BUCKS COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

08/19/2026

Richard may be in his 20s, but he is no stranger to vision loss. Shortly after he was born, he was diagnosed with congenital cataracts in both of his eyes. As a child, he developed glaucoma in his eyes. After having various surgeries and procedures to address his eye issues over the years, he’s already had a long journey with vision loss.

Being blind in one eye and having low vision in the other eye, Richard knows what it’s like to experience vision loss and wants to help others. He’s starting graduate school at Drexel University's Elkins Park Campus (formerly Salus University). With the 2-year program, Richard will earn his MS and become a Certified Low Vision Therapist.

“My goal is to share my life experiences and knowledge to help others who are on the same journey. I know how it feels. I want to help them modify their homes and their lives using assistive technology and other tools in a hospital or clinical setting.”

Recently Richard returned to BCABVI for assistive technology and device training, which included Metaglasses, the Optero XL video magnifier, a monocular, and fit-over sunglasses. These are not only useful aids for Richard, but he feels they will help prepare him to train others. Reflecting on his experience with BCABVI, Richard said: “It feels nice to be seen and in a community that understands me.”

For more information about Richard’s journey, please see his video short below and share: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5woPuYehUQ4.

For more information about low vision home modifications and assistive technology training we provide, please visit our website at: bucksblind.org or call us at 215.968.9400.

08/12/2026

Second Look Has A Summer Intern!

Through BCABVI’s partnership with the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop has a paid summer intern! Tristan is helping organize the shop and provide help where needed.

“Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop is an essential part of our organization. We’re glad to be able to use the shop to help young people gain work experience. We hope to continue this program in the future.” Anne Marie Hyer, BCABVI Executive Director

OVR is providing funding for this program. They work with Equalworks, a nonprofit organization in Bucks County, PA that helps place people 18 and older with disabilities in inclusive work environments and meaningful employment.

Tristan will be working at the shop until he starts school in the Fall. His job and life coach is Jordan. As a Community Support Specialist for Equalworks, he mentors and provides essential support to adults in the program. Jordan’s work at Equalworks is meaningful. “This job means everything to me. I like helping people.”

For more information about OVR, please visit:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/disability-and-vocational-rehabilitation/vocational-rehabilitation
For more information about Equalworks and the services they provide, please visit:
https://equalworks.org/offerings

08/05/2026

We’re Launching Our 2026-2027 Preschool Vision Screening Program!

Last week, Erin McCormack and Lauren Young, our preschool vision screeners, met with Anne Marie Hyer, Executive Director of BCABVI, to discuss program plans for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.

As many children go back to school in August, Prevent Blindness has designated this month as “Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month” to “educate parents, caregivers, professionals, and policymakers on the important role that vision and eye health play in a child’s development, learning ability, and social engagement.” Retrieved from https://preventblindness.org/2024-childrens-vision-month.

At BCABVI, we understand the importance of vision screenings for our youngest residents. Through our partnerships with preschools, United Way, and The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), our preschool vision screeners conduct over 5,000 vision screenings during the academic school year. They use the portable Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener that quickly and safely detects various eye issues, including amblyopia (lazy eye), myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, and more. If any vision issues are detected during the screening, we refer the child for a follow-up eye examination. We also connect children ages 2-6 to vision insurance benefits at no cost to eligible families.

For more information about BCABVI’s preschool vision screening program or to request a brochure, please contact us at 215-968-9400. To view our newly updated Family Resource Guide, please click here.

07/29/2026

It was wonderful to see our clients yesterday at our annual summer movie day! These gatherings create a positive atmosphere where clients can catch up, share camaraderie, and have fun in a safe, welcoming environment.

A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into ensuring our clients enjoy a fully accessible experience:

Assistance with client pickup and es**rt from/to home/CCT transport
Maintaining clear and wide building pathways
Providing sufficient lighting
Ensuring ample space for clients to navigate
Providing accessible restrooms
Offering accessible meals

July is Disability Pride Month, which honors and celebrates the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was established in 1990 to:
“advance the nation's goal of equal opportunity, integration, full participation, inclusion, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities through enforcement, regulation, and technical assistance.” ​

We are committed to the principles of this act, and BCABVI’s facility is ADA compliant. We believe it’s vital for our clients to engage in activities outside their homes and to have experiences comparable to people without disabilities.

More places in Bucks County are incorporating procedures and accessible features for their buildings. For more information about accessible activities, dining, and accommodations in Bucks County, visit the Accessible Bucks County webpage at: https://www.visitbuckscounty.com/plan-your-visit/accessible-bucks-county.

07/24/2026

07/23/2026

Today, BCABVI & Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop staff & volunteers came together to celebrate our 2025-2026 fiscal year-end.

Anne Marie Hyer, our Executive Director, shared our organization’s many accomplishments over the past fiscal year and outlined future goals and opportunities. Some achievements for 2025-2026 include an increase in essential services provided to our clients through our Low Vision Clinic, as well as a boost in the volume of our Transportation/Escort services. Additionally, we had another successful year at our Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop.

One of the highlights of the luncheon was hearing our clients talk about the impact we’ve made on their lives through the various services and programs we offer. You can view the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxZb6jiVh-c

A heartfelt thank you to our staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners for your dedication to our organization’s mission—a special thank you to our donors for your commitment to the blind and visually impaired. Your contributions are helping people in your community and beyond to thrive and lead rich, vibrant, and independent lives.

Thank you once again, everyone. We look forward to having you as part of our ongoing journey to improve the lives of our clients.

Please subscribe to your YouTube channel to be automatically notified of our videos. Enjoy our BCABVI Annual Video: Client Impact Stories, and please share it with family and friends.

Our Annual Video is now available! Watch how we help change the liv...

07/15/2026

Staying Connected In The Digital Age

The world has fundamentally changed over the years as we have transitioned into a digital age. We have become increasingly dependent on technology for tasks that we once performed via phone, in person, through the mail, or on paper. While younger generations have grown up in this digital age, older generations have learned to adapt to these technologies over time.

But what happens when someone who has used a device for years suddenly can’t because of vision loss? For many, a computer is an important connection to the outside world. It serves as a tool for learning, socializing, staying in touch with family and friends, and managing finances. Since COVID-19, more people also use computers for remote work.

At BCABVI, our Certified Low Vision Therapists provide training in clients' homes on how to use accessible tools and programs for their computers, including screen readers (like JAWS) and magnifiers. They assist with increasing font size, adjusting contrast, and much more to help our clients stay connected.

If you or a loved one is facing challenges using a computer or any digital device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) due to low vision issues, please call us at 215.968.9400 or visit bucksblind.org.

07/08/2026

Meet Glide: An AI Inspired Mobility Aid

At BCABVI, we’re excited about new technologies that can assist our clients. We understand our client’s desire to remain independent with their vision loss, and retaining their mobility is an important step to ensure this goal.

An inventive company called Glidance is currently developing and testing a mobility aid called Glide.

“Glide is an innovative, AI-powered primary mobility for people who are blind or have low vision…With a gentle nudge, you push the device in front of you and Glide simply guides the way – using autonomous steering and braking to avoid obstacles and guide you to primary targets.” - Frequently Asked Questions & Technical Guide. Glidance. Retrieved from https://glidance.io/frequently-asked-questions/ .

While we are on the lookout for innovative technologies, the white cane remains the benchmark mobility aid for blind and visually impaired people. Through BCABVI’s white cane training, provided by our Orientation & Mobility (O&M) specialists, we empower clients to maintain their independence and confidence as they safely navigate their indoor and outdoor environments. Our training covers various skills including detecting objects, walking and climbing stairs without tripping or falling, crossing streets safely, and more.

For more information about BCABVI’s O&M services, including our white cane training, please call our Low Vision Clinic at 215.968.1035 or visit our website at www.bucksblind.org.

For more information about Glide, please visit. https://glidance.io or check out the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC3eO9jtvaY

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the Glide product.

07/03/2026

As we celebrate our country's 250th Anniversary and our 80+ years of dedication to our blind and visually impaired community, we wish everyone a Happy July 4th!

We are closed today, Friday, July 3rd, in honor of our country's founding and our enduring American spirit.

07/01/2026

As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our country’s founding, we can reflect on the important role volunteerism has played throughout our history. Volunteering is an essential part of the American spirit and experience.

Through our Low Vision Clinic and support services and programs, we help clients become confident to continue to do daily tasks and overcome challenges. With this sense of confidence, our clients have a strong desire to give back to their communities. Many volunteer their time with the BCABVI Lions Club, at our agency, and for our Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop.

Karin has been a client of our organization for years. She has trained on assistive technology, is a part of our support groups, and attends in-house events. One thing in particular that gives her a lot of joy is volunteering with a couple of friends for our Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop. She understands the importance of giving back.

“I’ve been volunteering for BCABVI for a year maybe, and I just love it because BCABVI has given me confidence with the support groups...It has done so much for me. I wanted to give back.” - Karin

Please watch Karin’s short video below on why volunteering is important to her. Karin’s thoughts on volunteering will be a part of our client impact video to be released later this month.

If you or a loved one is a client of BCABVI and would like to share your story about how BCABVI has positively impacted your life, please contact [email protected].

We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, reflective, and joyful 250th July 4th holiday.