Visionsservices for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Community services include vision rehabilitation, youth services, work readiness, job placement and unpaid caregiver support services. There were 5,567 persons served in all community programs. the outreach department trained over 8,000 people about vision loss. Outreach and services are provided in 16 languages, using part time interpreters and 45 bi-lingual staff. Blindline received over 1,000 inquiries. Visions was #1 in job placement in nys for the 8th year. Visions added diagnostic vocational evaluations as a new service. Visions' expansion in to westchester and the lower hudson valley enrolled 486 participants, an increase from the previous year.

Visions at selis manor: there was an increase in the type of classes offered for adults and older adults including new support groups offered in person and virtually . There was an increase to 1,237 participants registered for services at visions at selis manor including 891 registered for the older adult center. Based on self-reported surveys, nearly 92% of participants are more satisfied with their life because of participation at visions; 77% have made exercise a part of their routine; most report they are more optimistic, self confident and capable of self-acceptance. Wellness check in calls continued including on holidays. Food insecurity and social isolation were two issues that received special attention with breakfast, lunch and a food pantry offered as well as many opportunities for social connections.

Visions center on blindness (vcb): a total of 618 participants attended, an increase from the previous year. Blind children and their families and youth programs held at vcb were held in july and august. Sessions held at vcb prepare Blind youth and adults for the world of work and lead to successful employment. the vocational rehabilitation center, on the vcb campus, offered year-round short-term, residential, overnight pre-employment transition services (pre-ets) for Blind youth, daily living skills and work readiness training for Blind adults and technology training for Blind youth and adults. the vocational rehabilitation center facility on the vcb campus offered a five-week adult training, an 8-day work readiness, 15-week pre-ets for Blind youth aged 18-21 years old primarily funded by the nys commission for the Blind including a paid internship. Vcb celebrated the renovation of the outdoor ramped swimming pool. A new one week residential training for Blind older adults was piloted.