VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

08/04/2026

This week, we celebrated the completion of our Pre-College Program at Manhattanville University! Over the last four weeks, our high school aged participants came together for an immersive college-like experience, complete with classes, assignments, clubs, and the camaraderie that comes with a group of peers living in a shared space. Between classes, participants also received training in independent living, mobility, and assistive technology, as they relate to life on campus, and enjoyed fun outings, field trips, and unique experiences. Every year, we’re proud to host this program and show new generations of participants that college life can be fully enjoyed, even with vision loss. A special thank you to Manhattanville University for hosting our program and for helping make this experience possible.

08/01/2026

Today, we celebrated the completion of our Summer Transition Program here at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB)! Over the last four weeks, teenagers with visual impairments came together and got their first taste of independent living, through structured programming that included adaptive daily living instruction, mobility instruction, and assistive technology instruction. This training, coupled with regular outings and field trips created an experience that was truly unforgettable for our participants. A special thanks to all staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who make this program possible every year!

07/31/2026

Congratulations to Cathleen McGuire, Senior Director of Rehabilitation and Outreach, on receiving the Bruce McKenzie Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor presented by the Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Division.

This prestigious national award recognizes a lifetime of exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the field of Vision Rehabilitation and independent living services.

Cathleen has been a driving force in Vision Rehabilitation. She has inspired future Vision Rehabilitation Therapists through mentorship, pioneered innovative programs like our Redefining Independence (Adaptive Living Program for older adults), expanded opportunities for children and families through our Rehabilitation & Recreation (R&R) Weeks, and championed greater access to services across New York. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication have left a lasting mark not only on the people she serves, but on the profession itself.

Cathleen is truly an inspiration to everyone around her. We are grateful to have her as part of the VISIONS family and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement!

07/27/2026

Our Summer Transition Program (STP) and Pre-College students had the chance to come together and put all of their skills into practice for this outing to Rising Above Bakery of Nyack! They worked together in teams to make their own mini apple pies from scratch, and had the opportunity to navigate a real bakery style kitchen! A huge thank you to the staff of Rising Above for hosting our participants!

Pies aren’t the only thing our students have been baking up this summer! Stay tuned for more from both of these and additional VISIONS summer programs!

07/27/2026

07/24/2026

This week, our Summer Transition Program participants visited Build A Dream Incubator in Staten Island for a jam-packed day of fun and engaging activities, thanks to our Staten Island Advisory Board!

The day started with workshops on healthy eating and financial literacy, followed by a Mexican lunch and a dance party at the next-door restaurant, Mariachi Mexican Cantina, then breakout groups focusing on mindfulness and relaxation, fragrance-making, mood board design, and shaking it up on the dance floor. Finally, participants enjoyed some fresh air, snacks, and delicious housemade hydration drinks courtesy of Healthy Keeperss.

And that's not all! Participants took home memories in the form of keychain charms, some of which were custom-made and feature Braille and other tactile designs, put together by Advisory Board members. We'd like to thank our Staten Island Advisory Board for working closely with us, and the venues to make this event possible. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on our participants.

07/23/2026

On July 21st, VISIONS Workforce participants and staff had the opportunity to visit Salesforce Tower, where they met with members of Abilityforce and other Salesforce representatives to learn about Trailhead, the Workforce Navigators mentorship program, and Salesforce's AI initiatives. The group also enjoyed a tour of parts of the tower, gaining valuable insights into workplace accessibility, innovation, and the power of inclusive technology. Thank you to the Salesforce team for an inspiring and informative experience!

07/21/2026

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, we were honored to host and have our staff serve as panelists for a special event put together by the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging). The event brought government officials, disability advocates, and professionals alike to learn more about how older adults can continue to be part of their communities through expanded caregiver programs, health and wellness initiatives, and job training and placement services.

Featured speakers included Lisa Scott-McKenzie DHA, MPA, CEM, FABC, FACHE, Commissioner, NYC Aging; Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner, Mayor's Office for People With Disabilities; and Molly Eagan, CEO, VISIONS.

07/14/2026

VISIONS CEO Molly Eagan recently spoke on New Jersey 101.5 to briefly discuss our mission and the services we provide to people across the spectrum of vision loss to help them stay independent, confident, and connected in daily life.

You may already have caught these spots if you listen to New Jersey 101.5 regularly, but if you'd like to listen early, visit https://buff.ly/90K6uUb