Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

"The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI), a non-profit organization founded in 1926, is the only private agency to offer free training, services and support to visually impaired Vermonters. Each year we serve hundreds of children from birth to age 22 and adults age 55 and over. Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) services are not just for the totally blind. Certified instructors teach adaptive techniques to those who are experiencing the early stages of vision impairment as well.

Age-related eye diseases can be debilitating, but VABVI provides older Vermonters with the skills and confidence they need to learn to live a new way, thereby helping them regain their independence and mobility. We also provide services, training, and support that put a concerned parent's mind at ease when assessing a visually impaired infant. School-aged children coping with visual impairments are encouraged and provided with the skills they need to be competitive with sighted peers. Our main objective is to help our clients achieve and maintain independence. All our services and programs have this goal, and focus on fulfilling our mission. Services take place in the client’s home, at a central training site, or in a group setting at 11 different locations throughout Vermont. VABVI's services for adults and children include: Rehabilitation – Adapting daily living tasks to allow those with low vision to live independently; Orientation and Mobility – Providing white cane and guide dog instruction, allowing individuals to navigate through their home and community independently; Assistive Technology – Adaptive aids allow clients to successfully perform most activities they desire; Social Networking – Improving social skills and providing a support network; Other Services – Transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores, readers, shopping assistants and companions to help with daily living responsibilities. VABVI offices are located in Brattleboro, Montpelier, Rutland and South Burlington, with training rooms in our Montpelier Mini Center to showcase the latest technology in assistive aids for individuals with visual impairment."