Vista Center Client Insights – November 2026

Vista Center Client Insights — November 2026

November brings opportunities to connect, learn, and build independence at Vista Center. Our Adult Life Enrichment programs bring together adults with vision loss through welcoming activities, practical learning, and community support.

Thanksgiving closure: Vista Center offices will be closed Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27. We will reopen Monday, November 30.

Explore November Programs

Find activities, registration information, and branch contacts through our program schedules:

Tech It Out: Accessibility Solutions Through Hable One

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 10–11:30 a.m. Pacific | Online via Zoom

Join Freek van Welsenis, Co-founder and Director, to explore three accessibility tools that support everyday independence:

  • Hable One: A pocket braille controller for smart devices.
  • Stactiles: Tactile stickers for touchscreens and appliances.
  • Speechlabel: An audio-labeling system for identifying household items using voice tags.

The session is free to attend. Zoom registration is required.

View Tech It Out details and register.

Save the Date: Sight Tech Global 2026

December 8–9, 2026 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Pacific each day | Free virtual conference

Explore how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can create a more accessible world for people with vision loss. Sight Tech Global brings together technologists, researchers, founders, designers, and advocates for conversations, demonstrations, and panels.

Sessions will stream live and be available on demand afterward.

Learn more and register for Sight Tech Global.

Santa Cruz Spotlight: The People Behind Vista Center

This month, we celebrate the people who make learning, connection, and independence possible:

  • Tiffany Thomas teaches personalized Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille lessons through Braille at Your Pace.
  • Bevie Heninger supports Life Enrichment programs and peer support groups, helping clients find friendship and understanding.
  • Bob Geyer leads Orientation and Mobility walks, sharing local knowledge and encouraging independent travel.
  • Yvonne Schmidt supports the front desk, assistive technology scheduling, and outreach.
  • Neil Lein developed an accessible, 12-week internship at his company for a Vista Center intern.
  • Andrew Carlton, our intern, assists with assistive technology documentation and outreach calls.

Thank you for sharing your time, skills, and care with our community.

Explore Braille at Your Pace or learn about volunteering.

Vote at Vista Center San Jose

Our San Jose branch at 101 N. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 will serve as an official Vote Center, offering in-person voting, accessible ballot-marking devices, and ballot drop-offs.

  • October 31–November 2: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • November 3, Election Day: 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

View Vote Center information.

Community Resources and Opportunities

Free Aira assistance for BART trips: Through January 3, 2027, riders who are blind or have low vision can access free visual interpreting for BART-related travel through the Aira Explorer smartphone app. Assistance is available 24/7.

Personalized songs through Songs of Love: Request a free song for yourself or a loved one facing health or life challenges. Songs can incorporate favorite things, meaningful memories, and a preferred musical style and language.

Request a personalized song.

Stanford Accessible AI Workshop — November 6: Help shape how AI tools can support people with disabilities. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., with partial-day attendance welcome. No coding experience is needed. The opportunity includes $250 compensation, lunch, and covered Bay Area transportation for participants and their support person. Contact sfollmer@stanford.edu for details and participation information.

Inspiration: Anastasia Pagonis

This month’s inspirational spotlight features Paralympic swimming champion Anastasia Pagonis. Through her achievements in the pool and her advocacy online, she shares experiences of blindness, independence, adaptive sports, and mental health.

Stay Connected

Whether you are joining a favorite activity or trying something new, we look forward to welcoming you. Visit our program schedules above to find your next opportunity to learn, connect, and participate.