Santa Cruz Life Enrichment Programs and Schedule

Call us at: 831-458-9766

Visit us at: 1509 Seabright Ave, Suite B1, Santa Cruz CA 95062

Business Hours: 9:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M Monday - Wednesday

Tech It Out With Vista

Description: Industry speakers present the latest accessibility technology devices and trends. Check out previous discussions on our Youtube Channel!

Date: Friday, June 5th (first Friday)

Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Location: Zoom

Registration: Required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

Speaker: Kerns Lane, Account Executive

About:

Be My Eyes is a global accessibility platform that provides visual assistance for people who are blind or have low vision. With more than 1 million blind and low-vision users and over 10 million volunteers, Be My Eyes helps people around the world get support with everyday visual tasks through live video and AI-powered assistance. About Be My Eyes Workplace: Be My Eyes Workplace helps organizations make work more accessible for blind and low-vision employees. It supports employees during the workday in situations where traditional accessibility tools may not provide the full context they need, such as understanding on-screen content, interpreting documents, reviewing images or graphs, or navigating visual information across everyday tasks.

In this session, attendees will learn how Be My Eyes Workplace supports independence, productivity, and inclusion at work. The session will also explore common workplace accessibility barriers and how a combination of AI-powered assistance and trusted human support can address them.

Resource Spotlight

Description: Resource Spotlight connects you with local community resources through guest speakers who share up-to-date information on services, eligibility, and contacts in an interactive, welcoming setting. Held at Vista Center’s Conference Room, each session covers topics like health and safety, nutrition, legal and support services, transportation, and more!

Date: Wednesday, June 3rd (first Wednesday)

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: Vista Center Conference Room

Registration: Not required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

Topic: This month's presentation features Bobi Wood, Mobility Training Coordinator at ParaCruz. Come learn about the many ways public transit can help you stay connected and independent. This engaging presentation covers the basics of riding fixed-route buses, including how to apply for discount fare cards, plan a bus trip, practice safe bus travel, and download and use the TRANSIT app. We’re also excited to have a Para Cruz van on-site for attendees to explore. Paratransit Supervisor Christopher Sullivan will give an introduction to paratransit services, answer questions, and lead a guided tour of the van following the presentation.

Introductory iPhone Voiceover Class

Description: Discover how to use your iPhone without relying on vision in this beginner-friendly, hands-on class. You’ll learn VoiceOver—Apple’s built-in screen reader—through step-by-step instruction, guided practice, and support from trained volunteers.

At a comfortable pace, you’ll build essential skills like VoiceOver gestures, navigating your screen through audio feedback, and using key apps like Phone, Messages, and Mail. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence, increase your independence, and develop practical strategies for staying connected, organized, and in control of your daily tasks. We look forward to supporting you in transitioning from visual to non-visual access.

Date: Each Monday, starting May 11th (No class on May 25th). 10 classes in total

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM PST

Location: Vista Center Conference Room (In Person Only)

Registration: Required, spaces are limited.

Fee: Free to attend, but any donation amount encouraged!

Orientation and Mobility Walk

Description: Join us for a casual 1-2 mile walk in the community and practice your Orientation and Mobility skills! Enjoy the sounds of nature as you learn pointers and tips of safe travelling.

Date: Thursday, June 11th (second Thursday)

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Rio Del Mar Esplanade parking lot (131 Esplanade, Aptos, CA 95003). RAIN WILL CANCEL WALK. Scheduling Pickups: If you are arranging your own ride home (such as Paratransit or a family member), please schedule the pickup for **12:15 PM or later to ensure you have plenty of time to wrap up the walk.

Registration: Required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

Feel the Breeze: Join Us for a "Walk in the Park" at Rio Del Mar beach!

Description: 

We are excited to announce our next adventure for Vista Center clients! Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 11, because we are heading to the coast for a refreshing "Walk in the Park"—beach style! Come enjoy the fresh salt air, the sound of the waves, and great company.

The Route and Experience

Our route begins at the scenic Rio Del Mar Esplanade. From there, we will walk north directly on the sand over to Seacliff State Beach, taking in the beautiful coastline. (If we have time we can tour the Sea Cliff State Beach Visitor center) For our return leg, we will transition to the flat, solid surface of the sidewalk promenade to make our way back to the Esplanade.

Support & Accessibility

Please do not worry about navigating the sand or the paths alone! We will have plenty of wonderful, sighted guides joining us to provide whatever one-on-one assistance or sighted-guide support you need to feel comfortable, confident, and safe.

We can't wait to share a beautiful morning by the ocean with you. Dress in comfortable layers, wear sturdy walking shoes, and get ready for a wonderful day out!

Book Club

Description: Join the virtual book club for fun and spirited discussions about the book choice of the month and favorite reads!

Date: Monday, June 8th (second Monday)

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Location: Zoom

Registration: Required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

Topic: "Lights on the Sea" by Miquel Reina and Catherine E. Nelson (DB132946) and "Kin" by Tayari Jones (DB135763).

Game Day

Description: Come join the fun as we play engaging (and often competitive) tactile and accessible games, such as Uno, Yahtzee, dominoes, mancala, Left Right Center, and more!

Date: Wednesday, June 17th (third Wednesday)

Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Vista Center Conference Room

Registration: Not required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

Tips & Tricks

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

**Cancelled in June

Braille at Your Pace

Description: Led by experienced instructor Tiffany Thomas, this in-person course will cover both reading and writing Braille in personalized, one-hour sessions. Whether you’re just beginning with Grade 1 or ready to tackle Grade 2, this flexible class is designed to support you at every stage of your Braille journey.

Date: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Time: Appointment Only

Location: Vista Center

Registration: Required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

Peer Mentor Support Groups

Description: Only those with vision loss can fully understand the experience. Find support, understanding, and friendship with members of the Vista community.

Date: Every Tuesday

Time: Varies by group

Location: Zoom

Registration: Required

Fee: None, donations appreciated

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and transform the lives of more than 3,700 blind or visually impaired individuals.