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Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

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Morris Plains, NJ
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

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Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey empowers and supports individuals with blindness and vision loss.

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey provides the only comprehensive series of programs designed for adults with profound vision loss. Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey offers a variety of vision programs, and mind and body programs that promote independence and wellness. Training and support services begin with basic skills for living independently, and range from emotional support to advanced technical training, enabling communication and engagement with the community. Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey also provides on-going enrichment programs that promote health and wellness. Small group classes meeting in a friendly environment help make these innovative programs highly effective as well as enjoyable for the participants.

10/29/2026

Halloween is on Saturday this year, and it’s for everyone! 🎃

Whether you’re heading out to trick-or-treat or handing out candy at home, here’s how to make the night safe and welcoming for people who are blind or have low vision.

For those trick-or-treating with vision loss:

-Bring your white cane or guide dog. The skills you build in VLANJ’s Orientation & Mobility Training, like route planning and safe street crossings, work on Halloween night, too!

-Add reflective tape or a small light to your costume so drivers can see you.

-Check candy labels with a magnifier or a phone app.

VLANJ's low vision and mobile technology programs can help you find the tools that work best for you!

For welcoming every trick-or-treater:

-Keep walkways clear of decorations and cords, and well lit.

-Say hello and who you are when you open the door.

-Never pet or distract a working guide dog.

To learn about VLANJ’s programs, contact Trisha Ebel at [email protected] or call (973) 627-0055 ext. 9.

Image description: Photo of two orange jack-o’-lantern trick-or-treat buckets sitting on brick steps covered in fall leaves, next to a black iron railing. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo sits in a white pill shape at top left. Over a purple fade at the top, large white letters read “A Halloween for Everyone,” above a gold banner reading “Saturday, October 31.” At the bottom, three tips are separated by gold lines: “Bring your cane or guide dog.” “Keep walkways clear and bright.” “Never pet a working guide dog.

10/27/2026

Tomorrow night! Join us for VLANJ Tech Talks with Kevin Grosu of AppGenie.

Wednesday, October 28 at 7 PM ET on Zoom, meet AppGenie, an AI companion that helps people who are blind or have low vision complete smartphone tasks using everyday language. Kevin will give a live demo and answer all participant questions.

This program is FREE thanks to generous grant funding.

Not registered yet? There’s still time: bit.ly/VLANJ_Tech_Talks

Already registered? Check your email (and spam folder) for your Zoom link. Need help? Call (973) 627-0055 ext. 4.

Image description: Graphic with a light yellow background and the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo at top left. Large purple letters read “Join Us Tomorrow!” above a large circular photo of Kevin Grosu, a smiling man with short brown hair and a beard. Below: “Tech Talks: AppGenie with Kevin Grosu,” a purple banner reading “Wed, Oct 28, 7 PM ET,” and “Free on Zoom, bit.ly/VLANJ_Tech_Talks.”

10/23/2026

Planning a spooky costume next week? Don’t let costume contacts haunt your eyes! 🎃

Eye health education is a big part of what we do here at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey. Decorative contact lenses sold without a prescription can scratch the eye and cause serious infections, and in some cases, even permanent vision loss.

Keep your eyes healthy this Halloween:

✔️ All contact lenses, even costume ones, need a prescription from an eye care professional.
✔️ Never share lenses with friends or family.
✔️ Red, swollen or painful eyes? Remove the lenses and see an eye doctor right away.

Please share this with the trick-or-treaters and costume lovers in your life!

If you or someone you love is living with vision loss, VLANJ is here to help. Our programs build the skills and confidence to stay independent. Contact Trisha Ebel at [email protected] or call (973) 627-0055, ext. 9 to learn more.

Image Description: Graphic with a purple top half and a photo on the bottom half. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo sits in a white pill shape at top left. Gold text reads “Halloween Eye Safety,” followed by large white letters reading “Don’t Let Costume Contacts Haunt Your Eyes.” Three tips follow, each marked with a gold dot: “All contact lenses, even costume ones, need a prescription.” “Never share lenses with friends or family.” “Red, swollen or painful eyes? Remove lenses and see an eye doctor right away.” Below a curved gold line, a photo shows a person in a maroon sweater holding a smiling carved jack-o’-lantern with triangle eyes in front of a red brick wall.

10/21/2026

Our Bridge Program participants had a great day of learning!

Last week, 16 participants joined Dr. Amy Lam, OD, MS, Director of Low Vision Services at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and University Hospital, for her presentation, “The Connection Between Vision, Chronic Disease and Total Wellness.”

Dr. Lam explained how eye conditions connect to overall health and why regular eye exams still matter, even for people who already experience vision loss. Thank you, Dr. Lam, for sharing your expertise with our community!

The Rutgers–VLANJ BRIDGE Program is a twelve-week learning experience run through Rutgers Medical School in collaboration with VLANJ. Through educational sessions, hands-on class rotations and one-to-one meetings with VLANJ members, medical students build empathy, understanding and practical skills for caring for people who are blind or have low vision.

BRIDGE stands for "Building, Relationships, Inclusivity, Discovery, Growth and Empathy," values that help shape a more compassionate approach to healthcare.

Want to learn more about VLANJ’s programs and resources? Contact Trisha Ebel at [email protected] or (973) 627-0055 ext. 9.

Image Description 1: Dr. Amy Lam, wearing navy scrubs and glasses, speaks to a seated audience while holding a slide clicker. Behind her, a large screen shows the title slide “The Connection Between Vision, Chronic Disease and Total Wellness.”

Image Description 2: A wide view of a bright meeting room where about 16 people sit at long white tables, listening to Dr. Lam.

10/19/2026

It’s National Health Education Week, and your eyes have a lot to say about your overall health!

Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your vision, and changes in your eyes can be an early sign that something else needs attention. That’s why regular eye exams matter for everyone, including people who already live with vision loss.

Three ways to protect your eyes and your health:
-Keep up with regular eye exams, even if you already have vision loss.
-Manage diabetes and high blood pressure.
-Tell your doctor about any changes in your vision right away.

VLANJ offers programs that support the health, wellness and independence of adults living with vision loss. To learn more, contact Trisha Ebel at [email protected] or call (973) 627-0055 ext. 9.

Image description: Graphic with a cream top section and a white bottom section. At the top, a purple banner reads “National Health Education Week, Oct 19–23.” Below it is an illustrated eye with a gold iris, followed by large purple text reading “Your Eyes Are a Window to Your Health.” Three white cards with gold borders and gold numbers list tips: “1. Keep up with regular eye exams, even if you already have vision loss.” “2. Manage diabetes and high blood pressure. Both can damage your eyes.” “3. Tell your doctor about any changes in your vision right away.” The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is at the bottom center.

10/15/2026

Happy White Cane Safety Day!

Since 1964, October 15 has honored the white cane as a symbol of independence, and celebrated people who are blind or have low vision.

At VLANJ, our Orientation & Mobility Training helps adults who are blind or living with vision loss travel safely, independently, and with confidence. Participants work one-on-one and in small groups on route planning, street crossings, and using a white cane. Then they put those skills to work on guided outings to places like grocery stores, museums, and downtown areas.

Interested in learning more? Contact Trisha Ebel at [email protected] or (973) 627-0055 ext. 9, or visit this link: vlanj.org/programs/orientation-and-mobility-training

Image description: Photo of two people walking along a shaded, wooded path, each using a white cane with a red tip. In front, a man in a white baseball cap, round glasses and a navy vest sweeps his cane ahead of him. Behind him, a woman with long dark hair, dressed in black, does the same. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo sits in a white pill shape at top left. A purple circle reads “Thursday October 15.” Below the photo, on a cream background, purple text reads “Blindness Awareness Month” and “White Cane Safety Day,” followed by a purple box reading “Travel with confidence: Orientation & Mobility training at VLANJ. (973) 627-0055 ext. 9. vlanj.org

10/14/2026

You’re invited to a FREE , VIRTUAL EVENT: VLANJ Tech Talks

What if your phone had its own “family tech person”? Join us Wednesday, October 28 at 7 PM ET on Zoom for a talk with Kevin Grosu, founder of Pranox and creator of AppGenie.

AppGenie is an AI companion that helps users who are blind or living with low vision complete smartphone tasks using everyday language. You state your goal, and AppGenie works your apps alongside your screen reader. It narrates each step and keeps you in control. Kevin will also give a live demo!

This program is FREE thanks to generous grant funding.

Register via this link: bit.ly/VLANJ_Tech_Talks

Already registered? Check your inbox (and spam folder) for your Zoom link. Need help? Call (973) 627-0055, ext. 4.

Image Description: Graphic on a purple background, centered. At the top, the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo sits in a white pill shape. Gold text reads “You’re invited, free event,” followed by large white letters reading “Tech Talks” and “Meet AppGenie, the AI companion for your smartphone.” In the center is a circular photo of guest speaker Kevin Grosu, a smiling man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a dark hoodie with a constellation pattern. A small illustrated smartphone overlaps the lower right of the photo. A white card at the bottom reads “Wednesday, Oct 28. Time, 7 PM ET. Online, Zoom. Guest speaker Kevin Grosu, Founder of Pranox. Register: bit.ly/VLANJ_Tech_Talks.”

10/12/2026

WE DID IT!

One Day. Lasting Impact. Thanks to YOU, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s 5th Annual Day of Giving 2026 surpassed our $10,000 goal!

Every gift goes toward supporting our mental health programs, ensuring more people living with vision loss have somewhere to turn. Every gift translates to greater confidence, independence, and connection for someone adjusting to vision loss.

Thank you to our dedicated Board members, staff, program participants, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to our Day of Giving, whether you have been part of the VLANJ community for years or joined us for the first time this year. You helped spread the word, and the community answered!

Missed Day of Giving this year? It’s never too late to give: bit.ly/Day_Of_Giving_2026_VLANJ

Image description: Graphic in purple, gold and cream. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is at top left. Large purple letters read “We Did It!” beside a golden rising sun. A purple banner reads “Day of Giving 2026.” A white panel reads “123% of our goal!” followed by “Thank you! One Day. Lasting Impact.” On the right, a smiling woman in sunglasses walks outdoors holding a white cane.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Vision loss can affect more than how someone sees. It can change confidence, independence, connection, and how someone feels about what comes next. That’s why support matters.

Through VLANJ, people adjusting to vision loss can learn new skills, connect with others who understand, and find the confidence to keep moving forward.

Sometimes, that support helps turn “I don’t know if I can do this” into “I can.”

This week, our community came together for VLANJ’s Day of Giving to help make more of those moments possible in support of VLANJ's mental health initiative. Your support helps ensure that people living with vision loss have somewhere to turn, for practical skills, meaningful connection, and support for the emotional side of adjusting to vision loss.

Because no one should have to face vision loss alone.

Thank you to everyone who has given, shared, and supported VLANJ for our 5th Annual Day of Giving this week!

For more information about VLANJ's programs and resources, contact Trisha Ebel, Outreach Specialist, at (973) 627-0055, ext. 9, or email [email protected].

Image description: Six people sit together around a conference table at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, with a black guide dog resting on the floor beside them. The graphic reads, “World Mental Health Day • Oct 10. Real Voices. Real Change. Mental health support, built into classes and community.”

10/09/2026

We're in the final hours of our 5th annual day of giving in support of mental health initiatives! There’s still time to help someone facing vision loss know they’re not alone.

Your gift helps people adjusting to vision loss build skills, regain confidence, stay connected, and find a community that understands.

Make your Day of Giving gift: https://bit.ly/Day_Of_Giving_2026_VLANJ

Image Description: VLANJ Day of Giving graphic with a photo of two women outdoors practicing orientation and mobility skills with white canes near a street crossing. Text reads, “Friday, October 9. Final Hours. Your gift supports mental health programs for adults living with vision loss.”

Address

201 Littleton Road, Suite 150
Morris Plains, NJ
07950

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.vlanj.org/

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