Volunteer LA
Braille Institute of America, Inc. (Los Angeles Center)
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Library Outreach Assistant Volunteer in Braille institute’s unique library sorting the book collection, shelving, and preparing audio book cartridges to be mailed to blind and visually impaired library patrons.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What To Expect:
Greet and assist students/library patrons as needed
Assist with various clerical duties (e.g., contact patrons via telephone, basic check-ins, which may include checking on lapsed or inactive library user accounts for deletion)
Participate in outreach email campaigns, assisting with drafting emails, letters, and marketing teases aimed at various constituents, organizations, and stakeholders (depending on experience)
Perform other duties as assigned. Duties or tasks may change
Assist Library Outreach Manager as needed
What’s Required:
Good verbal and written communication skills
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, internet searching, and willingness to learn library database
Bilingual, Spanish/English a plus
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Phone Calling, Project-based
On-site
Anytime
Beginning Sewing Instructor (Assistant) Passionate and experienced sewing instructor for Winter 2025 term at Braille Institute. Instructor to deliver engaging and informative sewing classes to sewists of all levels.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
What to Expect:
Deliver engaging and informative sewing classes to sewists of all levels
Teach range of sewing techniques
Guide students through lessons
What’s Required:
Ideal candidate will be energetic, excited about teaching sewing and have passion for sharing with others
Interest in working with/learning about the vision loss community
Comfortable working with students of different ages and skill levels
Strong soft skills including friendly communication
Create a safe and supportive learning environment for students
Excellent attendance and ability to be on time
Ongoing
55+, Adults
On-site
Weekdays
Access Technology Support/Greeter Braille Institute’s needs volunteers to help create a welcoming experience for blind and visually impaired students seeking assistive technology.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
What to Expect:
Prepare classroom for students
Upkeep equipment (e.g. clean, store, and assure proper functioning of devices)
Greet and assist students as needed
Perform other duties as assigned. Duties or tasks may change
What’s Required:
Availability for 2-3 hours per week (or more) any day(s) during Monday through Friday (Wednesdays preferred) between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Experience with problem-solving in how technology can support individual’s needs
Ability to demonstrate Assistive Technology tools (e.g. screen readers, optical character recognition, and magnifiers
Experience in an in-person, virtual, and offsite teaching environment
Familiarity with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android platforms
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Tech Support, Indoor, Project-based
On-site
Weekdays
Student Concierge at Connection Pointe Volunteer as a Student Concierge to support students at Braille Institute’s Connection Pointe in Los Angeles.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Contact individuals to set up appointments for tech support using booking software (training provided)
Conduct surveys to assess student need
Build and maintain relationships with students
Set up assistive-technology support for students
Provide administrative assistance within department as needed
What’s Required:
Good verbal and written communication skills
Professional phone etiquette
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft 365
Familiarity with Mac OS X, iOS, and Android platforms helpful but not required
Available at least 1 day (M-Fri): M: 8:30am-12:30pm or 12-2pm; T: 8:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4pm; W & Th: 8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-4:30pm; F: 9am-12pm
Experience with the blind and low-vision community helpful but not required
Ongoing
55+, Adults
On-site
Weekdays
Karate Class Assistant Help a student embrace the challenge of sight loss and live well in Karate classes, designed to help blind and visually impaired students develop agility, strength, and speed, improving muscle tone and endurance.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist students in executing exercises performed by instructor
Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
Set up mats for class
Clean and store mats
Assist instructor as needed
What’s Required:
No Karate experience needed
Ideal candidate will be energetic
Create a safe and supportive learning environment for students
Ability to lift up to 25lbs
Availability on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
*Volunteers can work one or both shifts
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Other, Indoor
On-site
Weekdays
Art Classroom Assistant Assist blind and visually impaired students create projects in one of our popular art classes: Basketry, Ceramics, Mosaic, Print Making, or Paper Mache. Classes meet once a week for two hours. No experience working with visually impaired is necessary. Training will be provided.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist students in art methodology and projects performed by instructor
Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
Maintain a safe and professional environment, assessing classroom and student surroundings for possible safety concerns
Training will be provided
What’s Required:
Availability weekdays 10:00AM – 12:00PM OR Wednesdays 1:00-3:00PM
Ability to follow instructor’s directions
Sensitivity to students’ individual variables
Must preserve students’ right to privacy and personal space by requesting students’ permission to assist in executing specific movements and tasks
Mastering technical skills is not required
Bilingual, Spanish/English (desired but not required)
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Other, Indoor, Project-based
On-site
Weekdays
Exercise/Sensory Awareness Classroom Assistant Help a student embrace the challenge of sight loss and live well in Sensory Awareness and Exercise classes, designed to help blind and visually impaired students fine tune their remaining senses through a series of lessons and exercises.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist students in executing exercises performed by instructor
Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
Promptly communicate students’ individual performance results to instructor for the purpose of retraining or reinforcement applications
Maintain a safe and professional environment, assessing classroom and student surroundings for possible safety concerns
Training will be provided
What’s Required:
Availability Mondays 10:00AM – 12:00PM OR Wednesdays 1:00-2:00PM
Must follow instructor’s directions
Sensitivity to students’ individual variables
Must preserve students’ right to privacy and personal space by requesting students’ permission to assist in executing specific movements and tasks
Mastering technical skills is not required
Bilingual, Spanish/English (desired but not required)
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Other, Indoor
On-site
Weekdays
Volunteer Greeters at Braille Institute Volunteer Greeters at Braille Institute welcome and assist visitors in a friendly and professional manner.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist visitors as needed
Answer general questions about programs and services
Assist visitors with verbal directions and/or escort clients when needed
Assist with simple tasks in the cafeteria in the mornings and at lunch
Identify safety issues for staff to address
Assist departments with light clerical duties as needed
Training and orientation provided
What’s Required:
No experience with the blind and vision community is necessary
Ability to communicate professionally
Available at least 2-3 hours per week, more hours available (per week)
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Phone Calling, Project-based
On-site
Anytime
Braille Challenge Braille Challenge is a national braille reading and writing competition for students in first through twelfth grades in the United States and Canada. The program encourages and rewards braille literacy, and a large number of volunteers are required. While digital tools are helpful, braille is the gold standard and critically important for academic achievement in language, math and science. Braille literacy is the equivalent to print literacy in the barriers it breaks and the Braille Challenge competition motivates and encourages students to practice these skills. To learn more about volunteering for the annual Braille Challenge events, contact us.
One-time, Occasional
55+, Adults
Individuals, Groups (2-10), Groups (10+), Corporate Teams
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Library Outreach Assistant Volunteer in Braille institute’s unique library sorting the book collection, shelving, and preparing audio book cartridges to be mailed to blind and visually impaired library patrons.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What To Expect:
Greet and assist students/library patrons as needed
Assist with various clerical duties (e.g., contact patrons via telephone, basic check-ins, which may include checking on lapsed or inactive library user accounts for deletion)
Participate in outreach email campaigns, assisting with drafting emails, letters, and marketing teases aimed at various constituents, organizations, and stakeholders (depending on experience)
Perform other duties as assigned. Duties or tasks may change
Assist Library Outreach Manager as needed
What’s Required:
Good verbal and written communication skills
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, internet searching, and willingness to learn library database
Bilingual, Spanish/English a plus
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Phone Calling, Project-based
On-site
Anytime
Beginning Sewing Instructor (Assistant) Passionate and experienced sewing instructor for Winter 2025 term at Braille Institute. Instructor to deliver engaging and informative sewing classes to sewists of all levels.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
What to Expect:
Deliver engaging and informative sewing classes to sewists of all levels
Teach range of sewing techniques
Guide students through lessons
What’s Required:
Ideal candidate will be energetic, excited about teaching sewing and have passion for sharing with others
Interest in working with/learning about the vision loss community
Comfortable working with students of different ages and skill levels
Strong soft skills including friendly communication
Create a safe and supportive learning environment for students
Excellent attendance and ability to be on time
Ongoing
55+, Adults
On-site
Weekdays
Access Technology Support/Greeter Braille Institute’s needs volunteers to help create a welcoming experience for blind and visually impaired students seeking assistive technology.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
What to Expect:
Prepare classroom for students
Upkeep equipment (e.g. clean, store, and assure proper functioning of devices)
Greet and assist students as needed
Perform other duties as assigned. Duties or tasks may change
What’s Required:
Availability for 2-3 hours per week (or more) any day(s) during Monday through Friday (Wednesdays preferred) between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Experience with problem-solving in how technology can support individual’s needs
Ability to demonstrate Assistive Technology tools (e.g. screen readers, optical character recognition, and magnifiers
Experience in an in-person, virtual, and offsite teaching environment
Familiarity with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android platforms
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Tech Support, Indoor, Project-based
On-site
Weekdays
Student Concierge at Connection Pointe Volunteer as a Student Concierge to support students at Braille Institute’s Connection Pointe in Los Angeles.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Contact individuals to set up appointments for tech support using booking software (training provided)
Conduct surveys to assess student need
Build and maintain relationships with students
Set up assistive-technology support for students
Provide administrative assistance within department as needed
What’s Required:
Good verbal and written communication skills
Professional phone etiquette
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft 365
Familiarity with Mac OS X, iOS, and Android platforms helpful but not required
Available at least 1 day (M-Fri): M: 8:30am-12:30pm or 12-2pm; T: 8:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4pm; W & Th: 8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-4:30pm; F: 9am-12pm
Experience with the blind and low-vision community helpful but not required
Ongoing
55+, Adults
On-site
Weekdays
Karate Class Assistant Help a student embrace the challenge of sight loss and live well in Karate classes, designed to help blind and visually impaired students develop agility, strength, and speed, improving muscle tone and endurance.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist students in executing exercises performed by instructor
Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
Set up mats for class
Clean and store mats
Assist instructor as needed
What’s Required:
No Karate experience needed
Ideal candidate will be energetic
Create a safe and supportive learning environment for students
Ability to lift up to 25lbs
Availability on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
*Volunteers can work one or both shifts
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Other, Indoor
On-site
Weekdays
Art Classroom Assistant Assist blind and visually impaired students create projects in one of our popular art classes: Basketry, Ceramics, Mosaic, Print Making, or Paper Mache. Classes meet once a week for two hours. No experience working with visually impaired is necessary. Training will be provided.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist students in art methodology and projects performed by instructor
Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
Maintain a safe and professional environment, assessing classroom and student surroundings for possible safety concerns
Training will be provided
What’s Required:
Availability weekdays 10:00AM – 12:00PM OR Wednesdays 1:00-3:00PM
Ability to follow instructor’s directions
Sensitivity to students’ individual variables
Must preserve students’ right to privacy and personal space by requesting students’ permission to assist in executing specific movements and tasks
Mastering technical skills is not required
Bilingual, Spanish/English (desired but not required)
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Other, Indoor, Project-based
On-site
Weekdays
Exercise/Sensory Awareness Classroom Assistant Help a student embrace the challenge of sight loss and live well in Sensory Awareness and Exercise classes, designed to help blind and visually impaired students fine tune their remaining senses through a series of lessons and exercises.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist students in executing exercises performed by instructor
Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
Promptly communicate students’ individual performance results to instructor for the purpose of retraining or reinforcement applications
Maintain a safe and professional environment, assessing classroom and student surroundings for possible safety concerns
Training will be provided
What’s Required:
Availability Mondays 10:00AM – 12:00PM OR Wednesdays 1:00-2:00PM
Must follow instructor’s directions
Sensitivity to students’ individual variables
Must preserve students’ right to privacy and personal space by requesting students’ permission to assist in executing specific movements and tasks
Mastering technical skills is not required
Bilingual, Spanish/English (desired but not required)
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Other, Indoor
On-site
Weekdays
Volunteer Greeters at Braille Institute Volunteer Greeters at Braille Institute welcome and assist visitors in a friendly and professional manner.
Who:
Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.
Why:
Through educational training, programs, and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Braille’s educational, social, and recreational programs are provided in an environment of hope and encouragement, seeking to reinforce the confidence, self-esteem, and dignity of those who are visually impaired and enabling them to live, attend school, and work as they choose.
What to Expect:
Assist visitors as needed
Answer general questions about programs and services
Assist visitors with verbal directions and/or escort clients when needed
Assist with simple tasks in the cafeteria in the mornings and at lunch
Identify safety issues for staff to address
Assist departments with light clerical duties as needed
Training and orientation provided
What’s Required:
No experience with the blind and vision community is necessary
Ability to communicate professionally
Available at least 2-3 hours per week, more hours available (per week)
Ongoing
55+, Adults
Phone Calling, Project-based
On-site
Anytime
Braille Challenge Braille Challenge is a national braille reading and writing competition for students in first through twelfth grades in the United States and Canada. The program encourages and rewards braille literacy, and a large number of volunteers are required. While digital tools are helpful, braille is the gold standard and critically important for academic achievement in language, math and science. Braille literacy is the equivalent to print literacy in the barriers it breaks and the Braille Challenge competition motivates and encourages students to practice these skills. To learn more about volunteering for the annual Braille Challenge events, contact us.
One-time, Occasional
55+, Adults
Individuals, Groups (2-10), Groups (10+), Corporate Teams
#J-18808-Ljbffr