Braille Institute Breaks Ground on New Coachella Valley Center in Rancho Mirage

The Braille Institute broke ground today on its new Coachella Valley Center in Rancho Mirage.

The groundbreaking ceremony wrapped up around 10 a.m. for the new 5,200-square-foot facility, which will expand free services for residents living with vision loss across the Coachella Valley.

The new center will serve people affected by conditions including Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Officials say the facility will offer low-vision treatment, assistive technology training, counseling, mobility instruction, and daily living classes all designed to help clients maintain independence and improve quality of life.

Leaders with the institute say the new center will become a major resource for the region, noting that more than 50,000 seniors in the Coachella Valley live with low vision and could benefit from expanded support.

Officials say the new Coachella Valley Center is expected to open in late fall.