Kaye Dewing, Marie Crain-Wyatt, Sara Coleman (one of the honored Veterans), Regent Bonnie Hayosh, Fay Bishop, Ellen Jones (Braille Inst. Program Manager)

On January 16, four members of the Luiseño Chapter drove to the Rancho Mirage Braille Institute to make a presentation of American Braille Flags to veterans who are enrolled in the programs there.

They first learned a little about the programs offered and the people who attend the institute; some are blind, some are partially blind, and some are in the process of becoming blind.  The enrollees are taught life skills, computer and other technologies, as well as participate in arts and other activities.

Next, the chapter members were taken to the recreation/lunch room where many enrollees/students were at lunch.  This was one of the few times during their day that students would all be together. After a brief introduction and explanation of why the DAR members were there, a presentation of the American Braille Flags, Braille Certificates of Appreciation, and printed certificates were presented to the veterans who were present.  The veterans were honored by everyone in the room.  Additional flags and certificates were left with the Program Manager to present to veterans who would be attending on subsequent days.

Later the four chapter members, Fay Bishop, Kaye Dewing, Regent Bonnie Hayosh, and Flag Chairman Marie Crain-Wyatt were taken on a tour of the facility by the Educational Program Manager. Seeing how unsighted people must learn to do the things we take for granted, like prepare food, tell time and express creativity, made us all appreciate the small but valued activities of life.

Submitted by: Bonnie Hayosh