Braille Institute breaks ground on new 5,200-square-foot Coachella Valley center

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) - A major step forward for accessibility in the Coachella Valley. The Braille Institute is opening a new facility in Rancho Mirage aimed at helping people with vision loss live more independently.

The Braille Institute broke ground Wednesday morning on a new 5,200-square-foot center located at 42525 Rancho Mirage Lane. The facility will expand free services for people living with vision loss, including glaucoma.

Leaders say demand is growing, with nearly 25% of the valley's population aged 65 and older needing resources.

"As one of the only persons in my family with vision impairment, the reaching out to Braille really broadened what is available for me and what I've learned with Braille to be able to live independently has just been a true gift," said Stella Espinosa, a volunteer and student.

The center is expected to open in November and will serve residents across the valley. Officials are emphasizing that every service offered here will be free.

The center will feature several resources, including a low vision treatment room with specialists and certified occupational therapists, a discovery lab of wide- ranging assistive technologies, a teaching kitchen, social work services and counseling, a classroom and community room, and a guide dog area.