[NFBNJ] Fwd: Vision Loss Alliance of NJ Fall Virtual and Live Programs

Tue Aug 10 12:45:43 UTC 2021

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Elsa Zavoda

 Transforming Lives, One Individual at a Time

[image: Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey formerly NJ Foundation for the
Blind]

*VLANJ Virtual and Live Programs- Fall 2021*

*Virtual Programs on Zoom *

*(September 13 - December 16, 2021)*

*Mondays*

*Moving Forward One Step at a Time: Self Advocacy 101, Evening Class 7:00pm*

There are *three parts* to becoming an effective *self*-*advocate*: knowing
yourself, knowing your needs, and knowing how to get what you need. This
group provides strategies to effectively communicate your needs with others
and educate the people around you. The group setting allows for exploration
of shared experiences where discussion of implementing appropriate
communication techniques to help and support each other.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Self_Advocacy*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Self_Advocacy>

*Back to Basics 101:  1:00pm-2:30pm*

Back to Basics is an interactive class that will teach you basic living
skills through demonstration and discussion. During this class,
organizational skills, home safety, optical aides, lighting, and contrast
will be discussed.  Learning with your peers and sharing techniques, an
added bonus to this class.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Back_to_Basics_101*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Back_to_Basics_101>

*Tuesdays*

*Mindfulness & Meditation: 1:30pm-2:30pm*

Come share calming and invigorating breathing practices, a quiet sit and
slow flow movement for an overall sense of optimal health, in conscious
presence. One may utilize a chair or the floor (positioned on a mat and
folded towel). Eat lightly prior to our session and please wear comfortable
clothing.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Meditation_Mindfulness*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Meditation_Mindfulness>

*Wednesdays**- No virtual classes at this time*

*Thursdays *

*Now & Zen Yoga: 10:00am-11:00am*

Yoga is an ancient tradition that promotes balance and good posture, both
of which can be adversely affected by vision loss. In this Hatha yoga class
students will learn toning and strengthening exercises, as well as
relaxation skills that are designed to quiet the mind.  All levels welcome.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Now_Zen_Yoga*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Now_Zen_Yoga>

*Healing Rhythms: 7:00pm-8:00pm *Evening Class**

Alfred Fredel is a music educator, trained Health Rhythms facilitator, and
a certified health and wellness coach candidate. He is a singer and
multi-instrumentalist and uses his background in music to provide a
holistic experience with the Health Rhythms protocol. This protocol is an
evidence-based methodology that includes elements of Neuropsychology, music
therapy, neurology and other mental health and wellness interventions to
promote positive outcomes. It is used in many settings including
rehabilitation, educational and in geriatric care. There is a period of
stretching and exercise with breathing, a period of Drumming including
entrainment, and a meditational portion at the end. Participants can use
any percussion instruments and are often encouraged to explore different
sounds within the drumming circle. Oftentimes, the group will use an
African drum called a djembe because of its versatile nature. In a virtual
setting, participants are invited to use the bottom of a pot or their
chests or anything else that they can tap on if they do not have a djembe
or other percussion instrument. Studies have shown that the protocol helps
to create better outcomes in mood, energy and confidence while reducing
anxiety and giving its participants some enjoyable exercise.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Healing_Rhythms*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Healing_Rhythms>

*Enrichment Opportunities:*

*VLANJ “LIFT”- Living Independently for Tomorrow*- every other month on
Wednesdays over a 4-week period, from 1pm-2:30pm.

This four-week virtual program is designed to share tips and strategies
with you and your family members as you learn to adjust to living with
vision loss. We will provide you with simple strategies, helpful devices,
education, and several available resources.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_LIFT_Program*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_LIFT_Program>

*VLANJ "STRIVE"- Strength Through Relationships, Insights, Values,
Education*- 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm

We invite you to join us for our "STRIVE" Program. We provide education,
awareness, and support for individuals with vision loss and their families.
This group is open to anyone experiencing vision loss as well as their
family members and friends. Monthly virtual meetings will include a variety
of topics, guest speakers and an ensuing lively dialogue.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_STRIVE_Program*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_STRIVE_Program>

*VLANJ Tech Talks*- 4th Wednesday of each month at 7pm

VLANJ Tech Talks a monthly online topic-based evening event. Presented by
VLANJ instructors or guest speakers on various topics, which include
accessible technologies, helpful apps, etc.

*Register here: **https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Tech_Talks*
<https://bit.ly/VLANJ_Tech_Talks>

*Vision Loss Alliance of NJ Live Programs*

*Better Health and Wellness Programs**- Denville Location*

*Mondays or Thursdays (September 13th, 2021- December 16th, 2021)*

This unique program is designed to provide adults a holistic approach to
the adjustment to vision loss. Participants are given the opportunity to
explore classes such as Horticultural Therapy, Djembe Drumming, Yoga, and
the Artist Studio to mention only a few.  Combining therapeutic courses
with opportunities to meet others who are facing similar challenges helps
our participants achieve a higher quality of life and personal
independence, free of the isolation that comes with vision loss.

*Better Health and Wellness Program**- Ridgewood off-site Location,
Monday’s (September 13th, 2021- December 16th, 2021)*

The Better Health and Wellness Programs will now be more accessible to
adults with vision loss; the Vision Loss Alliance of NJ will be providing
community-based programs. These programs will provide Yoga, Healing through
Drumming, Fitness, Tai Chi and Healing Rhythms, giving the participants a
chance to focus on overall health and wellbeing.

*iPad/ iPhone Training, Technology Program*

*Denville Location, Tuesday’s- 12 Week Session**

*(September 14th-December 14th, 2021)*

This weekly program teaches participants how to use the Apple’s iPhone
and/or iPad in a small group class setting.  Instruction includes the
accessibility features such as voiceover and Zoom. The Fundamentals are
taught to beginners and students can move into intermediate and advanced
levels as well. The basic functions of the devices such as email, internet,
and texting will be taught as well as apps for daily living for
organizational skills.

*Learning Lab, Computer Desk Top Training*

*Denville Location, Wednesday’s-12 Week Session**

*(September 15th- December 15th, 2021)*

This weekly program teaches participants how to use Freedom Scientific’s
screen reading software program, FUSION, which combines features of
ZoomText and JAWS to access a Windows PC.  Classes are taught in small
groups. Pre-requisite skills: must have typing skills to join this program.

*For more information on course offerings, registration information,
program fees, and transportation options contact Linda Groszew, Program
Director at (973) 627-0055 ext. 1312.*

-- 

Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
Email: president at nfbnj.org
*Website: **www.nfbnj.org* <http://www.nfbnj.org/>
*Facebook: **https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238*
<https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238>
*Twitter: **@NFBNewJersey* <https://twitter.com/nfbnewjersey>
*YouTube: **NFBNJTransformDreams*
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg>

*Live the life you want.*
*The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is a community of
members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s
blind. Everyday we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.*
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