Educational Center for the Visually Impaired

Educational Center for the Visually Impaired Our mission is to provide education, training, and resources so the Visually Impaired live safe, independent and fulfilling lives.

Today we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Their sacrifice will never be forgo...
05/25/2026

Today we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

A group of our students recently enjoyed a visit to the Jacksonville Public Library to hear Laura Keys perform one of he...
05/20/2026

A group of our students recently enjoyed a visit to the Jacksonville Public Library to hear Laura Keys perform one of her Historical Voices. This time, she brought to life the woman from "The Woman They Could Not Silence." Our Book Club read this book in March.

One student shared, “It was like reading and listening to the book all over again.”

ECVI exists to ensure that those who struggle to see the world around them can keep learning, connecting and enjoying the world in accessible, enriching ways.

We’re grateful for partners and donors who help make that possible.

We’re excited to offer a brand‑new training opportunity at ECVI: hands‑on instruction for using Meta glasses, an incredi...
05/11/2026

We’re excited to offer a brand‑new training opportunity at ECVI: hands‑on instruction for using Meta glasses, an incredible tool that’s been a true game changer for people who struggle to see the world around them.

This class is taught by Ann Schonhoff, Personal Vision Coach, with support from Laura Jennings, ECVI Program Coordinator. Together, they’ll guide participants in using Meta glasses with confidence, enabling them to read, navigate, identify objects and experience greater independence in daily life.

If you or someone you know is blind or visually impaired, this is a fantastic chance to learn new skills in a supportive, encouraging environment.

To learn more about this class and other ECVI programs, visit:
www.ecvispringfield.org

Peggy Dyson, our executive director, was recently honored with the Victor Buttram Award from the Illinois Council of the...
05/05/2026

Peggy Dyson, our executive director, was recently honored with the Victor Buttram Award from the Illinois Council of the Blind for implementing needed educational programs for people who are visually impaired in Central Illinois.

We recently attended the 4th Annual Minority Health Fair at the downtown YMCA. It's always great to be out and about in ...
04/29/2026

We recently attended the 4th Annual Minority Health Fair at the downtown YMCA. It's always great to be out and about in the community!

Kat and Katja recently attended our Health & Wellness Workshop and learned something delightful. Katja is the German ver...
04/22/2026

Kat and Katja recently attended our Health & Wellness Workshop and learned something delightful. Katja is the German version of Kathy, which means these two share more than just a seat at the workshop ... they share a name.

By the end of the session, they were laughing, swapping stories and realizing how much they have in common. Moments like these remind us why community matters so much – connection happens in the most unexpected and joyful ways.

We’re grateful they joined us and can’t wait to see this friendship grow.

All aboard for an unforgettable celebration! 🚂✨Our ECVI family kicked off our 10‑Year Anniversary recently with a specia...
04/17/2026

All aboard for an unforgettable celebration! 🚂✨

Our ECVI family kicked off our 10‑Year Anniversary recently with a special Amtrak Train Ride from Springfield to Normal — and what a joyful day it was.

From the moment we gathered for a group photo before boarding, the excitement was contagious. Volunteers and staff were right by our participants’ sides, helping everyone on and off the trains, making the journey smooth.

Once we arrived in Normal, the Coffee House welcomed us with a warm breakfast. A huge thank‑you to their manager, Anna, for hosting our crew so graciously.

Volunteer Lucia led a lively trivia game with staff and volunteers circling answers for our visually impaired participants. Every one of our 11 riders went home with a prize, thanks to the generosity of Cedarhurst Living in Springfield.

We also loved hearing from volunteer Mike, who shared stories from his years of working with trains. His passion added something truly special to the day.

It was a morning filled with connection, learning and celebration – the perfect way to honor 10 years of empowering individuals with vision loss.

Here’s to the next decade of independence, community and unforgettable moments together.

We are excited to welcome Robin Benson to the team! She is the new Personal Vision Coach for our Lincoln location.
04/14/2026

We are excited to welcome Robin Benson to the team! She is the new Personal Vision Coach for our Lincoln location.

Our Friendship Friday group collects plastic bags and gives them to Sondra, who is visually impaired. She uses them to m...
03/31/2026

Our Friendship Friday group collects plastic bags and gives them to Sondra, who is visually impaired. She uses them to make mats for unhoused people in Springfield. Thank you, everyone, for caring!

Address

3240 Hedley Road, Suite C
Springfield, IL
62711

Telephone

+12173039062

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Educational Center for the Visually Impaired posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category