Community Experience Activities

First of it's kind accessibility community introduction impacts all!

Christine the instructor sits as her students stand behind her holding their completion certificates for Red Cross CPR, AED and First Aid Training and Certification
American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider
A students places her hands at the elbows of another student who is performing chest compressions. His hands are directly beneath his shoulder and his arms extended as he does the compressions.

Our very first class with seven students, including two individuals who are blind. Certified by Red Cross Training Instructor Christine Grassman, owner of First Aid Ally.

Our mission  empowering individuals of all abilities with the knowledge and confidence to save lives.

For more information please email:

cpr@blindmuse.org

CPR, AED, and First Aid certification

 A fully accessible environment.


Engaging Our Senior Community Through Accessibility Education

At the Blind Muse Foundation, we believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding and inclusivity. Through our educational programs, we engage older adults in meaningful discussions about accessibility and vision loss—topics that can sometimes be difficult to address.

One of our key initiatives is the screening of “Do the Proper Thing! Please Ask, Do Not Assume”, a heartwarming play performed by the Vision Beyond Sight Players. This production shares Simple Tips for Comfortable Interactions when Engaging with Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals while encouraging open conversations in a supportive environment.

Our partnerships with local community centers and assisted living facilities strengthens this mission by ensuring seniors have access to essential information and education about navigating vision loss through interactive entertainment.

We invite businesses and community members to support this initiative by sponsoring promotional material, gift cards for audience engagement or contributing as refreshment sponsors.

All sponsorships are announced during the presentation with a direct thank you, in addition to being tagged on our social media about the event.  We also include your contact information in our program along with any materials you would like for us to put directly in the hands of the audience.

Your support helps us create inclusive, engaging experiences for our senior community while raising awareness about accessibility and the importance of inclusion.

If your organization would like more information on connecting and getting directly involved with the senior community through this program, please contact us at info@blindmuse.org

The Power of Early Exposure

Exposure to accessibility and inclusion at an early age is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of community among all individuals. When children are introduced to these concepts through engaging and interactive activities, it not only helps them develop an appreciation for diverse abilities but also encourages them to become advocates for inclusivity as they grow. The Blind Muse Foundation believes in the power of early exposure, which is why we work with local communities to create fun, meaningful projects that spark curiosity and awareness. Through these activities, we build stronger, more connected communities where everyone is valued and included, creating a ripple effect of understanding and inclusion that benefits society as a whole.

Impact through Education: ‘Who’s Who in the Poetry Zoo’

One of our premier projects is Who’s Who in the Poetry Zoo, a children’s book developed by the Blind Muse Foundation now available on Amazon, based on the poetry of Anna Sheinberg, Author, Educator. The book’s animal characters come to life through professionally voiced videos on YouTube, with all voice talent performed by blind actors.

      Bringing Inclusion to the Classroom
We are engaging with local public schools to create a unique learning experience based on Who’s Who in the Poetry Zoo. Students will have the opportunity to describe the characters from the book as part of a fun, interactive competition between classrooms.

                 Introducing accessibility

Students will participate in virtual classroom sessions with The Blind Muse Foundation. These sessions will give them a chance to interact with real-life creators, learning about the value of inclusion through storytelling and poetry.

   Classroom Competitions and Giveaways
Fun and games giveaway of prizes, including character swag and other exciting giveaways. The winning classroom will also receive special recognition for their contributions to this first-of-its-kind, fully inclusive educational project.

Discover Yourself Through Origami


Discover yourself through blind origami, an innovative program by the Blind Muse Foundation which bridges the gap between sighted and blind communities through engaging educational experiences. 

Originating from Japan and China, Origami is the art of sculpting intricate shapes from a single sheet of paper, both in two and three dimensions. 

Led by our Community Craft Coordinator Kaila Allen, participants embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and empathy as they craft art while blindfolded. 

Multiple shapes and colors of paper folded into origami objects. An elephant, a duck, a plane, a butterfly and more

This transformative hour-long session, preceded by a brief 15-minute setup, promises a multitude of benefits including:


Acquiring a new skill
Cultivating mindfulness
Enhancing listening skills
Fostering trust and accomplishment
Direct interaction education with a blind individual. 

Beyond the immediate experience lies a deeper impact—a unique opportunity to temporarily navigate the world without sight, fostering understanding and empathy for the blind and visually impaired community. 

Join us for this unparalleled virtual experience, designed to leave a lasting impression and inspire positive change.

Enhance Communication by Exploring Alternative Text and Audio Description

The text Overlooked. Above a film strip with various images. Below a film strip with varius images

 

Designed for 8th grade and above, this community activity offers a comprehensive introduction to alternative text and audio description, essential components of inclusive communication. Led by the Blind Muse Foundation, participants will gain valuable insights into accessibility while earning up to 3 community service hours in disability assistance, awareness  and education upon completion.

Experience Overview: Two Hours Zoom/In Person

                                                                        Introduction to the Blind Muse Foundation and Community Experience Advisor

  • Participants will be acquainted with the mission and vision of the Blind Muse Foundation, alongside guidance from our Community Experience Advisor.

                                                                                                               Understanding Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Delve into the fundamentals of alternative text and audio description, exploring their significance in fostering inclusivity. Through interactive discussions, participants will grasp the importance of accommodating diverse needs in communication.

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                         Practical Application: The Outsiders

  • Utilizing examples from “The Outsiders,” participants will embark on a creative journey to envision the digital presence of characters from the novel. Through engaging exercises, students will enhance their understanding of plot dynamics and character traits.
In a classroom, a teacher stands in front next to a white board. A student has his hand raised.

Participants select a character from

“The Outsiders”

Envision their digital persona, including the apps on their phone’s homepage. Through creative illustration and discussion, students explore the character’s traits and preferences. 

Creating alternative text to describe their illustrations, and audio descriptions for video.

                                                                                                                     Benefits of Participation

  • Creating Community
  • Gain insight into accessibility and inclusion
  • Enhance creativity and critical thinking skills
  • Earn community service hours in disability education
  • Foster empathy and understanding through character exploration

                         

                              Join us in this immersive journey toward accessibility and inclusion. Together, we can create a more inclusive world for all.