Braille Institute and Vision Support America Coachella Valley Center Opens November 17

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David Perry & Associates, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Braille Institute and Vision Support America to celebrate grand opening of new Coachella Valley Center November 17

KESQ’s Patrick Evans joins dedication of new 5,200-square-foot center in Rancho Mirage as local resident Bob Palocsay helps spotlight the importance of free vision-loss services

www.brailleinstitute.org | www.visionsupport.org

10 November 2026 – Rancho Mirage, CA: When Coachella Valley resident Bob Palocsay began losing more of his vision, everyday activities such as reading became increasingly difficult. Through Braille Institute, he found practical tools, training and a community of people facing similar challenges. His experience reflects the impact of the free services that Braille Institute of America and Vision Support America will celebrate at the grand opening of their new Coachella Valley Center on Tuesday, November 17. The celebration will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at 42525 Rancho Mirage Lane, with a ribbon cutting at 4:40 p.m. KESQ Chief Meteorologist and Eye on the Desert host Patrick Evans will participate, returning after serving as emcee for the May 6 groundbreaking. Members of the media are invited to cover the dedication and request advance interviews.

Nearly one in four Coachella Valley residents is age 65 or older. As vision changes become more common with age, accessible local resources can help older adults continue doing the activities they value, stay connected and maintain independence. Building on Braille Institute’s more than 50 years of service in the Coachella Valley, the new center is Vision Support America’s first physical location, offering a welcoming place to explore solutions and receive in-person support. All services are free.

After connecting with Braille Institute, Palocsay received a low vision assessment, learned accessible computer skills and joined a peer support group. A handheld digital magnifier has been especially valuable. “My quality of life would not be what it is without the magnifier,” Palocsay said. “It’s a big deal, because I can’t read without it.”

“Being able to prepare a meal, read a message or get safely to an appointment can mean keeping control of everyday life,” said Dimitri Kales, CEO of Braille Institute of America. “This new center gives our neighbors a place to learn those skills and find people who understand what they are going through. Our commitment is to keep that help available at no cost.”

“Our clients understand how much courage it can take to ask for help,” said Melanie Hoyt-Ferrone, director of the Coachella Valley Center. “Our volunteers help make this a place where people feel comfortable bringing their questions and sharing their experiences. That personal connection matters when someone is learning a different way to do something they have done all their life.”

Designed for hands-on learning and connection:

The center, which is now open, brings together practical services and welcoming spaces that help residents adapt to vision changes, maintain independence and stay connected to their community. Features include:

• A dedicated low vision wing for personalized assessments, occupational therapy support and strategies involving magnification, lighting and contrast.
• A Technology Discovery Lab where visitors can explore accessible tools such as smartphone features, smart glasses and handheld magnifiers in a group demonstration setting; individualized evaluations and training are available through separate services.
• An adaptive teaching kitchen for practicing safer meal preparation and daily living skills.
• Classrooms and community spaces for educational sessions, support groups, counseling and social connection.
• An outdoor orientation and mobility practice path, a garden fountain providing an audible orientation cue and a dedicated guide-dog area.

Free in-person learning sessions launch in December:

Beginning in December, Vision Support America will offer in-person low vision learning sessions at the Coachella Valley Center, bringing practical guidance directly to local residents. Initial workshops include:

• December 1 — Lighting Tips for Everyday Life: Simple ways to adjust lighting, improve contrast and reduce glare to make activities at home easier.
• December 9 — Low Vision Kitchen Skills for Meal Preparation: Adaptive cutting tools, task lighting, contrast and positioning strategies for safer, more confident cooking.
• December 15 — Make Your iPhone Work for You: Adjusting text size, screen brightness and magnification to make everyday phone use easier.

Each workshop runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The center will also offer Technology Discovery Lab experiences, guided tours and VSA Learners Lounge group sessions that bring online learning into a shared, in-person setting. All programs are free; reservations are required at (760) 321-1111.

“People often begin by noticing that ordinary tasks have become harder, and they may not know where to turn,” said Allison Burdett, Braille Institute’s chief program officer, whose team develops Vision Support America’s services. “We want to make that first step easier. A phone call, a short video or a learning session can introduce practical changes that help someone keep doing the things that matter to them.”

About Braille Institute of America:
Braille Institute of America has served Southern California communities for more than a century and the Coachella Valley for more than 50 years, providing free programs and services that help people with vision loss live independently and confidently. Offerings include low vision consultations, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology instruction, library services, and programs for adults, youth and families. All services are free thanks to donor support. Visit www.brailleinstitute.org or 1-800-BRAILLE.

About Vision Support America:
Vision Support America by Braille Institute helps people experiencing vision changes that affect everyday life. Building on Braille Institute’s expertise, it offers practical videos, live online learning sessions, telephone guidance and, at its new Coachella Valley Center, in-person support and learning opportunities. Resources are available for individuals, families and caregivers at no cost. Visit www.visionsupport.org or call 1-800-577-7743.

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