" by Caro Claire Burke (DB137558). |
|
|
|
|
| English Speaking Support Group - Hybrid
Description: Living with vision loss comes with unique challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Join our Support Group, facilitated by Vista Center’s social worker, for a safe and welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who truly understand.
Together, we’ll talk about coping strategies, emotional wellness, and resources that can help make daily life a little easier. Whether you’re newly adjusting or have been living with vision loss for years, this group is here for you.
Hosting Branch: San Jose Date: August 10th (Second Monday of Every Month) Time: 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. Location: Vista San Jose & Zoom Registration: Required Fee: $0, Donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Family Support Group Empowerment Workshop Description: Designed for sighted family members, friends, and caregivers of visually impaired clients, this interactive workshop offers guidance and support for navigating vision loss together. Participants will learn about practical home adjustments (such as lighting and contrast), navigating the emotional stages of grief, avoiding co-dependency, and supporting loved ones away from home.
Facilitated By: Vivian Younger Independence Guidance Instructor Date: Wednesday, August 12th Time: Option 1: 3:00 - 4:30 PM | Option 2: 6:00 - 7:30 PM Location: Virtual via Zoom Registration: Required (RSVP by Wednesday, August 5th to vyounger@vistacenter.org) Fee: None, donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Peer Mentor Support Groups SC
Description: Only those with vision loss can fully understand the experience. Find support, understanding, and friendship with members of the Vista community.
Hosting Branch: Santa Cruz Date: Every Tuesday Time: Varies by group Location: Zoom Registration: Required Fee: None, donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Diabetic Retinopathy Empowerment Workshop
Description: Connect with peers to share experiences and learn practical tools for proactively living with limitations imposed by Diabetic Retinopathy. This supportive session helps participants address fears surrounding progressive vision loss, communicate functional needs to family and medical providers, and master self-advocacy through real-world role-playing.
Facilitated By: Vivian Younger Independence Guidance Instructor Date: Tuesday, August 25th Time: Option 1: 3:00 - 4:30 PM | Option 2: 6:00 - 7:30 PM Location: Virtual via Zoom Registration: Required (RSVP by Tuesday, August 18th to vyounger@vistacenter.org) Fee: None, donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Tips & Tricks - Hybrid
Description: Join our popular peer-to-peer information series to learn helpful strategies to make life easier as someone with a visual impairment. Each month, the group will explore an in-depth how to topic, such as tips for accessible cooking, organizing your home, traveling, and using smarthome devices. If you would like to check out our Tips & Tricks audio recordings on our YouTube channel, visit Vista Center's YouTube channel
Date: August 26 (Fourth Wednesday of each month) Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Vista Center Conference Room Registration: Not required Fee: None, donations appreciated
Topic: Join us for a practical Tips and Tricks session designed to help clients learn to navigate Vista Center's newsletter and website. Participants will practice completing the newsletter’s reCAPTCHA “I’m not a robot” verification process. Also, clients who use VoiceOver on an iPhone or JAWS on a Windows computer will get to practice navigating the Vista Center newsletter and website using headings, links, edit to navigate fields, buttons, and other common webpage elements. This session is an excellent opportunity for graduates of the iPhone VoiceOver class to review their touch gestures and apply their skills in a practical, real-world setting. Participants are encouraged to bring their preferred device. |
|
|
|
|
| Book Club PA - Hybrid
Description: Love stories, lively conversations, and exploring new ideas? Join us for our Monthly Book Club, where we come together to share in the joy of reading. Each month, we select a book that sparks discussion, reflection, and sometimes even a little friendly debate.
Books are available in many accessible formats, and readers are responsible for obtaining their own copy. Meetings are designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and fun, whether you’re a lifelong reader or just picking up the habit, Book Club is a wonderful way to connect with others and discover new perspectives.
Hosting Branch: Palo Alto Date: August 27th (Fourth Thursday of Every Month) Time: 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Location: Palo Alto Conference Room and Zoom Registration: Required Fee: $0, Donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Social Connexus - Virtual
Description: Looking for a space to connect, share, and build friendships? Our Peer-Led Social Connexus Group is a welcoming place where clients come together to support one another, exchange ideas, and enjoy meaningful conversations.
Because it’s led by peers, the group is shaped by the interests and experiences of participants, making each gathering unique, authentic, and empowering. Whether you’re hoping to meet new people, learn from others, or simply spend time in good company, Social Connexus is here for you.
In addition, Vista offers a Social Connexus Buddy, a peer who can walk alongside you on your journey, providing encouragement, connection, and support as you navigate vision changes. You don’t have to walk this path alone, a Buddy is here to help.
Hosting Branch: San Jose Date: August 28th (Fourth Friday of Every Month) Time: 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. Location: Zoom Registration: Required Fee: $0, Donations appreciated |
|
|
|
|
| Make Your Contribution Today!
Your gift supports critical services and programs that restore hope, promote independence, create opportunities, and transform the lives of more than 3,700 blind or visually impaired individuals.
|
|
|
|
|
