Case Study: VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Background
In January 2020, the Fund approved a three-year grant of $525,000 to VISIONS/ Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired to build, deliver, and sustain: (1) comprehensive vision rehabilitation and low vision services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired in Westchester County, and (2) assistive technology and residential vision rehabilitation services for eligible residents of all Lower Hudson Valley Counties. The grant was prompted by the NYS Commission for the Blind’s request to VISIONS to step in and become Westchester’s service provider.
Results
VISIONS has already helped to fill the gap left by the departure of other service providers in the area. Despite difficulties stemming from Covid-19, they greatly surpassed targets set for this project. From 2020-22, they served an average of 342 Westchester residents per year and provided a range of technology training to 164 older adults. They have also enhanced the program’s sustainability through additional sources of revenue. VISIONS has demonstrated a real commitment to further establishing itself in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley, ensuring they will continue to serve residents in need of vision-related services and support. The Lavelle Fund renewed its support for this project in 2023.