Staff Report

Braille Institute has named Angela Miller-Bevan the new regional manager of the Santa Barbara center.

A Santa Barbara native, Miller-Bevan brings some 20 years of experience in management, volunteer leadership and community engagement with local organizations and nonprofits, including American Heart Association, Fairview Gardens, Old Spanish Days, Carriage and Western Museum and Kiwanis.

She is currently an ambassador for the South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

“I am thrilled to join the Santa Barbara Braille Institute team,” she said. “The work we do is so important to our community, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that is making a difference.

“According to the 2017 census data, there are more than 73,400 people who are visually impaired living in Santa Barbara County. With age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts on the rise, we have the ability to help many people.”

Braille Institute has been serving the community of Santa Barbara for more than 35 years. Braille Institute is a nonprofit providing free programs and services to people with vision loss since 1919.

“We are fortunate to have Angela join our leadership team and bring her passion for our mission,” said Peter Mindnich, president of Braille Institute. “It is important that we continue to reach out to those who need our support, especially during the pandemic when many are experiencing isolation and anxiety.”

Although the Santa Barbara center is temporarily closed, there are classes and teleservices available online for anyone interested in participating from the safety of their homes. All programs and services are free of charge.

For more information, go to brailleinstitute.org/Santabarbara.