On June 28, 2025, Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) and Vistas for Children hosted “Notes Bring Hope,” a day of free ukulele lessons for children with vision loss at the Torrance Airport community room. Mark Fitchett, of Fitchett Guitar School, offered ukulele instruction to children who receive vision education and support services from Partners for Pediatric Vision. Children were paired with a sighted peer volunteer from Junior Vistas, Vistas for Children, and Las Amigas. Every participant took home their own ukulele to continue their musical journey, thanks to the generous donations of ukuleles from Guitar Center Music Foundation and from Shari Sunada and her husband Craig. A short walk away, the Western Museum of Flight welcomed the children and their families for an up-close experience with aircraft and space exploration. Volunteers led the children with visual impairment through experiences that included sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet and exploring engines, missiles and model aircraft. Children who receive services from Partners for Pediatric Vision learn experientially because of their vision loss. Hands-on opportunities, like ukulele lessons, and museum tours, offer opportunities for the visually impaired to meet one another. To learn more visit www.partnersforpediatricvision.org
Photo Credits: Partners for Pediatric Vision, and Bill Dea, Western Museum of Flight.
