Agency Details:

Vermont Association For The Blind And Visually Impaired (VABVI)

VABVI, a non-profit organization founded in 1926, is the only private agency to offer free training, services and support to visually impaired Vermonters. Our mission is to enable individuals with vision problems to achieve and maintain independence.

Description:
VABVI's services include rehabilitation and orientation and mobility training in adaptive techniques for daily living; procurement and training in assistive technology use; social networking opportunities; and a statewide transportation network. VABVI offices are located in Burlington, Brattleboro, Montpelier and Rutland, with training rooms in our Montpelier Mini Center to showcase the latest technology in assistive aids for individuals with visual impairment.
Adult Services – VABVI offers rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, helping them to continue performing daily living tasks and activities that may have become difficult. Services are provided in a group, at a central training site, or in the home.

Children’s Services – Specialized teachers work with children as they grow, teaching daily living skills, braille, and other communication skills, use of adaptive equipment and mobility. A Transition Program helps adolescents move successfully from high school to college or the workplace. Each summer, children can practice independent living skills and meet with friends in a supportive “camp” environment as part of the Intensive Residential Life Experiences program.

Adaptive Equipment – Specialized devices can make all the difference for a person living with a visual impairment. Equipment such as swing arm lamps with magnifiers, “talking book” machines, and Closed Circuit TV’s can help maintain an independent lifestyle. VABVI also provides assistive technology, support and training.

Volunteer Services – VABVI’s Transportation Program provides statewide transportation for medical appointments as well as personal trips for Vermonters who are blind or visually impaired. Volunteers also record materials on tape or into braille, or go into the home for reading and providing companionship.

Support & Counseling – As part of our agency’s Information and Referral Service, each staff member is specially trained and experienced in guiding individuals through all of the resources available to them. The cornerstone of VABVI’s adult support services are the Peer Assisted Learning and Support groups which meet monthly across the state. Members listen to an educational speaker, then have an opportunity to share their frustrations and achievements with their peers.

Contact people:

Laurie VasQuenza, Volunteer Coordinator, (802) 863-1358 ext. 211, (email) Vicki Vest, Volunteer Coordinator, (877) 350-8839, (email) Ayeshah Raftery, Director Of Development, (802) 863-1358 ext. 224, (email)

Office fax number: (802) 863-1481

Address:

60 Kimball Avenue South Burlington, VT 05403 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.vabvi.org

Miscellaneous Information

1. What target populations does your agency serve?
	VABVI provides services to blind and visually impaired Vermonters.
3. How many paid staff (FTE) do you have?
	29
4. Please indicate your organization type:
	Independent 501 (c)3
How many clients do you serve annually?
	In fiscal year 2006, we served 1,435 clients from all 14 counties.
Volunteers for this agency can serve in these county(s):
	Chittenden County

Last updated on October 28, 2009