News & Press Archives (formerly What's New)
Vista Center in the News
More news about the Santa Cruz office and technology, in the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Read more...)
And in the San Jose Mercury News Wishbook : "Longtime teacher aids blind people in using latest technology" (Read more...)
Vista Center in Santa Cruz Has Moved
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Santa Cruz is thrilled to announce that we have moved to 3315 Mission Drive, Suite B, Santa Cruz 95065 (Photos)
Assistive Training at Vista Center, A Path to Independence
Do you struggle with using your smartphone? Is it difficult to read print? Have you heard the term assistive technology and don’t know what it is and how it can help you? (Read more...)
New In-service Program
Is your staff prepared and knowledgeable about how to best provide care and service to individuals who are blind or have low vision? (read more…)
News from The Health Library
Stem cell secretions may protect against glaucoma (Read more...)
Vista Center youths enjoy a backstage tour of Cavalio Show
20 young Vista Center clients were treated to a one-time backstage tour of CAVALIO’S Odysseo (San Francisco Chronicle article and video on vimeo). Also, Odesseo Musicians performing for Vista Center students https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UOLiEnX01A
2015 Holiday Ice Skating Party photos
Young mother describes services received
Vista Center client and young mother who has had a progressive eye disease for many years. Her heartwarming story will help you more fully understand and appreciate the life-changing services offered by Vista Center (read more...)
91 year-old inventor and Vista Center Client in the News
(read more...)Access Technology Lab Day
Are you wondering what types of access technology
are available for individuals who have low vision or
are blind? (read more...)
Successful Gene Therapy for Blindness
By delivering gene therapies to patients before they go blind, doctors may be able to prevent the loss of many important light-detecting cells. MIT Technology Review (read more)
Young client’s uplifting story appears in Mercury News
An inspirational Wish Book story (read more)
Happy 100th Birthday
Long-time client reaches an impressive milestone (read more)
News from the Store
Large print calendars have arrived. (read more)
Former Vista Center Student debuts play, interviewed on NPR
Health Library News
Potential Topical Treatment for Macular Degeneration (read more...)
New! "Teens Together" transition group
Informal group for teens that are blind or visually impaired between the ages of 12 and 20 years (read more...)Short article on provisions for hearing 'silent' cars. Europe is leading the way...
http://www.neurope.eu/article/blind-people-soon-able-hear-silent-cars
New York Times article on approval of "artificial retina" ....
Vista Center Client in the News
A photo by Aspen Pollock, 'I am blind but I can see,' won first place for ages 12 and 13 at the 4-H contest. (Read more...)
Vista Center Youth Group on TV
Watch our youth and staff in action on the San Francisco Bay. (Read more...)
New Vista Center Android app for instructional videos
Exciting News about Script Talk
Accessible prescription label program now free for blind Americans. Read more...
Disability Rights CA Recording
Disability Rights California Advocate visits working age support group to talk about employment and benefits. Read more...
Portable Video Magnifiers at The Store at Vista Center
Do you have trouble reading the print on labels, prescriptions, menus, bus schedules, bills, price tags, grocery store prices, and so much more? The Store at Vista Center in Palo Alto is now selling Pocket and Portable Video Magnifiers. Their lightweight design makes them the perfect companion either at home or while you are traveling.
More new items:
- Pen Friend Voice Audio Labeler System (brief Youtube tutorial)
- iBill Talking Banknote Money Identifier (brief Youtube tutorial)
To learn more about Portable Video magnifiers and other products please visit The Store
Vista Center’s Volunteer Program is new and we are waiting for you!
Read more and make a meaningful difference in the life of someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Press Archive
Vista Center Moves Into New Location in Heart of Silicon Valley
(Palo Alto, CA) – The newly constructed mixed-use development near the corner of California Avenue and El Camino Real is the new home to Vista Center, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the visually impaired whose services are utilized by hundreds of local residents.
The 6,500 square foot space was custom designed to fit the center’s programs. The new space, which boasts a larger store area, an indoor courtyard and a large conference and training room, will help the center’s 31 employees - many of whom are visually impaired themselves - serve clients that would otherwise not have access to these services.
“This is a dream come true. With the increasing rents and high demand, we didn’t know if we would be able to stay in this community,” said Pam Brandin, executive director of Vista Center. “We are so grateful to Stanford and Related California for making this location available to us so we can continue to provide critical services for our clients. It is really miraculous!”
“We’re very pleased that in addition to providing 70 units of affordable housing for the community, Mayfield Place will be home to Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired,” said Tiffany Griego, managing director of asset management for Stanford University, which owns and manages the Stanford Research Park where the project is located. “Vista Center is one of Palo Alto’s oldest nonprofit organizations and provides essential services for people in our community. It is the perfect anchor tenant for this building, and we are delighted that the completion of Mayfield Place allows it to continue to be headquartered in Palo Alto.”
Vista Center is the only provider in its four county service area with a full range of specialized rehabilitation services for blind and visually impaired adults and children. The El Camino Real location provides proximity to public transportation and local resources, ensuring that the services will be accessible to everyone.
Vista Center is planning an Open House for community residents this summer.
Past Press
Vista Center Clients in the News
Nick Helms, a junior at Pioneer High School and a Vista Center student client, was recently featured in a front page article in the Almaden Times. Nick is studying radio broadcasting and serves as co-host of "Nick and Matt at Midday" on the high school station, KMTG. Way to go, Nick!
Nick Helms article, Almaden Times
Nick also appears in a feature documentary, “Do you Dream in Color?” that follows the lives and dreams of blind teenagers while exploring social issues important to the blind community. http://vimeo.com/15746197
Wish Book, San Jose Mercury News