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Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
456 Cherry Street, SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Local Telephone: (616) 458-1187
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 466-8084
www.abvimichigan.org
E-mail: abvi@abvimichigan.org
Contacts
Kathy Konow, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Linda Haven, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Joy Wahby, Office Manager
Charis Austin, Client Advocate
Rosemary Ramos, Outreach Coordinator
John D McElheron, Social Worker
Joanna Butler, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Regina Hickey, Support Services
Richard Stevens, Executive Director, rstevens@abvimichigan.org
George Kremer, Director of Rehabilitation Services, gkremer@abvimichigan.org
Amy Schreiner, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Michelle Cameron, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Karolina Smiley, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Ron Hoekstra, Accountant
General Information
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (formerly Vision Enrichment Services) was founded in 1913 as the Association for the Blind and for Sight Conservation. The agency was incorporated in 1921.
Its mission is to advance the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired and help prevent vision loss through services and education.
The purposes of the agency are:
- To assist visually impaired persons in developing skills to become more independent through rehabilitative services
- To educate the general public, organizations, professions, visually impaired people, and their families about the nature of visual impairments and the capabilities of visually impaired people
To promote the prevention of - blindness
Geographic Area Served: 13 counties in West Michigan, surrounding the Grand Rapids area.Services Offered
Counseling
Helps people express feelings, adjust to vision loss and make plans for the future. Also educates family members and helps 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.
Low Vision Services
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.
Recreation Services
Recreational opportunities, discussion groups, and other leisure time activities are available to individuals throughout the year.
Support Groups
Provides a comfortable setting where groups of visually impaired people grow stronger together, and where family members and friends learn to provide more appropriate support.
Travel/Orientation and Mobility
AN O&M instructor teaches individuals how to travel independently and safely in their homes, work places, neighborhoods, and communities.
Programs
Blind Parents Teleconference
Successful Teens Exploring Positive Skills (Steps)
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