Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Braille Institute

    3.7 (17 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Braille Institute Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Braille Institute

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Underground parking
    La Sandra J.

    My mom is legally blind and has been taking classes at the Braille Institute for over 10 years. I was truly amazed at all the "free" classes that the Braille Institute has to offer. Some of the classes but not limited to are; ceramics, chair aerobics, IPad and IPhone tutorial courses, computer , life skills, drama, current and past news, and journal writing. They have a cafeteria (very reasonable prices) and the food was really good They also have a store where customers who are visually impaired can find a plethora of items to purchase. Hats off to the Braille and all their donors who so generously donate their time and money to make this place run like s well oiled machine and give the visually impaired a place to do everything a sighted person does.

    Patrick P.

    A non-profit dedicated to aiding those inflicted with a loss of sight, from low vision to complete blindness. In certain cases, the institute also works with other types of disabilities. Paperwork to get enrolled was kind of a pain, but once approved, it's been fine. Braille Institute offers classes (similar to going to a community college) ranging from the obvious (learning braille, mobility courses, exercises, independent living course, computer courses, etc.) along with the more casual (singing, instrumental, art courses, sports talk). Much like a community college too, the age of students here vary from young adult to elderly. And then there's the added benefit of community, having those around you dealing with the same problem. My brother has been blind for over a year now, but only started attending this year, so I speak from a third-person perspective. He doesn't particularly enjoy coming here. Here's why... Distance. While Braille Institute has locations throughout the United States, this facility happens to be located in downtown. That's about 40 minutes drive from home. Not exactly convenient, especially for someone with my brother's temperament and particular medical situation (it's complicated). Wish there were more locations. My brother gives the impression that the courses aren't particularly interesting. Whether that's the fault of the courses offered or attended, or just his own personal bias and failure to accept his ailment (I believe it's all the above). For example, the exercise courses here are very basic, nothing like a gym setting, but more along the lines of demonstrating range of motion. The mobility course is one-on-one instruction, with an instructor that can come to your home to help get around the house and neighborhood, as well as around the Braille facility. To me and my family, our instructor Sabrina is the face of Braille; a shining example of assistance, patience, and courtesy. Facilities include underground parking, library, classrooms, cafeteria, restrooms, counselor offices, amongst others. Front desk helps you get around. Registration office helps you sign up for classes, which I believe run by semesters, but classes are repeatable and ongoing. There is a storefront within the facilities called Vistas, which you can purchase supplies like canes, kitchen utensils, talking scales and alarm clocks, writing tools, and a few games. Though if I were to rate Vistas by itself, I would give them a 3, because they don't offer services such as stringing together canes, as well as not having prices labeled on their merchandise. I wished there were more to help, but I wonder if that's the fault a visual-stimuli society not putting effort and resources to such an affliction. Sadly, budget cuts may also be a contributing factor. For example, the cafeteria was shut down 6 years ago. 6 years?! All that being said, there are volunteer opportunities here for those that'd like to be more involved. Despite the shortcomings, Braille Institute is a great resource for those willing and ready to move on with life without sight, and for that I am a fan.

    "connection pointe' business card with braille

    See all

    Photo of Ira U.
    0
    25
    11

    16 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Always love buying my canes from Braille since I've had excellent service plus staff is courteous both on and off the phone

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1
    Photo of LI L.
    0
    14
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Braille I.

    Braille I.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Patrick P.
    187
    461
    626

    15 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C K.
    0
    2
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kym S.
    499
    662
    8428

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jen E.
    401
    199
    3627

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ant R.
    0
    21
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of JG W.
    2
    482
    2389

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Braille Institute

    Review Highlights - Braille Institute

    This is such a great institution which does so many things for many people who are blind or have low vision.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Community Service/Non-Profit 9,484 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Bunny World Foundation - Fin my adopted little man

    Bunny World Foundation

    (209 reviews)

    East Hollywood

    My husband and I have been fostering two bunnies from Bunny World Foundation (BWF) for about a year…read morenow. After losing our previous bunny unexpectedly, which totally wrecked us, we found immense comfort and support through this incredible community of rabbit lovers. Lejla, Jane, and the long-time volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable about bunny care and wellness, and they truly care about every single animal. Bunnies are not "easy" pets, so having a whole community to lean on and ask questions around the clock makes the world of difference. Because of BWF, I've become a much better caretaker in providing a suitable environment, proper diet, and grooming. Fostering Popcorn and Zoe has been such a joy. It's unfortunate that people tend to overlook REWs (Ruby-Eyed Whites) because of their eyes, but Zoe is brilliant! She's a smart girl who has recently started zooming and binkying the second she hears the fridge open up until you set that nice plate of greens down. While she prefers her enclosure, if you step into her space, she'll happily demand pets and treats. Popcorn is a curious guy who explores the house every day as if it's his first time seeing it yet we can completely trust him not to chew on anything! He earned his name from the hilarious midair body shakes during his binkies, witnessing one will absolutely make your day. He is notorious for his afternoon nap flops as well. Zoe is definitely the dominant one, which means Popcorn grooms her every single day. We can always tell when Zoe tries to return the favor because she's... not great at it. Popcorn ends up looking like he just rolled out of bed! Both of them are incredibly well-behaved, used to being groomed, and will happily sit in your lap for hours during a grooming session. Hopefully Popcorn and Zoe can find their perfect forever home where they will have more space to binky and explore! If you are looking to adopt, foster, or support a rescue that truly knows and cares for rabbits, Bunny World Foundation is an amazing option.

    I adopted my bunny, Floyd, back in 2020 from a rescue somewhere within driving distance of me. I'd…read morealways wanted one and he ended up being the sweetest boy I can imagine. I truly don't think I've encountered a creature sweeter than him. It was always my intention to adopt a companion for him but I couldn't figure out the best way to go about bonding. Life happened and somehow 5 years went by where I didn't have the time or confidence to go through the bonding process myself or the finances to outsource it. Honestly... I felt guilty constantly. I knew he deserved better. Rabbits form bonds with each other that are so beyond what humans could ever imagine feeling for one another, and I wanted this for him desperately. Fast forward, May of this year came and I was done waiting. After some time spent scouring the internet, BWF came up. I emailed them, along with a few other adoption agencies, and the next day I got such a kind email back from the founder Lejla. She vocalized that she could see how much my little guy meant to me, and was so kind. We set up a phone call where I got a feel for how knowledgeable and caring she and the rest of the organization is. When she told me that they actually offer complementary bonding services, I was sold. Lejla claims to be a bunny match maker. I love the idea of that so I had no problem just buying into it, but logically I know it sounds a bit silly (and cute) saying to other people. But listen. I described Floyd's personality to her over email, and immediately she sends a picture of this adorable white nosed cinamon girl. She says something like "this is his future wife... don't ask. I'm a bunny match maker". We set up an appointment, the girl bun she sent me a picture of was brought along with some other potential partners, but in my mind I was like "hey, we might as well just try them out first." They got along immediately. If you know bunnies... you know this is NOT always the case. I think she might actually be a bunny matchmaker haha. Floyd and his cinnamon girlfriend (I named her Bambi) had their first date on a beautiful sunset evening backdrop, and afterwards they were whisked away for their honeymoon. I'm coining the phrase bunnymoon. I got them back a week later, and I can't even express the happiness this whole experience has brought me. Floyd is in LOVE. Bambi is in love. I'm in love with both of them. I get to watch how happy Bambi is here in her home, she zooms around like a puppy. I get to wake up and see them cuddling or grooming each other. Every time I look at either or both of them my heart swells. There's so many benefits from adopting from BWF, this is way longer than I meant for it to be, but seriously. This organization is so good and so caring. Bunnies are really misunderstood here in U.S. and they're spreading such important information on how they really need to be treated. They give you so many great detailed resources on veterinary care, what types of food to give, which brands are best, the list goes on. They haven't failed me a single time yet. They've only brought happiness for me, and more importantly, Floyd and Bambi. I'm really grateful for BWF.

    LA Works - L.A. Works Day!

    LA Works

    (4 reviews)

    Cypress Park

    I affirm the contents of that one other review for this. Speaking of which, organizations that do…read morereally well in doing so much good for the community should receive more of the recognition and support they deserve! :) The nonprofit is the base that hosts volunteer activities initiated by different groups all over the city. It is the hub from which various other nonprofits voice and turn the wheels of their projects. Even a recent Yelp Beach Cleanup event, associated with Heal the Bay, required volunteers to sign up first with LA Works. For MLK's Day, LA Works planned a morning at Rosemont Elementary where hundreds of people, most of them a part of their employer company (ex. Target, Home Depot, JP Morgan, Accenture), showed up to help revitalize the campus. A radio station came prepared with dancing and music to jumpstart the day. Volunteers were assigned letters and numbers, then told to report to their assigned tasks. It was all very organized and efficient. They cleaned the computer labs, classrooms, storage room and rec room. Adults and kids alike transformed drab brown walls into a playground of rainbows and sunshine. Snacks, juice and water were available throughout the event. Following, food trucks showed up, some of which were either prepaid by the organization or declined to charge. You can become a volunteer by signing up for an account - and then going through their available search options for projects you would be interested in. I like looking through their calendar for a big picture of their activities. Some projects, like anything that has to do with animals, are hot and fill up faster than others. Clicking on the individual project listing will provide a detailed description and, more importantly, the geographical location/zip code. Trust me, the easier it is to get there, the more available and willing you are to enjoy the event, maybe even on a weekly basis.

    I've volunteered twice so far through LA Works: helping paint preschool walls at the Westside…read moreChildren's Center, and Toddler Time at LA Family Housing. It was easy to sign up for both events; the respective coordinators got back to me quickly, and I had a wonderful time. You really do feel like a part of the community when you help out your fellow residents. Many people say they wish they could set aside time to volunteer, and I'd just like to tell them that it doesn't take any effort just to ask how you can help, and the rewards are neverending. I look forward to helping out with future events. Thank you again!

    Braille Institute - nonprofit - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...