Blindfold Summer 2020 - COVID-19 Response and Assistive Technology

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Patrick

Summer 2020 issue of Blindfold for The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County, detailing COVID-19 response actions for resumed in-office operations. Describes safety protocols including distancing, disinfecting routines, staff wellness monitoring, limited hours, and Zoom-based support groups, plus cancellation of braille and ceramic classes. Includes guidance on community outreach, contact information, leadership messages, the Center mission, and an assistive technology overview featuring a large button talking clock and product spotlight on BuzzClip obstacle detection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Response to COVID-19

Braille and Ceramic Classes

Peer Support Group

Community Outreach

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Large Button Talking Clock

Product Showcase: BuzzClip from iMerciv, Inc.

| BLINDFOLD | | --- | | 225 Laurel Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950 831-649-3505 [www.blindandlowvision.org](www.blindandlowvision.org) | Summer 2020 NEWS AND ANNOUCEMENTS Response to COVID-19 The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County resumed in-office operationson Monday, July 6, 2020. Following strict State and local health guidelines, along with implementing new office protocols, we have made the following changes to our office: 1) Implemented social distancing procedures; 2) Implemented hourly and daily disinfectant procedures; 3) Implemented a staff wellness plan, including daily temperature checks; 4) Implemented bi-monthly support groups via Zoom; 5) Limited office hours and client/staff interactions. Braille and Ceramic Classes In compliance with State and local Shelter-inPlace Orders, braille and ceramic classes are cancelled until further notice. Peer Support Group In response to COVID-19, The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County resumed bi-monthly support groups via Zoom in April 2020. The support group is peer led and meets every other Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. For more information, including Zoom access, contact Steven Macias, Executive Director at 831-649-3505. Community Outreach Community Outreach is a growing service offered by The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County. We provide low vision training to service providers, attend health fairs, and present information sessions at senior living communities and in the wider community. To submit event invites in 2021, contact Steven Macias, Executive Director at 831-649-3505. Contact Us The Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County, Inc. Address: 225 Laurel Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950 Telephone: 831-649-3505 Toll-Free: 1-800-404-3505 (in Monterey County) Fax: 831-649-4057 [Email: vision@blindandlowvision.org](Email: vision@blindandlowvision.org) [Website: ](Website: www.blindandlowvision.org)[www.blindandlowvision.org](Website: www.blindandlowvision.org) A MESSAGE FROM TOM GARDNER, BOARD PRESIDENT | As the year of COVID-19 continues to impact everyone’s lives, we must all do what we can to stay healthy, safe, and focused on what is important by implementing ways to accomplish this goal.
The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County has been in a neutral place since the Shelter-in-Place Orders took effect, but plans have been put into place to allow the Center to open its doors and continue to serve our clients.
I am looking forward to working with Steven Macias, our new Executive Director, the great staff and the Board of Directors to move forward with our goals of finding new board members, expanding fundraising efforts, and raising awareness of what The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County does to improve the independence of our clients; most importantly, how we benefit the community throughout the County of Monterey.
“Those who make the worst use of their time, are the first to complain of its brevity.”
-Jean de La Bruyère
You can contact me [at 831-649-3505 or wccrud@aol.com](at 831-649-3505 or wccrud@aol.com). | | --- | | A MESSAGE FROM STEVEN MACIAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Our mission at The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County is to empower the blind and visually impaired toward independent living through educational services, support services and essential skills training. We accomplish our mission through our dedicated staff and through programs ranging from Orientation and Mobility to Assistive Technology Services and Vision Rehabilitation. We also provide the only civilian low-vision clinic in Monterey County. Growing up on the Monterey Peninsula, I have strived to give back to my community, whether through working in non-profits or working with our youth. My father, a seasoned optician recognized throughout California, has emphasized to my siblings and me the i

FAQs

Center resumed in-office operations in Summer 2020 on what date, and what were the main safety changes?

In-office operations resumed Monday, July 6, 2020. Changes included social distancing, hourly/daily disinfectant procedures, a staff wellness plan with daily temperature checks, limited hours and interactions, and additional protocols for COVID-19 safety.

Were braille and ceramic classes offered during Shelter-in-Place orders?

No. Braille and ceramic classes were cancelled until further notice in compliance with State and local Shelter-in-Place orders.

What assistive technology and mobility product is highlighted in this issue?

The issue explains a large button talking clock for time and date, and spotlights the BuzzClip from iMerciv, a wearable device that uses ultrasound to detect obstacles and alerts the user with vibrations.

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Patrick