May 6 Braille Institute Ground Breaking Media Advisory
media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc, David Perry
(415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
MEDIA ADVISORY / COVERAGE REQUEST
Braille Institute Breaks Ground Wednesday on New 5,200-Square-Foot Coachella Valley Center in Rancho Mirage
WHO:
Braille Institute of America, Rancho Mirage Mayor Lynn Mallotto, Braille Institute CEO Dimitri Kales, KESQ’s Patrick Evans, Braille Institute student and volunteer Stella Espinosa, local officials, community leaders, donors, supporters, and members of the Braille Institute community.
WHAT:
Groundbreaking ceremony for Braille Institute’s new 5,200-square-foot Coachella Valley Center in Rancho Mirage — a new regional hub that will expand free, life-changing services for residents living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other forms of vision loss.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Program begins approximately 9:00am
Ceremonial turning of the soil/photo moment approximately 9:55am
WHERE:
Future home of Braille Institute Coachella Valley
42525 Rancho Mirage Lane
Rancho Mirage, CA
WHY:
Braille Institute has served the Coachella Valley since 1973. The new Rancho Mirage center will help meet growing local need as nearly one-quarter of the Coachella Valley population is age 65 or older — an age group more likely to experience vision loss from conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
The new center will provide all services free of charge and is expected to open in November 2026. Planned features include a Low Vision Treatment Room, Discovery Lab for assistive technology, adaptive Teaching Kitchen, classroom and community room, social work and counseling services, an outdoor Orientation and Mobility Path, garden, and guide-dog area.
PROGRAM / RUN OF SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
8:50am – 9:04am — Arrival and opening call to order
9:05am – 9:10am — Opening civic remarks by Rancho Mirage Mayor Lynn Mallotto
9:15am – 9:30am — Remarks by Braille Institute CEO Dimitri Kales on the new center and regional impact
9:30am – 9:40am — Client impact story from Braille Institute student and volunteer Stella Espinosa
9:40am – 9:50am — Closing remarks and transition to ceremonial moment
9:55am — Ceremonial turning of the soil / photo and video opportunity
SPEAKERS / PARTICIPANTS TO INCLUDE:
• Patrick Evans, Chief Meteorologist and host of Eye on the Desert, KESQ — Emcee
• Lynn Mallotto, Mayor of Rancho Mirage
• Dimitri Kales, CEO, Braille Institute of America
• Stella Espinosa, Braille Institute student and volunteer
• Expected dignitaries and invited guests include U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, State Assemblymember Greg Wallis, members of the Rancho Mirage City Council, local and tribal leaders, foundation supporters, donors, staff, volunteers, and Braille Institute community members
PHOTO / VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:
• Ceremonial groundbreaking with shovels and community leaders
• Braille Institute leadership, local officials, students, volunteers, and donors
• Interviews with Braille Institute CEO Dimitri Kales
• Interview opportunity with Stella Espinosa, a Braille Institute student and volunteer who rebuilt her confidence and independence after vision loss from glaucoma
• Visuals of the future center location and renderings / signage, if available
• Human-interest visuals tied to assistive technology, independent living, and services for people with low or no vision
INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY:
Braille Institute representatives will be available on-site for interviews following the program. Media may also request advance or follow-up interviews with Braille Institute leadership and client/community participants.
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.