Welcome!

Mission Statement

To advance the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired and help prevent vision loss through services and education

Click here to learn about our History.

Click here to learn about our Programs.

Possible Disclosure of Protected Health Information and Personal Information:

January 6, 2010

For over 96 years, the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ABVI) has been working to improve the quality of life of those who live with severe vision loss. We are very proud of our service to the community and the positive relationships that we have developed with our clients and supporters.

We have been advised by the police of a situation that is deeply troubling. Identity theft is a growing problem, and those who are blind or visually impaired and those who help people with visual impairments are not immune. Over the past several months, some of our employees, clients and donors have had personal information that they provided to ABVI compromised. Based on what the police have told us, we believe that the number of people whose information was misused is less than 50. Out of an abundance of caution, we sent individual notices to all, identified in our database, who have written us checks from January 2008 through November, 2009.

The police allege that names, addresses and bank account numbers for some clients and donors who wrote checks to ABVI were illegally copied and disclosed. This relates to checks written in 2009 and some as early as 2008. As a result, certain information about some donors and clients may have been disclosed, such as the person�s name, address, phone number, bank account number and other information commonly on the face of a check. Fraudulent checks were then written against some of the accounts. ABVI�s own bank account was also compromised. After notice to the bank, these funds were returned.

While we continue to work with the police in an effort to bring those who are responsible to justice, we are asking those who have written checks to ABVI to be extra vigilant for incidents of fraud and identity theft that could affect their bank account. If an individual notices irregularities, the person should contact his bank immediately. Prompt action should result in restoration of any inappropriate payments. The police should also be notified. If an individual has not already done so, the individual may wish to review his/her checking account records to confirm that checks paid by the bank were drawn by him/her and to verify the identity of any party to whom checks were written. We urge everyone to remain vigilant even after the effects of this episode have been addressed by the police, the banks involved and the affected individuals.

ABVI has always taken precautions to protect an individual�s personal information. Since learning of this matter, ABVI has taken additional steps in its internal security and deposit procedures to improve its ability to protect personal information in its possession.

We apologize for any difficulties that this situation may cause and remain ready to answer questions and help resolve problems that people may experience. Please contact Richard Stevens, Executive Director, Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired with questions or concerns. His telephone numbers are 616-458-1187 and 800-466-8084. ABVI's address is 456 Cherry, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 and
Mr. Stevens' email address is rstevens@abvimichigan.org.

We are grateful for the community's commitment to ABVI and look forward to working together as we advance the independence of those who are blind or visually impaired.

Announcements and Events

ABVI IS NOW ON FACEBOOK
Click to Join our Facebook Group

SPANISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT GROUP
Meets Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Place: Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
456 Cherry, SE, Grand Rapids, MI
For more information call Rosemary Ramos, (616) 458-1187 or (800) 466-8084, ext. 314.

JANUARY IS GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH:
Click here to read more about Glaucoma Awareness Month.

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE WORKSHOPS
Date: First Friday Each Month
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Place: Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
456 Cherry, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI

January 1 - No Presentation since Agency is closed for holiday.
February 6 - "Computers - You Don't Need To Stop Using Your Computer If You Have Vision Loss".
March 5 - "Diabetes/Medication Management"

For locations of support group meetings visit our Support Group Web Page.

Please contact John McElheron with any questions about the support groups.
By phone Extension 331 at (616) 458-1187 or (800) 466-8084
Email John McElheron

Serving the Counties of:

Allegan
Barry
Ionia
Kent
Lake
Mason
Mecosta
Montcalm
Muskegon
Newaygo
Oceana
Osceola
Ottawa

Office Location:

456 Cherry S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Map to Office

Phone: (616) 458-1187
Toll Free: (800) 466-8084
Fax: (616) 458-7113

Low Vision Clinics are available in Grand Rapids, Ionia, Ludington, and Muskegon.