Critical Engagement Practicum
elevate your auditory experience
a sensory experience
This event underscores the beauty of inclusivity by showcasing key initiatives designed by, for, and with those who are blind or low vision ensuring that people of all abilities can learn, grow, connect and be celebrated for their unique talents and contributions. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of community, creativity and inclusivity.
Experience our new NaviLens Demo!
Delight in the Dark Saturday October 4th 2025
EVENT SUMMARY
immerse yourself in a multi-sensory evening that transcends sight
La Gran Terraza, University of San Diego
October 4th 2025 | *5-8PM
*ENCOUNTER
*pre-event add on
Arrive an hour early for an intimate pre-event experience. Spend time with the artists, observing their creative process and engaging in conversation as they work. Enjoy light refreshments in this relaxed, interactive setting. This prelude enriches your evening, setting the stage for the immersive experiences that follow.
FEEL
Your night begins with "Art in the Dark," where you'll explore art through sound, touch and direct engagement with the artists.
SMELL
TASTE
+
Move into the dining experience, savoring a variety of dishes through vivid descriptions, tantalizing aromas, and exquisite flavors.
HEAR
The night unfolds with storytelling, dancing, and gifting, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that engage all your senses.
TICKETS
suggested donation
MEMBER OF THE BLIND OR LOW VISION COMMUNITY?
If you are a member of the blind or low vision community, or if you are a friend or family member of someone in that community, please reach out to the event organizer at 619-433-4493 for details about community pricing.
PROCEEDS
The proceeds will primarily support USD's Engineering Exchange for Social Justice, which connects engineering students and leaders from the blind community to create technologies and services that improve independence and quality of life for individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to Gifted Back to expand their program, including a service designed to assist blind or low-vision individuals who want to travel.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"Touching the art really puts you in the piece and the artist's frame of mind." - 2024 Guest
GALLERY
Artist's Immersive Gallery Preview
Meet The Artists
Our mission is to support and celebrate the talents of the blind and visually impaired community through art, music, and handmade gifts. We exclusively feature products made by individuals who are legally blind or have no sight.
Independent Artists
GiftedBack Artists
Founder
Culinary Artist
USD’s very own Chef Marbi Becerra, featured by CBS for her culinary leadership at La Gran Terraza, will craft an inclusive menu of mouthwatering dishes designed to delight every palate. With careful attention to a variety of dietary needs, her creations will ensure a memorable and delicious culinary journey for all.
"I am much more empathetic to the blind community having had "their fork in my hand." - 2024 Guest
"Many opportunities to touch and physically experience art, inclusion meals. Wonderful narrations accompanying food. Pleasant piano background and fun dancing in the dark." - 2024 Guest
GETTING HERE
From the North: I-5 South, exit Sea World Dr. & Tecolote Rd. Turn left at stoplight toward Morena Blvd. Turn right on Morena, left on Napa, left on Linda Vista Rd. Second stoplight is USD's East entrance, turn left.
From the South: I-5 North, exit Morena Blvd. (sign says: Morena Blvd. use I-8 East). Stay right and follow signs for Morena Blvd. Take the first right onto Linda Vista Rd. Third stoplight is USD's East entrance, turn left.
From the East: I-8 West, exit Morena Blvd., turn right onto Linda Vista Rd. Third stoplight is USD's East entrance, turn left to enter campus.
PARKING
There is ample free parking available for this event.
NaviLens
NaviLens is an innovative orientation and navigation tool that provides audio guidance through a free smartphone app. This technology will enhance accessibility for all attendees, especially VIPs (i.e., visually impaired persons), and showcases the leadership from the blind and low-vision community in advancing the adoption of inclusive design.
FAQs
What is the dress code?
Join us for an evening of sophistication and style. Cocktail attire preferred.
Is wearing a blindfold during the dining experience meant to simulate blindness?
No. In the Dark is not about simulating blindness. It is a celebration of inclusive, multisensory engagement and the creativity of the blind and low-vision community. Choosing to wear a blindfold invites guests to quiet the dominant sense of sight and engage more fully with taste, smell, touch, and sound. The evening endeavors to affirm the agency and self-determination of the blind and low-vision community to shape a more inclusive world for all, through art, innovation, and collaboration..
Gifted Back
our story
Gifted Back celebrates the talents of blind and visually impaired individuals by showcasing their art, music, and handcrafted gifts, providing a platform for broader community appreciation. The organization is also launching a new venture offering customized travel experiences for visually impaired adults, featuring tailored itineraries and trained guides to ensure accessibility and enrichment.
Through these initiatives, Gifted Back fosters inclusivity and enhances the quality of life for visually impaired individuals. A portion of the proceeds from this event will help to launch Gifted Back's venture dedicated to empowering visually impaired adults to travel with trained guides, ensuring fully accessible and enriching experiences for them.
University of San Diego
Engineering Exchange for Social Justice
The Engineering Exchange for Social Justice (ExSJ) at the University of San Diego’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, engages community partners, students, faculty, and pro bono professionals in the collaborative development of justice-oriented solutions. Focused on areas like Water Justice, Waste Upcycling, Renewable Energy, Education Equity, and Inclusive Design, ExSJ facilitates equitable, reciprocal partnerships to address eco-social justice challenges.
Community-Centered Design
For the past 6 years, engineering students and members of the local blind and low-vision community have been collaborating through the practicum experience of ENGR 103, a User-Centered Design course at the University of San Diego. Facilitated by Dr. Odesma Dalrymple, Director of the Engineering Exchange for Social Justice (center), along with Community Liaisons: Tamara Lubar (left) and Rochelle Harris (right), this partnership engages engineering design principles along with various frameworks for equity-centered design, to support the redefining of everyday experiences for more independent, inclusive and equitable participation by people with visual impairments. A portion of the proceeds from this event will support this collaboration, particularly the engagement of community members, and efforts towards improving technologies and services for the visually impaired
COSPONSERED BY
University of San Diego
Engineering Exchange for Social Justice
Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action
Gifted Blind, Artists, Crafters,
& Knitters
