NEWS & EVENTS

Braille Challenge

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 Northern California Braille Challenge

A National Program of Braille Institute

The 2012 Northern California Braille Challenge is hosted by Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in collaboration with California School for the Blind, Lighthouse for the Blind, and Society for the Blind.  Braille Challenge is an academic contest for school age youth grades 1 to 12 who read Braille.

WHEN:

Saturday, March 3, 2012, 8:30 AM - 4 PM

LOCATION:

Santa Clara Valley Blind Center
101 North Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128

EVENT CONTACT PERSON: Alice McGrath - amcgrath@vistacenter.org Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired - 650.858.0202 x130

HOW TO REGISTER: Download and complete the Registration Form and
send to:
Vista Center
Attn: Alice McGrath
2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107
Palo Alto CA 94306 or
Fax: 650-858-0214
Registration Forms are due by February 3, 2012.

The Braille Challenge® is the only national academic competition for blind students in the United States and is a national program of Braille Institute of America. It serves to encourage blind children of all ages to fine-tune their braille skills, which are essential to their academic and employment success in the sighted world.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Teachers for the Visually Impaired, Transcribers and braillists are needed to serve as Proctors and Scorers for this exciting event. Contact Alice McGrath.
The event will include workshops and speakers for parents and teachers. Come join in this exciting celebration and contest for youth who read Braille.

For more information about the Braille Challenge, go to www.braillechallenge.org.

SPONSORS:

• The Braille Institute Auxiliary
• Humanware – Victor Stream players
• National Braille Press – gift certificates for their catalog of Braille books and product
• Seedlings Braille Books for Children - gift certificates for a book or t-shirt from their catalog
• Perkins Products – gift certificates for a Braille Sudoku game
• Santa Clara Valley Blind Center – venue host

Braille Challenge Registration form (MS Word)

2011 Blind and Low Vision Olympics - Great Success!

On October 1st, the 28th annual track and field event at CSUS hosted 28 athletes, ages 4 to 17 years, their families and teachers as well as over 140 volunteers who helped make it all possible. We'd like to thank the following sponsors: City of Sacramento Dept. of Parks & Recreation-Access Leisure Section, CSUS Dept. of Kinesiology, Lions Clubs of District 4C5, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California, River Cats Foundation, MAXIMUS Foundation, and Harrison Marketing.

Society Volunteer Wins Volunteer Spirit Award

This year, our nominees for the annual Volunteer Spirit Awards included Bob Foss who won the award for his category - Volunteer of the Year - Supporting Seniors and Anthony Legia who was one of several outstanding nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year. Held October 28th at the Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, the 2011 Volunteer Spirit Awards luncheon and ceremony honored hundreds of selfless community members that donate thousands of hours to Sacramento's non-profit community each year.

As a dedicated volunteer with unyielding commitment to quality performance and "can-do" attitude, Bob has devoted 150 hours plus per month, every single month for nine plus years, volunteering for SIP, Bingo and most recently the store. Anthony came to Society as an office volunteer who became a "Jack of all trades." He is always readily available to jump to the rescue of anyone in need with such a positive attitude. He has been as great asset whether shredding papers, hauling furniture, answering phones, assisting seniors or simply making clients feel welcome their first time here.

Community Event Announcement

Access Leisure & Paralympic Sport Sacramneto Club Goal Ball Program Fall/Winter 2011-2012

Goalball is a fun and exciting game developed for individuals that are blind or have low vision. Goalball is a Paralympic Sport and can be played at a competitive level or for fitness, fun, and competition. The Goalball program is held from 1:30-4:00pm at California State - Yosemite Hall 183 on the Sacramento State Campus. The dates are October 1, 8, 22, 29; November 5, 12; December 10, 17; January 14, 21.

For more information, Contact Jenny Yarrow at 916-808-6017 or Jenny Yarrow, or go to

accessliesure.org