[NFBC-Pathfinder] Fwd: Braille Institute Centers are Reopening! Welcoming You Back

[Rochelle Houston]

Rochelle Houston,
National Federation of the Blind of California
President, Pathfinder Chapter Los Angeles
rhouston58 at gmail.com
323 807-0300
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nations blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. 

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Braille Institute <braillesocial at brailleinstitute.org>
> Date: March 9, 2022 at 11:45:51 AM PST
> To: rhouston58 at gmail.com
> Subject: Braille Institute Centers are Reopening! Welcoming You Back
> Reply-To: Braille Institute <braillesocial at brailleinstitute.org>
> 
> 
> View this email in your browser
>  
> Dear Braille Institute Student, 
> 
> It’s hard to believe that it has been more than 2 years since we temporarily closed our Braille Institute doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although our physical centers have remained closed, we have continued to provide our classes and services to you remotely from the comfort of your home. More than 1,000 students are currently enrolled in our remote classes, and we now have individuals attending from all over the U.S. The “silver lining” of the pandemic has been our ability to shift to a digital format that enables students to enjoy classes offered from any of our seven centers without having to travel. We presently have more than 300 online classes and workshops available, and as with all of our services, these are free of charge.
> 
> It now appears the State of California is on a continuous decline for COVID-19 cases and is lifting restrictions. Therefore, I’m pleased to announce Braille Institute will begin a phased re-opening of our centers.
> 
> Braille Institute Re-Opening Phases
> We are announcing three phases that will begin the transition of staff, students, patrons, volunteers and others back to our physical centers. Here is a high-level summary of the phases:
> 
> Phase 1: Return of In-Person Staff Only – starting Monday, April 4, 2022
> Staff will return to their respective locations to prepare for the return of students. Staff will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have demonstrated a religious or medical exemption.
> Students will continue with remote classes and services. The center will not be opened to students or the public during this phase.
> Phase 2: Select 1-1 In-Person Appointments – starting Monday, April 18, 2022
> Braille Institute will begin scheduled in-person 1-1 appointments for Low Vision, Orientation & Mobility, and Connection Pointe Technology services. All students and clients with in-person appointments must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.
> Definition of “fully vaccinated” is having received both shots of a two-dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna) or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND received a booster once booster-eligible, which is 6 months after the second dose for Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
> The Vistas store in the LA Center will be open for visitors by appointment and library services will provide in-person pick-up of books. Individuals must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
> All individuals at the centers will be required to wear a surgical/medical grade, N95 or KN95 face mask while onsite. Clients/students may bring no more than 1 guest to escort them to the appointment.
> Delivery of remote classes and workshops will continue. Only individuals with scheduled appointments may visit the center(s) on the appointed day. The center will only be open to students or visitors who have a valid in-person appointment during this phase.
> Phase 3: Full Re-Opening of Centers – starting Monday, May 2, 2022
> Only students who have registered for in-person classes may return to the centers for group classes on the scheduled class day(s). All in-person students and volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. Those who are not vaccinated, can continue to receive services and attend classes remotely.
> All in-person library services will be available at this time including utilization of the library area and computers. Patrons must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
> In-home services will resume at this time. Students who receive in-home visits must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination.
> Child Development Services will return to in-person at this time. Parents must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
> Youth Services will have the option to return to in-person, small group instruction. Youth students (ages 7-18) must be vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. Parents of youth who attend youth programs must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
> All individuals at the centers and at home visits will be required to wear a surgical/medical grade, N95 or KN95 face mask while onsite.
> 1-1 appointments and remote service offerings will continue. The centers will only be open to students and individuals who have a valid in-person class or appointment during this phase.
> With the re-opening of our centers, Braille Institute will move to a hybrid delivery model that enables students to participate in-person and/or remotely for classes and services. If you have questions about our re-opening, need to explore an accommodation, or are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553). Please note Braille Institute guidelines and policies may be subject to change based on latest COVID-19 cases and/or updates from the CDC, Cal OSHA, state or local authorities.
> 
> We look forward to welcoming you back in-person or to continue working with you remotely by phone and/or video call.
> 
> 
> Peter Mindnich
> President
> 
>  
> FAQ for Students on Reopening of Centers
> Learn More About Our Classes and Events
>  
> 
> 
> 
> Copyright © 2022 Braille Institute of America, Inc., All rights reserved. 
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> 
> Our mailing address is: 
> Braille Institute of America, Inc.
> 741 N Vermont Ave
> Los Angeles, CA 90029-3514
> 
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