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Braille Institute Breaks Ground on New 5,200-Square-Foot
Coachella Valley Center in Rancho Mirage
www.brailleinstitute.org
New facility will expand free, life-changing services for Coachella Valley residents living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other forms of vision loss
15 May 2026, Rancho Mirage, CA: On Wednesday, May 6, the Braille Institute of America officially broke ground on its new 5,200-square-foot Coachella Valley Center in Rancho Mirage, marking a major milestone in the organization’s more than century-long mission to help people with vision loss live with independence, confidence, and connection.
The ceremony took place at the future home of Braille Institute Coachella Valley, 42525 Rancho Mirage Lane, and brought together civic leaders, donors, supporters, staff, volunteers, students, and members of the Braille Institute community. The new center is expected to open in November 2026.
“Rancho Mirage is a community where people come to live — not just longer, but better,” said Rancho Mirage Mayor Lynn Mallotto, noting the importance of local support systems as the region’s population continues to age. “Today, nearly one in four residents in the Coachella Valley is over the age of 65, and that number continues to grow. With that growth comes responsibility. Thousands of our neighbors, friends, and family members are already living with vision loss, and many more will need sustainable support systems in the years ahead. We are proud to welcome this investment into Rancho Mirage,” she added, “and we look forward to the impact it will have on our community for years to come.”
The Braille Institute has served the Coachella Valley since 1973, when it opened its first local center in nearby Palm Desert. Over the past five decades, the organization has helped thousands of area residents through low vision assessments, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology instruction, independent living classes, and other free services. Last year alone, nearly 450 people in the region participated in Braille Institute programs — a number the organization says represents only a fraction of the need.
“This new center comes at a critical moment,” said Dimitri Kales, CEO of Braille Institute of America. “The Coachella Valley has one of the fastest-growing senior populations in California. As that population grows, so does the prevalence of age-related vision loss — from macular degeneration to glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.”
Kales said the Rancho Mirage facility will play an important role in Braille Institute’s five-year strategic plan, Mission Magnified, which aims to serve 200,000 people annually by 2030.
“This is more than a building,” said Kales. “It’s a place where independence is rebuilt. We imagine this new center enriching lives by providing confidence, skills, and connection. It will serve as a low vision hub for the entire region — a place where people can receive practical support, hands-on training, and the reassurance that they are not alone.”
The new center will include a Low Vision Treatment Room, Discovery Lab for assistive technology, adaptive Teaching Kitchen, classroom and community room, social work and counseling services, outdoor Orientation and Mobility Path, garden, and guide-dog area. All services will continue to be provided free of charge.
A highlight of the ceremony was the personal testimony of Braille Institute student and volunteer Stella Espinosa, who spoke about rebuilding her independence after experiencing vision loss from glaucoma.
“My journey with vision loss didn’t begin with an accident,” said Espinosa. “It came gradually, in the middle of everyday life. It took me many attempts to build the courage to enter the Braille Institute building. I had all the excuses and fears you can imagine a mom raising kids has. But what I found at Braille Institute was something I didn’t expect: the tools, the confidence, and the support to keep moving forward.”
Espinosa, who was a single mother working in a local medical office when her vision began to deteriorate, said Braille Institute helped her regain confidence and purpose.
“That sense of purpose is what drives me to give back to others,” she said. “Braille Institute gave me hope through daily living tips, resources, and support. I’m so excited about this new center, and I’m already planning how I’ll get here on my own.”
Kales introduced Espinosa as an example of the human impact behind the new facility.
“The true impact of this work is best understood through the people we serve,” said Kales. “Stella turned to Braille Institute to rebuild her confidence and independence, and today she continues to give back to others on that same journey as one of our treasured volunteers.”
Of all the regions Braille Institute serves, the Coachella Valley has the highest percentage of low vision clients. Nearly one-quarter of the region’s population is 65 or older, an age group more likely to develop vision loss due to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other conditions.
Only about 10 percent of Braille Institute’s clients are fully blind; the vast majority live with some degree of usable vision. Because most vision loss is progressive rather than sudden, early intervention and ongoing support can make an enormous difference — helping individuals adapt safely and confidently to changes in their sight.
The Rancho Mirage center will serve as a regional hub for residents across the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities. The facility is designed to provide both practical training and emotional support, helping clients maintain independence while reducing isolation.
Planned features and services include:
Low Vision Treatment Room — Certified occupational therapists will provide personalized low vision assessments and rehabilitation, paired with emotional support and connection through newcomer groups. Specialists will help individuals maximize remaining vision using digital magnifiers, enhanced lighting, contrast techniques, and other adaptive strategies.
Discovery Lab — Expert staff will train clients on the latest assistive technologies, including smartphone apps, digital magnifiers, computer tools, and devices that support independent living.
Teaching Kitchen — An adaptive kitchen where trained specialists will provide instruction on preparing and cooking food safely, and organizing a kitchen for people with low or no vision.
Lobby and Conference/Community Room — A welcoming entryway and spacious community room will host support groups, presentations, workshops, staff training, youth activities, and community events.
Classroom — A dedicated classroom will offer courses throughout the year focused on daily living, technology, safe movement, and skills that can be put into practice immediately.
Social Work Services and Counseling — In-person and group counseling will help clients and families navigate the emotional challenges of vision loss.
Orientation and Mobility Path — An outdoor practice trail will allow instructors to help clients learn to navigate safely and confidently in real-world settings.
Garden — An outdoor garden space will offer rest, contemplation, conversation, and views of the San Jacinto Mountains. A fountain will also serve as an aural cue to help clients orient themselves.
Guide-Dog Area — A dedicated outdoor space will support the service dogs many clients rely upon.
The May 6 groundbreaking concluded with a ceremonial turning of the soil and photo opportunity with Braille Institute leadership, community members, civic leaders, donors, staff, volunteers, and supporters including Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Michael O’Keefe, Councilman Steve Downs and Dylan Callaway from Assemblyman Greg Wallis’ office. “This new center represents a meaningful investment in the future of the Coachella Valley,” said Patrick Evans, Chief Meteorologist and host of Eye on the Desert at KESQ, who served as emcee for the groundbreaking program. “For more than 106 years, Braille Institute has supported individuals facing vision loss with the tools and training they need to remain independent — and all of these services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of individuals and supporters who believe in this mission. We look forward to welcoming the community back for the grand opening later this year. This center represents the beginning of a new chapter for Braille Institute in the Coachella Valley — and a reminder that 100 percent free services will remain at the heart of its work.”About Braille Institute of America:Braille Institute of America has served Southern California communities for more than a century, providing free programs and services that help individuals with vision loss live with independence and confidence. The organization’s programs extend far beyond traditional braille instruction and include free in-person and online classes, low vision consultations, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology instruction, an award-winning library, and enrichment programs for adults, youth, and families. Thanks to ongoing donor support, all services remain free.
