DBS Events

 

See Different Presents Read Different!

Do you or someone you know love books and/or magazines but struggle to read, hold, or see traditional print comfortably? The Florida Division of Blind Services’ See Different Team presents Read Different, a virtual presentation on the benefits of joining the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library--a free lending library--and accessing its many audible and Braille resources.

Aired: Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. (EST)

This info-packed presentation included:

• The variety of books and magazines available (2.4+ million items)
  
• Demonstrations of available Library equipment for reading
  
• Smartphone apps for downloading talking books and reading
  
• Information on the annual Summer Reading Program for early readers, youth, and adults.
  
• Clarification about print disability, who qualifies, and how to sign up
  

Download the Read Different video

The video is an MP4 file. Right click on the link below and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As." You will get a file navigation box that will let you choose a location to save the video. Navigate to the location you want to save it to and select "OK" or "Save."

Download the Read Different Video

Living With Low Vision Seminar – April 30

Saturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center
9445 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33165

Join us outdoors as we kick off Older Americans Month! Try out the latest gadgets that can help people living with low vision and hear from speakers on topics related to living with visual disabilities. Light refreshments will be provided. Ages 19 years and up.

For more information and to register:
Call 305-751-8687 or email Talkingbooks@mdpls.org.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Florida Division of Blind Services is hosting a webinar highlighting Assistive Technology in the Workplace. The webinar will be held on October 21, at 11 a.m. via Microsoft Teams.

Knowing how assistive technology has changed the face of employment and enabled many to realize their full employment potential, this webinar will highlight how blind and visually impaired persons have benefited tremendously from assistive technology.

When you attend the webinar, you will:

• Learn about assistive technology and how it can increase productivity, accessibility and inclusion for employees who have visual impairments,
• Discover resources and incentives available to businesses that employ persons who are visually impaired,
• Hear firsthand of the benefits of assistive technology in the workplace from individuals that use them every day,
• See demonstrations of tactile imaging and orientation and mobility mapping.

Date: October 21, 2021
Time: 11:00 AM – 12 PM EST

Or Join by phone: (850) 583-5063 / Phone Conference ID: 898 230 697 #
For more information: Email Communications@dbs.fldoe.org.

White Cane Awareness Day Celebration

Join us on Friday, October 15 at 10 AM for this informative and educational event celebrating the independence of blind and visually impaired Floridians. To many blind and visually impaired citizens, the white cane represents independence, freedom, and the ability to fully participate in life. It has also enabled them to live their lives safely as they travel independently across Florida’s highways and roadways to work, school, and in their communities.

When: Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10 AM

Where: Turlington Bldg. (This event will also be shared via the DBS Facebook page)

Division of Blind Services Suit Up with JCPenney
Online event | October 14-17, 2021

JCPenney & Florida Division of Blind Services is hosting a Suit-Up online event for our blind and visually impaired job seekers and employed clients with career & business casual apparel. The JCPenney DBS Suit-Up is your exclusive opportunity to get professional merchandise at a steep discount,

This Fall Suit-Up will be virtual, so you save online from October 14 – 17, 2021. Text FLDBS to 67292 to receive your 30% off coupon & redeem your coupon online at JCPenny.com starting October 14. Check out the latest styles and trends here! DBS Suit Up Online Link. 

Don’t miss your chance to save money on the career & business casual clothes you need for apprenticeships, internships, interviews and jobs! The JCPenney DBS Suit-Up event is all day and online October 14 -17, 2021 to shop for career-ready Men’s/Women’s apparel & accessories and business bags/briefcases with an extra 30% off.

For more information, email Genevieve.English-Charles@dbs.fldoe.org.

The next Division of Blind Services Clients Suit Up event is scheduled for Spring 2022!  

White Cane Day! Even without sight, there is still vision!

When:
October 16, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Meeting Place:
Leroy Collins Public Library
200 W. Park Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Come help us bring awareness about what “White Cane Day” is and what it means. Let’s show off our awesome canes! Walk the block of Call and Duval Streets at the Leroy Collins Public Library and to Park Street Market from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Families are welcome! Feel free to stay and enjoy some activities at the Park Street Market. Be sure to visit our booth and remember to bring a cool drink for the walk.

Fitness Made Fun

Date: August 24, 2021
Time: 12 Noon
Host: DBS See Different Team

The Fitness Made Fun event provided information on some easy-to-do exercises, physical health tips, useful resources for persons with disabilities, and firsthand testimonies from people who put this into practice.

People who joined us:

• Learned about technology that levels the playing field for blind/visually impaired persons to stay active and get fit,
• Received information about organizations offering accessible, inclusive recreation for all and how they can get involved and benefit, 
• Heard real life accounts of how unique partnerships between blind and sighted can enhance the quality of life for both,
• Took away tips and tricks to help them stay flexible and feel confident in getting and staying fit and;
• Had the opportunity to ask questions.

Download the Fitness Made Fun video

The video is an MP4 file. Right click on the link below and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As." You will get a file navigation box that will let you choose a location to save the video. Navigate to the location you want to save it to and select "OK" or "Save."

Download the Fitness Made Fun Video

Lunch and Listen: Holiday Edition

Date: December 16, 2020
Time: 12 Noon
Host: DBS See Different Team

The DBS See Different Team is a group that creates educational and interactive opportunities to teach the public about blindness and visual impairments.

This event celebrated the many talents of our clients and staff here at DBS and brought some holiday joy to those who attended. People who joined us:

• Got to spend their lunch break listening to and watching some amazingly talented DBS staff and clients,
• Helped our judges decide the 3 winners, and
• Experienced some holiday cheer!

Download the video from the Lunch and Listen Holiday Event

The video is an MP4 file. Right click on the link below and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As." You will get a file navigation box that will let you choose a location to save the video. Navigate to the location you want to save it to and select "OK" or "Save."

Download the Lunch and Listen Video

White Cane Awareness Day Walk Along

Date: October 15, 2020
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 Noon
Host: DBS See Different Team

Download the video from the White Cane Awareness Day Walk Along

The video is an MP4 file. Right click on the link below and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As." You will get a file navigation box that will let you choose a location to save the video. Navigate to the location you want to save it to and select "OK" or "Save."

Download the White Cane Awareness Day Walk Along Video

This webinar celebrated and brought awareness to the symbol of independence that the white cane represents for blind and visually impaired individuals. The event also educated drivers and pedestrians on the laws designed to protect them and our communities. People who joined us:

• Heard testimonials from people who are blind or visually impaired and their experiences with driver safety,
• Got to walk alongside the DBS See Different Team as they showed us how to use a white cane, dog guide, and technology to travel independently, and
• Had the opportunity to be a part of a live Question and Answer session where they asked the team questions they had about the white cane law, dog guides, accessible technology, and more!

Accessible Voting 101 Webinar

Date: October 1, 2020
Time: 11 a.m. to Noon
Host: DBS See Different Team

Download the video from the Accessible Voting 101 Webinar

The video is an MP4 file. Right click on the link below and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As." You will get a file navigation box that will let you choose a location to save the video. Navigate to the location you want to save it to and select "OK" or "Save."

Download the Accessible Voting 101 Webinar Video

This event was a non-partisan webinar designed to reach blind or visually impaired potential voters with available ways to cast a private, independent, and verifiable vote. The event covered avenues those who are blind or visually impaired may employ to cast their vote. It demonstrated the use of accessible voting equipment available at the polls or the local Supervisor of Election's office, and previewed upcoming accessible Vote By Mail software.