Why Volunteer with Braille Institute

We’re changing lives. And you can help! At Braille Institute the ratio of volunteers to employees is 13 to 1. This is one important reason we’re able to serve an ever-growing number of people who are experiencing vision loss and blindness. Every year, thousands of dedicated men and women 16 years and older share their time and skills at our Southern California centers and in our communities.

Our volunteer force — affectionately called “Team Braille Institute” — allows us to offer a tremendous range of services and keep them free of charge. From welcoming guests, teaching and guiding our students, to helping us spread information about innovative advances in technology, volunteers play a vital role in our nonprofit organization and in the lives of those we serve.

Volunteer opportunities range from short-term to long-term assignments. They are offered in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, education, marketing and communications, social media, and technology, as well as research and administrative work.

Get Involved

Student

Need volunteer hours for academic credit? We have volunteer opportunities that can be coordinated around your course work or project.

A banquet room with many tables and people

Auxiliary

Auxiliaries spread awareness of Braille Institute’s centers, and programs and services. Each of our auxiliaries creates its own dynamic fundraising event.

A group of volunteers at the Braille Challenge Finals at USC

Corporate

Interested in having your team or company volunteer at Braille Institute? We have fun, engaging events like The Braille Challenge and Cane Quest which require a large number of volunteers.

Two male volunteers helping bind booklets

Transcribing

This is a vital volunteer role! Help scan, edit and input copy or directly transcribe print copy into braille text. There are not nearly enough certified transcribers to meet the need nationally.

Three staff standing in an art classroom

Internships

Are you enrolled in college or graduate school and looking to build your resume? Be an intern with us for a few months!

One woman sitting and painting and another woman stands near her

Handbook

The policies and procedures set forth in the handbook clarify the roles and expectations Braille Institute has for its volunteers. Download the Handbook (.doc).