Bluegrass Council of the Blind In

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“Peer support & community connection: through nearly 50 total peer support activities, support groups, workshops, and special events, individuals who are blind or visually impaired built lasting friendships, gained confidence, and reduced social isolation. Mobile market & independent living: our twice monthly mobile market program provided fresh food and household essentials to 294 households. In addition to offering supplemental groceries, the program gave clients the ability to shop with dignity and independence by providing sighted volunteers for in-store assistance and transportation passes to access the market. This reduced barriers around both access to food and the need for constant reliance on family or friends for basic errands. In the last fiscal year, this program provided over 3318 pounds of food to individuals who are blind or have low vision. Advocacy & resource navigation: staff guided clients through critical challenges in housing, healthcare, legal rights, and transportation, ensuring they could live safely and independently. Our advocacy efforts reached 480 participants through presentations and seminars, educating professionals and the public on the rights, needs and abilities of people with low to no vision, along with useful techniques to provide assistance in a friendly and dignified manner.”

“The assistive technology and training program introduces people with vision impairment to devices, accessibility features, tools and solutions for achieving tasks that become nearly impossible for those with low or no vision, such as reading, using digital communication, personal care, and dozens of other tasks people with full sight take for granted. Bcb offers the only assistive technology access center in kentucky with state-of-the- art devices for hands-on trials, lending, distribution and personal training. Training includes support for specialized and "everyday" devices that can be adapted for persons with low to no vision, giving them the personal instruction needed to maximize their literacy, independence, employability and productivity. Technology for independence: this year, bcb demonstrated 1106 and distributed or loaned 477 assistive devices and provided 455.75 hours of technology training to help clients master screen readers, smartphones, adaptive devices and apps: tools that support education, employment, and daily living. The peer support program offers peer mentoring and support both in person and virtually to shift the fear, isolation and depression that can accompany vision loss to a sense of independence and empowerment. This program provides opportunities for interaction with others who can share how they have overcome the challenges of vision impairment. Services include resource referrals, mentoring small groups, lunch & learn meetings, food distribution, and community outings to increase confidence and abilities in orientation, mobility and promote inclusion”