Grateful for YOU, our Blind Fitness community!This holiday season, we have every reason to be thankful for supporters like you. Blind Fitness began just 3 years ago with a small gathering of participants ready to explore the outdoors. Today we are a full-fledged non-profit with a growing community of over 600 people advocating and sharing resources with the blind and low vision community. This year we offered an impressive array of activities to our community:
And there are more ways to help! Please consider sharing your dedication to Blind Fitness this Giving Tuesday by posting a challenge on Facebook and Instagram! You may have seen others set giving goals on their birthdays, special occasions, or on Giving Tuesday. This allows us to expand our giving circle beyond our community to others who see your passion for Blind Fitness and may also choose to give and get involved! Please consider sharing our fundraiser to benefit Blind Fitness before Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024. Join us on this special day, and let's amplify our collective impact to help Blind Fitness continue to thrive and grow! May your holidays be Merry and Bright. With gratitude, Brianna Pettit Founder | Executive Director
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Listen or read original KSBY article by Juliet Lemar here: https://www.ksby.com/santa-barbara-south-coast/record-number-of-visually-impaired-athletes-race-in-santa-barbara-half-marathon Nearly 50 blind or visually impaired runners, ranging in age from 12-78, participated. This year's Santa Barbara Half Marathon attracted 6,000 runners with a record number of them being visually impaired.
"Dealing with going blind is scary. so running is a great outlet, a great way to deal with it, cope with it, and connect with people," said runner Dan Broz. Broz has slowly been losing his vision since birth. "And it just got really isolating, and then Brianna came along, made Blind Fitness and gave me direction," Broz said. Three years ago, Brianna Pettit began creating a support system for the visually impaired community in Santa Barbara. "Blind Fitness began to build because there were so many people that wanted to get outside and get fresh air and move their bodies," Pettit said. Blind Fitness has trained hundreds of guides to assist blind athletes in surfing, yoga, running, cycling, and more. "To be able to help some of these other people that are still shut in and scared to death, help them overcome their fear, try to overcome some of the stereotypes of what blind people can't do rather than what we can do," said Bob Burnham, Blind Fitness President. On Sunday, November 3, the Santa Barbara Half Marathon had 50 visually impaired athletes, ranging from 12 to 78 years old. United in Stride founder Richard Hunter says his goal is to help people be more active and combat isolation. "The relationship between the guide and the visually impaired fitness walker or jogger, they become their friends and then they're in a community, and that's super powerful," Hunter explained. And it’s not just the athletes who benefit from running with a partner. "We can all learn a tremendous amount from each other," said guide Brian Walters. Walters is paying it forward after a glaucoma diagnosis and says he’s learned a lot from his blind friends. "Just because someone is visually impaired or blind doesn't mean they can't lead a very full and fulfilling life," he said. Visit United in Stride to find a guide near you. Dear Blind Fitness Participants, Volunteers, Partners, and Sponsors, We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Santa Barbara Half Marathon & 5k this past weekend. Your participation and support played a vital role in making this event a memorable success! This year we had the honor of hosting 25 athletes who are blind or have low vision, along with over 30 guides, many of whom were guiding for the first time. Several people competed in their very first 5k or half marathon race, and we even had two people fly out all the way from Maryland to join us! A special shout out to our panelists at our community banquet: Dan Broz, Tony Duenas, Dr. Vivienne Hau, and Courtney Mazzola. Your vulnerability and heartfelt messages made a significant impact at our event. (Read more about each panelist below in their bio) We also want to recognize some exceptional contributors:
Together, we fostered an inclusive and empowering atmosphere that showcased the spirit of our community. Your kindness and enthusiasm are what drives our mission at Blind Fitness. Once again, thank you for your dedication and support. We look forward to seeing you all again at future events to continue expanding fitness and community with the blind! Blind Fitness Community Banquet Panelist BiosTony Duenas
Marco A. Duenas (Tony), age 57, lost his vision at 42-years-old due to retinal detachments. Prior to his vision loss, Tony was not very physically active, but After losing his sight, he started with boxing, then jujitsu, and CrossFit. Then, one day, a friend invited him to run and 5-months later, Tony ran his first Los Angeles Marathon. After speaking with Richard Hunter, Tony did his first Olympic distance triathlon 4-months later. Tony has gone on to complete 11 marathons (3 of which were Boston), 2 ultra marathons, 7 half Ironman distance triathlons and 3 full Ironmans. More recently, Tony began cross country skiing which he really enjoys. Tony obtained his Masters in Assistive Technology and Human Services last year, and is currently learning ASL at the Braille Institute so he can work with the blind/deaf community. Daniel Broz Daniel, 42-years-old, lives in Santa Barbara, and has been a part of blind fitness from the very beginning. Daniel was diagnosed with Choroideremia when he was 15 and was legally blind at 24-years-old. He has experience with running, hiking, yoga and the gym. Daniel is currently working on his grant writing certification. Courtney Mazzola Courtney Mazzola is a somatic psychotherapist, supporting clients in living their best lives by addressing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. She has worked with a diverse range of populations, including inmates at San Quentin, children who lost loved ones, and hospice. Blind from birth due to Labors Congenital Amaurosis, she brings a lifetime of experience working to promote personal and professional empowerment for members of the blind community. She currently lives between Santa Barbra, and Kauai,, and is inspired by inclusionism, self-growth, travel, adventure, delicious food, and having unique experiences of every kind. An accomplished equestrian, marshal artist, and sailor, her recent passions include surfing, skiing, hiking, and tandem cycling. Her latest conquest was learning to fly a plane and she is in the process of discovering what’s next. Vivienne S. Hau, MD, PhD Vivienne S. Hau, MD, PhD is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine and a Permanente Partner retina surgeon. She is the Kaiser Permanente Riverside Area Vice-Chair of Clinical Research and a co-founder and director of Kaiser Permanente’s largest ophthalmology clinical research program nationwide focusing on age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. She has been the primary investigator of over 20 phase 1, 2 and 3 prospective randomized studies that have led to 4 FDA approved treatments and includes stem cell therapy and the first gene therapy at Kaiser last year. She has also guided a handful of different visually impaired runners in over a dozen marathons including the Boston Marathon as part of Team with a Vision, Achilles International, USABA and United in Stride. One of her proudest moments was being the co-captain with Richard Hunter in leading the first visually impaired team in the Mt. Hood to Coast 200 mile overnight race. She's also the mother to a most amazing 9 y/o daughter. Together, in partnership with Anacapa School, we will be riding surrey bikes with a group of middle school students and teachers. Our Blind Fitness participants will help educate and spread awareness of the blind and low vision community. Come pedal with us!
We will be renting surrey bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals. A surrey bike is a four-wheeled quadricycle, with a two, four or six-seated covered carriage and has an open bench seat where everyone can pedal together. With two steering wheels, the surrey bike is perfect for people who are blind or have low vision to bike around and engage in physical activity while also enjoying a fun social event. This is an opportunity to get outdoors, move your body, connect with others, and help educate the public of the abilities of people with vision loss. We do not need volunteers for this event. Who: All people who are blind or have low vision. Blind and low vision participants, please RSVP by emailing at [email protected] in order for us to secure the proper amount of support and equipment. When: December 11th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Where: Meet in front of Wheel Fun Rentals located at 24 E. Mason St., Santa Barbara CA 93101 Suggested donation: $10 per participant/volunteer Agenda: 1-1:15pm: Check-in, meet & greet connection 1:15-1:45pm: Surrey bike ride along Santa Barbara waterfront towards Bird Refuge 1:45-2:15pm: Snacks & connection; human guide training 2:15-2:45pm: Bike back and return to Wheel Fun Rentals 2:45-3pm: Closing circle On Saturday, October 12th, Blind Fitness had an amazing turnout for our White Cane Day community event with over 65 attendees from across the Tri-Counties. We provided a hands-on human guide and blind sensitivity training for newcomers and learned about the history of White Cane Day from our member, Dan. White Cane Awareness Day, celebrated on October 15, honors the independence and achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired. The white cane, first used in the 1920s as a visibility tool by a blind man named James Biggs, became widely recognized as a symbol of independence. In 1964, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation establishing White Cane Safety Day, following advocacy by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The day promotes awareness of the rights and mobility of the visually impaired, and in 2011, President Barack Obama expanded its recognition as Blind Americans Equality Day. It is now observed globally through education and advocacy efforts. Afterward, our group, still gathered in a circle, joined in singing a song lead by our Board President, Bob Burnam (*lyrics below). We then ventured out on an accessibility walk, pairing up individuals for a unique and educational experience. The walk was led by two Orientation and Mobility instructors along with two participants with vision loss, who guided the group on a route through the Funk Zone, highlighting accessible and inaccessible infrastructure. For example, participants learned about truncated domes, Audible Pedestrian Signals, what makes a railroad crossing accessible, navigation apps for the blind, and how people with vision loss cross various types of intersections. We ended our walk at Jeannine’s Bakery, who donated scones to all of our participants. We collaborated with Westmont College’s engineering department to develop an accessible corn hole game for the blind. The Independent Living Resource Center put together a raffle for participants with vision loss, with prizes such as talking watches, braille items, sunglasses, and long white canes. To top off the event, we were deeply honored to be recognized by Kyle’s Kitchen as their Quarterly Partner, where they presented us with a generous check for $5,129 from the proceeds. Image Description: Volunteers and blind participants pose with a large representation of the check from our partner, Kyle's Kitchen. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for all of those that were able to attend along with volunteers from Boys Team Charity and our partners from the Independent Living Resource Center, Santa Barbara & Goleta Lions Club, UCSB Delta Gamma Sorority, Jeannine’s Bakery, and Kyle’s Kitchen.
Blind Fitness continues to demonstrate the value of training—not just for the visually impaired, but for the community as a whole—by fostering understanding and support for everyone. NATIONAL WHITE CANE DAY AWARENESS SONG *The Jack Straw Cultural Center and students in the 2016 Blind Youth Audio Project originally wrote and recorded this song in honor of this annual celebration. To listen to the original recording, click here: YouTube link VERSE: Every time I go outside, my trusty cane is by my side, As I wander to and fro, it helps me know which way to go; Whether I’m on grass or stone, I can manage on my own, Concrete, asphalt, metal, wood, I feel the difference-it’s all good: REFRAIN: Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street; Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street. VERSE: When you see someone with a cane they probably won’t need to explain, With our long white canes in hand, we always know just where we stand; There are lots of us out there, using canes on streets and stairs, Old and young we get around, making our distinctive sound: REFRAIN: Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street; Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street. VERSE: Did you know that once a year, we stop to celebrate and cheer, On White Cane Day I hope you’ll find there’s lots to learn about the blind; Join us as we celebrate and watch us as we operate, We hope this song has showed you how, there’s nothing that can stop us now: REFRAIN: Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street; Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street. Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street; Tap, sweep, sweep, tap, My cane tells me where I’m at, Sweep, tap, tap, sweep, my cane helps me on the street. Attention all walkers, joggers, and runners who are blind or have low vision: Blind Fitness is pleased to announce a partnership with the Santa Barbara Half Marathon and 5k on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024!
Together, in partnership with Wayfinder Family Services, Delta Gamma Sorority and United in Stride, we aim to recruit 30 blind and low-vision participants from California and beyond. If you choose to join us, you will certainly have the opportunity to expand your personal network and make some new amazing friends! We are planning a dinner the night before the race, so register today and get excited for a fun and meaningful community event. When: Saturday 11/2
Read the original article here: https://foreseeablefuture.org/california-nonprofit-brings-the-joy-of-surfing-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired/
Founded after the COVID-19 pandemic, Blind Fitness offers numerous recreational activities, including an annual surf clinic. When Brianna Pettit established Blind Fitness in Santa Barbara, California following the COVID-19 pandemic, her goal was to provide fitness and recreational programs accessible to the blind and low vision community and reduce the challenge of accessibility. Pettit, who previously worked as an orientation and mobility instructor, began with simple activities like beach walking and hiking. As time went on, the list has expanded to include bike riding, canoeing, yoga, and surfing. It even offers an O&M program, which Pettit oversees. In just a few short years, Blind Fitness has reached about 100 participants ranging in age from teens to seniors. Pettit has been pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of support. “This community has been incredibly welcoming to the blind and visually impaired,” said Pettit, a lifelong California native. “Any event, any sport we’ve wanted to do, we’ve made it happen. I’ve never been turned away.” After receiving a BA in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s in special education from Cal State LA, Pettit worked for the Braille Institute before launching Blind Fitness. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, she coped with the pandemic by hiking, running and going to the beach. It was while volunteering for a Para surf competition that the idea of forming Blind Fitness began to take form in her mind. “I kind of just dove off the deep end, not knowing how it was all going to work. I started just meeting people, one thing led to the next and I was building a nonprofit. I’ve had incredible support throughout the entire thing.” Beach walking, gym classes, yoga and O&M are among Blind Fitness’s most popular programs. Instructors are mostly comprised of volunteers, although Pettit has paid several to conduct gym classes. All participate in basic training geared toward teaching the blind and visually impaired, such as when to offer verbal cues or walking as a guide. An avid surfer, Pettit wanted blind individuals to experience the thrill of being on a surfboard and catching a wave. Inspired by her previous experience with the Para surf event, Pettit held a blind surf clinic in 2023. Through a partnership with Surf Happens, a local group offering lessons and camps for interested surfers, Pettit had the equipment and instructors needed to conduct the clinic. “They’re just great. They do it for a living. They have everything on the beach all summer.” Pettit first became acquainted with Foreseeable Future Foundation CEO Griffin Pinkow through Richard Hunter, a blind athlete and advocate for physical activity. After hearing about the surf clinic, Pinkow agreed to provide funding for a second one in 2024. The money covered equipment, instructor fees and transportation. The four-hour clinic took place July 27 at Santa Claus Lane Beach just south of Santa Barbara. A total of 15 blind participants donned wet suits and got on a surfboard, many for the first time. After a short orientation, instructors helped surfers get into their wetsuits. One of the instructors then led a group circle to share his background and a brief history of surfing. Participants were put into groups of five and learned the basics of getting on and off a surfboard and going from a prone paddling position to standing. Once on the water, instructors helped the surfers paddle out to the deep end one at a time. Those who waited their turn were given a play-by-play description of what was taking place on the water. “There was a lot of cheering, laughing and play. It was great.” A local lions club provided and served lunch courtesy of a local restaurant that supports people with disabilities. Some surfers chose to go back out for a second round on the water, while others chose to stay behind. Having never been on a surfboard before, Daniel Broz had no idea what to expect. The 41-year-old Broz, who is legally blind from a genetic eye condition called choroideremia, joined Blind Fitness shortly after it was established. Any trepidation he had vanished almost immediately after suiting up and getting on the board. “It was mind-blowing,” said Broz, who wasn’t able to attend the first clinic in 2023. “Everybody was so nice and welcoming, (but) not in that condescending way some people are. I absolutely fell in love with it. I want to do it again.” Bob Burnham, who serves on Blind Fitness’s board of directors, was born with glaucoma and wears prosthetics in both eyes. The 73-year-old California native had previous experience body surfing but had never been on a board. Burnham spent most of the clinic body surfing but decided to try getting on a surfboard. “One time, I wiped out and flipped off the board,” Burnham said. “But I hung onto it as I rode into shore. I was laughing; I thought it was fun. A wipeout didn’t discourage me or make me feel like I failed. I was having too much fun.” For Pettit, seeing people like Broz and Burnham eager to try something new is what makes Blind Fitness fulfilling. “It was so fun to watch people like (Dan and Bob) out there having a blast in an activity I personally find so much joy in.” I am so grateful to have been able to participate in my first Surf Clinic with Blind Fitness this year, as a bout with Covid forced me to cancel my joining our first Surf Clinic a year ago. Santa Claus Lane Beach was a great spot to host the clinic; the waves were well-formed and powerful, and the weather was a perfect, sunny day. One of the more challenging tasks for me was walking from the parking lot to the beach through a rugged and “unblind-friendly” path; it was uneven, with humps, dips, jutting rocks, and extremely narrow in places, requiring that I walk closely and directly behind my guide, and he helped me exactly and carefully where to step. A particular treacherous area was navigating the railroad crossing, stepping over the rails and either onto the ties or the dirt between them, and I am fascinated how the tracks have been constructed along this stretch so close to the ocean. If this is a popular surfing beach, I am somewhat surprised that a safer and more accessible path has not been created. That said, all the preliminaries were well-planned, and the tents were in place upon the arrival of us participants and volunteers. I was captivated by how much detail goes into preparing us to hit the water, let alone atop surf boards, and how quickly I had forgotten how SAND invades EVERYTHING! I already was aware of the challenge maneuvering my arms and legs into a wet-suit, but it’s actually a fun challenge, and I received lots of help and encouragement from volunteers on the surf team. Before we hit the water, Chris from Surf Happens gave us a talk about embracing nature, the ocean and its waves, and our bodies as we interact with water, wind, sun and sand, and I am so impressed by him, and his entire team, and how knowledgeable they are of wave formation, angles, size, shape and overall flow according to the type and size of a specific beach. They were so patient and helpful to me, and to all of us participants. When it came to my turn to hit the water and surf for the first time, I was gun-shy about climbing onto the board, and chose to lie down both times and not stand, as my balance now has lessened than in my younger days. With the movement of the water, I did not feel comfortable riding on it, either lying down, or propping myself up on my knees, it felt really awkward. The volunteers did a great job holding and guiding the surf-board, so the discomfort really was on me. I was humbled to hear that there were some stud surfers standing up on their boards, out there on the water, WAY MORE advanced than I probably will ever be. Regarding balance, I even discovered this when body-surfing, as I used to be more sure-footed walking along the sea-bottom and dodging waves when paddling out to catch another wave in. Since body-surfing is probably my favorite participatory sport, I dove into the water and waves literally head-long. I had the most fun body-surfing as I have had in probably 40 years, as the waves were bigger and more powerful, and I again got to embrace the ocean and feel its might, enjoying the ride of a wave; hearing a wave breaking directly ahead of me, then ducking under to dodge it as it rolled over me was thrilling! I felt so liberated going out onto the water again, with a new realization how powerful the ocean and its waves are. The real high-point of my day had nothing to do with surfing, body-surfing or the ocean, but the chance I got to meet and talk with Frankie for the first time. I took the opportunity to encourage him, tell him how capable he is and will be to adapt to his sight loss, and so proud I am of him for his growth and ability to adjust and regrip his life since I first met him in our Braille Institute Men’s Support Group probably more than a year ago. I look at Frankie and realize how much more he has suffered than I have, and with all the blessings and opportunities I have been given through my entire life, I am called to pass those blessings and opportunities forward as much as I can to a brother like Frankie. In summary, the surf clinic was a blast, and I’m so grateful I was healthy this year and able to attend and participate. I deeply appreciate the hard work all our volunteers put in to enable the entire surf clinic to run so smoothly,--to the Goleta/Santa Barbara Lions Clubs and Kyle’s Kitchen for providing our lunch, Surf Happens, . . and any other partners or organizations I inadvertently have omitted. Respectfully, Bob Burnham Saturday October 12, 2024Please join us for our annual Blind Fitness White Cane Awareness Day Walk on Saturday October 12, 2024. Blind Fitness celebrates White Cane Awareness Day every year to raise awareness, advocate, and educate the community about people who are blind or have low vision. This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the white cane, a symbol of independence for the blind and low vision community. This event is also an opportunity for those experiencing blindness and low vision to meet others in the blind and low vision community. Your participation helps spread our mission of empowering the blind and vision impaired to be active, while educating the public of their abilities.
The group will meet at the grassy lawn next to Skater’s Point near the intersection of Anacapa and Cabrillo St. Sighted participants will have the opportunity to learn human guide techniques, and then experience walking blindfolded with a long white cane and/or a human guide. All attendees will walk a short route to the Funk Zone to learn and experience various accessible and inaccessible features in our community. Participants will then end back at the grassy lawn by 11:30 am in time for food, music, connection, adaptive games and prizes! Suggested donation - $10 per participant/volunteer Please Register by 10/4 Details When: Saturday 10/12 from 10am-12pm. New participants/volunteers arrive at 9:30 am for a mandatory human guide blind sensitivity training What: A community walk in honor of National White Cane Awareness Day. Please wear white and red. Sighted participants will have an opportunity to experience walking blindfolded with a long white cane and/or a human guide. All attendees will walk a short route to the Funk Zone to learn and experience various accessible and inaccessible features in our community. Where: Downtown Santa Barbara Skater’s Point. We will meet on the grassy lawn on the west side of the skate park near the intersection of Anacapa and Cabrillo Blvd, across from the Santa Barbara Fishhouse located at 101 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Look for the Blind Fitness flag. Parking: Public parking lot located on the westside of the skate park. Entrance is located at the intersection of Garden St. and Cabrillo Blvd. Pay upon arrival at designated pay booths. Who: All people who are blind or have low vision, along with their family, friends, and community members. Please help spread the word! Where: Downtown Santa Barbara Skater’s Point. We will meet on the grassy lawn on the west side of the skate park near the intersection of Anacapa and Cabrillo Blvd, across from the Santa Barbara Fishhouse located at 101 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Look for the Blind Fitness flag. Parking: Public parking lot located on the westside of the skate park. Entrance is located at the intersection of Garden St. and Cabrillo Blvd. Pay upon arrival at designated pay booths. Agenda: 9:30-10 am: New volunteer/participant human guide blind sensitivity training 10-10:30 am: Welcome circle, history of White Cane Awareness Day 10:30-11:30 am: Community accessibility walk ending at Jeannine’s Bakery 11:30-12 pm: Community connection, snacks, music, adaptive games & prizes Please join Blind Fitness for our second annual Outrigger Canoe clinic in partnership with the Santa Barbara Outrigger Club. This clinic is specifically designed for people who are blind or have low vision. The clinic will be staffed by a trained and professional crew of coaches and volunteers who are passionate about getting everyone on the water to experience the joy of outrigger paddling.
When: Saturday, September 28th, 9am-11am Who: All people who are blind or have low vision What to wear: Board shorts or, for women, a bathing suit under board shorts, and a quick drying shirt. A hat and sunglasses with some sort of leash. Flip flops or water shoes. Most participants will get wet up to their knees at most. Suggested donation: $20 Location: 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara (in front of Santa Barbara Landing) Parking: Park in the main harbor parking lot on the far west end. Please avoid parking in the large yellow lined boat trailer spots. There is a fee to park in the harbor but all street parking is limited to 90 minutes. Directions: From the North: Exit Castillo/Harbor, turn right at the light on Castillo St. Continue straight and turn right on Shoreline Drive. Turn left on Harbor Way. Turn Left into the paid harbor parking lot. Go straight until you come to a pedestrian gate. Proceed through the pedestrian gate, to the far end of the parking lot. From the South: Exit Cabrillo Blvd in the left lane. Turn left onto Cabrillo Blvd and continue straight until you can turn left on Harbor Way. Turn Left into the paid harbor parking lot. Go straight until you come to a pedestrian gate. Proceed through the pedestrian gate, to the far end of the parking lot. |