### Navigating Vision Loss: Resources for Support in San Diego
When I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 12, I was told I would go blind and to follow up with my ophthalmologist in a year. I was never provided with the proper resources to prepare and understand blindness, and I am writing this to help others in my area navigate with resources that have helped me or others I know. If you find this information helpful, please share it with others.
Are you or someone you know experiencing vision loss and in need of support? I’ve compiled a list of resources in our community to help navigate through this challenging time:
1. San Diego Center for the Blind
The mission of the San Diego Center for the Blind is to assist any adult with blindness or vision impairment to reach their highest level of independence. This is achieved by psychological counseling, training and rehabilitation, and community education and outreach programs.
**Services offered include:**
- Blind and visually impaired products store
- Vision loss counseling
- Vision rehabilitation courses
**Contact information:**
5922 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 583-1542
[sdcb.org](http://sdcb.org)
2. Braille Institute
The Braille Institute serves children and adults with support to eliminate barriers caused by low vision or blindness.
**Services offered include:**
- Blind and low vision products store
- Vision loss counseling
- Vision rehabilitation courses
**Contact information:**
9635 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 452-1111
[brailleinstitute.org](http://brailleinstitute.org)
3. California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Employment and educational services for the blind and visually impaired.
**Services offered include:**
- Career counseling
- Student services
- Independent living skills
**Contact information:**
- Chula Vista (South Bay): (619) 426-8720
- La Mesa (East County): (619) 667-5649
- San Diego Region: (619) 767-2100
[dor.ca.gov](http://dor.ca.gov)
4. MTS ACCESS-Paratransit
MTS Access provides direct transport for customers with disabilities in the San Diego area who are functionally unable to use the MTS fixed route bus and trolley services.
**Contact information:**
(888) 517-9627
[sdmts.com](http://sdmts.com)
5. LIFT North County Paratransit
LIFT provides direct transport for customers with disabilities in the San Diego-North County area.
**Contact information:**
(750) 726-1111
[gonctd.com](http://gonctd.com)
6. Blind Community Center
The Blind Community Center provides programs for the blind and visually impaired.
**Programs offered include:**
- Choir and self-defense classes
- Independent craft making
- Indoor and outdoor social activities
**Contact information:**
1805 Upas Street, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-5021
[bccsd.org](http://bccsd.org)
7. 211 San Diego County
211 San Diego connects people with community, health, and disaster services 24/7/365.
**Services offered include:**
- Mental health services
- Community resource information
8. Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat
Summer camp programs for youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired.
**Contact information:**
3410 Mt. Veeder Road, Napa, CA 94558
9. Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
The Challenged Athletes Foundation provides opportunities and support to youth and adults with physical challenges so they can pursue active lifestyles.
**Programs offered include:**
- Sports clinics for visually impaired athletes of all levels
**Contact information:**
[Challengedathletes.org](http://challengedathletes.org)
(858) 866-0959
10. Guide Dog Organizations
These organizations can provide a qualified person who is blind or visually impaired with a guide dog and training.
**Contact information:**
- Guide Dogs for the Blind: (800) 295-4050
- Guide Dogs of the Desert: (740) 329-6257
- Guide Dogs of America: (818) 362-5834
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or for further assistance. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate through vision loss, but remember, you’re not alone. Together, we can access the support and resources needed to thrive. Feel free to share this list with anyone who may benefit from it. Let’s spread awareness and support in our community! 🌟 Stay tuned for more resources!
❤️ Raquel
