2013 Low Vision Expo

NVoT participated in helping out at the Low Vision Expo in Santa Cruz (Louden Nelson Community Center) to explain to visually impaired clients about the newest technology and medical developments available to blind people. Guest speakers included Dr. Alok Bansal, M.D., as well as Damian Pickering and Ed Wikdall, who presented new treatments for diseases such as ARMD and diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, attendees were able to browse through an expo hall featuring local companies, shops, and individuals selling products specially geared towards aiding the visually impaired in their daily life, including magnifying computers, canes, phones, pill containers, etc. Exhibitors included A&E Low Vision, Access Ingenuity, HumanWare, and Vista Center stores.

2013 Exploratorium Museum Visit

NVoT volunteers took a trip to the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco with Vista Center's youth group, including blind and visually impaired members. The youth had a chance to explore and experience the creative aspects of science, and shared a lunch with NVoT and Vista Center, who coordinated the event. 

2013 New Visions of Tomorrow Fundraising Luncheon

New Visions of Tomorrow's luncheon had a large turnout; thank you to everyone who came! Special appreciation goes to our guest speakers, Paul Raskin from Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as Roy Kong, as the TYDP Advisor and UCAHP General Secretary. 

2013 Stanford vs. San Jose State Football Fundraiser

New Visions of Tomorrow participated in Stanford concessions stands during the home game against San Jose State. Volunteers were in charge of preparing and selling food and drinks (Vienna Hot Dog and Be Well food stands) to the audience, with all proceeds going to our organization. Our successful fundraising will support nonprofits for the visually impaired, as well as our future activities in coordinating and hosting future volunteer events.

2013 Guide Dogs for the Blind

New Visions of Tomorrow's volunteers worked with Vista Center to bring along youth individuals to Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. This organization is the largest instruction and training site for dog aids for the blind, and has graduated thousands of canines who ave proceeded to successfully assist the visually impaired.   

Children were greeted by the managing and outreach coordinators of Guide Dogs for the Blind, who presented us with the process of acquiring a guide dog. Kids were then able to walk through a training simulation typically given for prospective guide dog users enrolled within the GDB program. In addition, families who had come along received answers to their questions about the guide dog lifestyle. Many are now considering transitioning from cane users to guide dog users. 

Afterwards, they attended a guide dog graduation ceremony, where several legally blind individuals received their new guide dog. Puppy raisers who had provided a home for the dogs during their first year of living passed on the canines on to their users, many of which had journeyed from several states across the US to receive their guide. 

2013 Sense-ation Science Camp

New Visions of Tomorrow served as volunteers at Sense-ational Science, where students, volunteers, and organizers all had a blast at the event. The camp was hosted by Dr. Maria Dulay, with K.I.D.S (501(c)3 nonprofit) and NASA-Johnson Space Center as sponsors. Their motto, "Science is for Everyone", was truly apparent through the many workshops set up, with stations such as smelly balloons and felt-pressing to draw kids further into the science behind it all. Special guest Simon from the NASA-Johnson Space Center provided a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the youngsters, bringing many samples of meteorites from the moon and Mars along with him. 

Copies of highly-recommended books from the National Braille Press were also displayed at the event, includingTouch the Stars by Noreen Grice, which featured images of constellations and other astronomical bodies that were able to be examined by touch. A big thank you to all the sponsors and other volunteers whose hard work and planning helped make the event a success. 

The San Jose Mercury News provided media coverage for the event. Check out their pictures and descriptions here! 

ssjm0429science

Daniel Yao,11, participates in hear it / see it experiment; acid-base, endothermic reaction with baking soda and vinegar during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Daniel Yao,11, participates in hear it / see it experiment; acid-base, endothermic reaction with baking soda and vinegar during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Participant Ethan Fung,11, on left, with High School volunteer Thomas Luh,17, center, helps Abigail Moreno, 12, on left, with touch it, cornstarch and water experiment during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Participant Ethan Fung,11, on left, with High School volunteer Thomas Luh,17, center, helps Abigail Moreno, 12, on left, with touch it, cornstarch and water experiment during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Gina Kim,6, participates in the smelly balloons, diffusion of molecules through ballon membrane, during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Gina Kim,6, participates in the smelly balloons, diffusion of molecules through ballon membrane, during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

PHD student from UC Davis, Henry Hoby Wedler,25, on front left with Dr. Maria T. Dulay, on front right, give instructions during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

PHD student from UC Davis, Henry Hoby Wedler,25, on front left with Dr. Maria T. Dulay, on front right, give instructions during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

NASA Senior Planetary Scientist Simon Clemett hold the Apollo sample brought for viewing, touching during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

NASA Senior Planetary Scientist Simon Clemett hold the Apollo sample brought for viewing, touching during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

High School volunteer Thomas Luh,17,on left, Ashutosh Pai,14, Isaias Sanchez,13, with dad Jose Sanchez, on right look at meteorite rocks brought by NASA Senior Planetary Scientist Simon Clemett, not in picture, for viewing/touch during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

High School volunteer Thomas Luh,17,on left, Ashutosh Pai,14, Isaias Sanchez,13, with dad Jose Sanchez, on right look at meteorite rocks brought by NASA Senior Planetary Scientist Simon Clemett, not in picture, for viewing/touch during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Julian Sahlin,6 1/2, writes down what he smells as he participates in the smelly balloons, diffusion of molecules through ballon membrane, during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Julian Sahlin,6 1/2, writes down what he smells as he participates in the smelly balloons, diffusion of molecules through ballon membrane, during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Participates gather in groups to get started experiment smelly balloons, diffusion of molecules through ballon membrane, during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

ssjm0429science

Participates gather in groups to get started experiment smelly balloons, diffusion of molecules through ballon membrane, during the " SENSE-ational SCIENCE ", workshop by Dr. Maria T. Dulay, an afternoon exploring science with scientist through demonstrations and experiments that rely on your senses of hearing, smell, touch and taste. At Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

2013 Movie Trip: Audio Experience

Families and members of the Vista Center Youth community gathered once again this fine afternoon to see The Croods, in audio edition! Volunteers from New Visions of Tomorrow performed tasks such as assisting younger children in setting up headsets correctly and tuning into the channel of the film we were seeing. The narrated descriptions began streaming in while movie trailers were playing prior to the featured movie. Once the main attraction began to play, many experienced for the first time in their lives a full audio description of the activities taking place on the big screen. For those who had less severe visual impairment, they were able to view the graphics and listen at the same time, providing a great all-around experience at the theater. Afterwards, we dined at the Spaghetti Factory for a late, filling lunch. New Visions of Tomorrow was able to meet many new faces, as well as some familiar ones, and talk to others about our plans and take suggestions for future events.

2013 Guidance Lesson Trip

New Visions of Tomorrow volunteers had the opportunity to experience a guidance lesson trip with Manny, a high school student suffering from post-birth visual impairment. Paul Raskin, staff member and teacher at Vista Center, traveled with us throughout various sections of the Bay Area during the day-long trip. At the Cal-train station in San Antonio, Manny learned of the various functions available to him while purchasing tickets and boarding the train. After an hour's ride, we arrived at a small downtown center at San Mateo and stopped by the nearby Century Cinemas to watch a movie (with audio versions available). 

As we walked from the theater to a local burger joint for a late-afternoon snack, Manny was also informed of the signals indicating the correct time to cross streets, as well as other miscellaneous tips. The day concluded at our arrival back in Mountain View, with Manny more skilled in areas that he had not had a chance to practice in the past.

2012 Holiday Party

This year's holiday party, with mostly Vista Center participants, was attended by around 50 guests. For some of them, the drive to the First Presbyterian Church had been four or five hours (Vista Center has many branches and members from all over northern and central California)! The karaoke, balloon, and tattoo stations were all present, and were complemented with more board games and many art activities. Twister was a hit with the younger kids!

2012 Winter Skating Event

It is the return of the winter skating party, once again hosted by Vista Center this year! Even more participants arrived in front of Winter Lodge this evening in comparison to last year--the count must have tipped over 50 people. The cold wasn't able to deter everyone from exercising and having fun skating; the second rink typically kept closed was opened for us to enjoy after staff saw our excitement. 

Many new faces were present at the event, and New Visions of Tomorrow spoke with some parents and adults planning to organize events benefiting the visually impaired. It was a great opportunity to spread the word and hear of more events where our help would be greatly appreciated in the future.

2011 Holiday Party

With Christmas and New Year's right around the corner, this was the perfect time for a get-together with Vista Center members. Many people were familiar faces from the winter skating event during the past week, and the gathering had a very homely feel. In fact, several college graduates who were originally part of the Youth Group had come back to visit as well! 

Local restaurants and donations covered the catering to the party, which was hosted at the First Presbyterian Church in Mountain View. Afterwards, many games were set up for the younger kids to have fun at; balloon experts and tattoo artists were hired to bring some color into the picture as well. Many of the older students enjoyed a karaoke station, singing classics both individually and in large groups. Everyone left warm and full during the rainy season of the year.

2011 Winter Skating Event

We participated at the annual ice skating party hosted by the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Winter Lodge in Palo Alto was packed, with nearly 30 families present! The Youth Group kids had tons of fun, and many stepped on the ice for the first time in their lives. NVOT members were among those who guided inexperienced skaters on the ice in addition to helping to serve dinner, lace skates, and other miscellaneous activities. 

After pizza, drinks, and desserts were served several hours into the event, we ended on a happy note with artificial snow drifting over the children.