Beyond Blind Institute: Unique Programs for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Beyond Blind Institute (BBI) is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired men and women seeking equal opportunity in today's society. Beyond Blind takes an immediate and aggressive hands-on approach to each individual's health and fitness, career and education, and emotional and social well-being. Promoting technical skills, low-vision-aid technology, and research and development of different eye diseases are also part of BBI's mission.

 Beyond Blind offers a wide range of programs that are designed to re-cultivate each individual's strengths and talents that have been left behind due to blindness. A favorite among BBI members is Brushes of Blindness, an art program that allows them to express their emotions and creativity through artistic media such as pencil, oils, acrylics, sculpture, and mixed media. Classes are taught by popular artists in the local community and members' artworks may be offered for sale to the public.

BBI also runs a fitness program called Bodies Beyond Blindness, which consists of cardio, weight training, spin cycling, and yoga classes, as well as nutritional counseling. Sightless Chef is a culinary program that teaches BBI members how to prepare nutritional meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The three-hour classes meet twice a month and are sponsored by Whole Foods Market at Downtown at the Gardens. Members can also learn how to play golf through Beyond Blind's A Blind Shot program. Held twice per month at Abacoa Golf Club, classes are taught by South Florida PGA president Warren Bottke.

Beyond Blind Institute was founded by Joyce Gugel, a leading advocate for the blind and visually impaired in America. Having been legally blind for many years, she has successfully overcome the challenges associated with her rare congenital eye disease, Stargardt's. Gugel has led Beyond Blind Institute since its inception in 2009.