Programs

Low Vision Clinic

The term "low vision" refers to loss of vision which cannot be corrected by medical or surgical procedures. Although medication and/or surgery may help, damage to parts of the eye may cause visual loss resulting in low vision. Conventional eyeglasses do not help. Low vision is determined by acuity, the amount of detail an individual sees or by visual field, the size of area an individual can see. Approximately 88% of people classified as legally blind have some useful vision, but have low vision.

The purpose of the Low Vision Clinic at ABVI is to help people carry out every day tasks made difficult or impossible by low vision. The optical aids used are not like regular eye glasses. Each device is used for a special purpose. Most low vision aids are reading glasses, magnifiers on a fixed stand, hand-held magnifiers, and pocket magnifiers.

Low Vision Services include: Screening to obtain background information, examination by a certified low vision optometrist, prescription or optical devices, recommendations regarding non-optical devices, and in-home follow-up.

Daily Living Skills

Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT) teach people with blindness or visual impairments and their families how to perform daily tasks that have become difficult because of vision loss. Adaptive equipment may be used or an alternate method to perform the task may be taught. Common areas of instruction are meal preparation, check writing, using a computer, medication identification and practical use of magnifiers. Most lessons take place in the client’s home and are based on the interests and needs of the client with the goal of improving independence.

Orientation and Mobility Instruction

A Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist teaches individuals how to travel safely and confidently within their homes and throughout their communities.This includes instruction on proper use of a white cane, walking with others, street crossing and using public transportation.

Counseling

Visual impairment is a disability that affects not only the individual, but entire families and social networks. Often, visually impaired people feel isolated and dependent, and loved ones may need help understanding their feelings of loss. Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired staff members help people express feelings, adjust to vision loss and make plans for the future. They also educate family members and help them take maximum advantage of community resources for the visually impaired. And if in-depth counseling is required, ABVI makes appropriate referrals to other agencies.

Peer Support Groups

Location and Meetings:

"The purpose of support groups is to provide education, encouragement and emotional support for adults
who are experiencing vision decline or loss of sight."

Allegan County
Allegan United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
409 Trowbridge
Allegan, MI
Second Monday of the month at 10:30 am
Map (Allegan)

Ionia County
Ionia Commission on Aging
115 Hudson Street
Ionia, MI
Fourth Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm, January - September
Map (Ionia)

Kent County
ABVI
456 Cherry SE
Grand Rapids, MI
First Monday of the month at 9:45 am
Map (Kent)

Kent County

RP Ushers Support Group

ABVI

456 Cherry SE

Grand Rapids, MI

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm

Map (Kent)

Kent County

Diversity Group

ABVI

456 Cherry SE

Grand Rapids, MI

Fourth Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm

Map (Kent)

Mason/Oceana Counties
Ludington Senior Center
308 South Rowe
Ludington, MI
Third Monday of the month at 1:30 pm
Map (Mason/Oceana/Lake)

Mecosta County
Mecosta County Senior Center
12954 - 80th Ave.
Mecosta, MI
Fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm
Map (Mecosta)

Montcalm County
Commission on Aging
613 N. State Street
Stanton, MI
Fourth Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am
Map (Montcalm)

Muskegon County
Muskegon Public Schools Administrative Offices
The Hackley Bldg. 3rd Floor
349 West Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI
Third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am
Map (Muskegon)

Newaygo County
Hesperia Library Community Room
80 South Division
Hesperia, MI
Call for times 800 466-8084

Map (Newaygo)

Ottawa County
First Presbyterian Church
508 Franklin Ave.
Grand Haven, MI
Second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am
Map (Ottawa - Grand Haven)

Ottawa County

Royal Park Place
500 Parkside Dr
Zeeland, MI

First Thursday of the month at 9:30 am
Map (Ottawa - Zeeland)

Ottawa County

The Village at Appledoorn

630 Hastings Ave
Holland, MI
Fourth Monday of the month at 9:30 am

Map (Holland)

Ottawa County

Pathways to Employment

Herrick Library

Holland, MI

2nd Tuesday, 12:30 pm

For information call 616 396-4132

Blind Parents Teleconference
Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 am
Call ABVI for details.
Map (Kent)

Successful Teens Exploring Positive Skills (STEPS)
Grandville High School
4700 Canal Avenue, SW
Grandville, MI
First & Third Mondays of the month at 3:30 pm
Contact Michelle Cameron for more information
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Map (STEPS)

Summer in the City

Grandville High School
4700 Canal Avenue, SW
Grandville, MI
Monday - Thursday, June 18 - 28; 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Contact Michelle Cameron for more information
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Map (STEPS)

Active Adults Group
ABVI
456 Cherry SE
Grand Rapids, MI
Fridays at 12:30 pm
Map (Kent)

Celebrate Independence Workshops
ABVI
456 Cherry, SE
Grand Rapids, MI
First Friday of March, June, September, and December
Map (Kent)

For additional information contact:
John McElheron
Social Worker
800-466-8084 ext 331
616-458-1187 ext 331
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Announcing Diversity Rap – a new support group

ABVI in cooperation with the Michigan Commission for the Blind is pleased to present Diversity Rap.

Diversity Rap is a Peer Support Group that encourages African Americans who are experiencing vision loss and their families to share their experiences, support each other and learn how to address challenges caused by vision loss.

When: Monthly, on the fourth Thursday from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Where: Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired

We hope that you will come to learn, share and support.

If you have questions, please call John McElheron at 458-1187.