AFB Center on Vision Loss, Esther's Place

AFB Center on Vision Loss, Esther's Place

By Envision Marketing • Oct 14, 2019

Blog Content

DALLAS – Envision announced today a collaboration with American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to establish Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind as the new home of the American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss and Esther’s Place. A grand opening is expected in spring 2020. Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind is located at 4306 Capitol Avenue in Dallas, Texas.
 
“The unmatched commitment shared by Envision and AFB to serve people who are blind or low vision in the Dallas area led to this remarkable collaboration that will yield invaluable benefits to the community and have a definitive effect on the city’s quality of life,” said Michael Monteferrante, Envision president and CEO. “Our announcement marks a big step forward in the delivery of critical low vision rehabilitation services and programs and the next phase in the evolution of Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind.”
 
The American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss promotes increased awareness, understanding, and knowledge of strategies for living with vision loss and provides resources, information, and products that are useful to consumers, family members, and professionals. Esther’s Place, a model apartment located within the center, is specially designed and equipped to acquaint individuals who are blind or visually impaired with products, appliances, and techniques that can help them gain higher levels of independence in a home setting.
 
“The American Foundation for the Blind is thrilled to have Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind carry on the tradition of excellence established by the American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss and Esther’s Place,” said Kirk Adams, AFB president and CEO. “We set out 13 years ago to create programs that would empower people with vision loss to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives. We’re extremely proud of our record of success and look forward to what the future holds.”
 
The American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss and Esther’s Place at Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind will serve 150,000 individuals who are blind or low vision living in 11 North Texas counties: Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall.
 
Historically, Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind has been centered on providing employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Existing programs include assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, Serving our Seniors, an adaptive/low vision aids store, vocational rehabilitation services and youth pre-employment transition services funded by the Texas Workforce Commission.
 
“This collaboration will enable Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind to introduce a new focus on rehabilitation, improving efficiency in the workplace and enhancement of quality of life within a comprehensive rehabilitative clinical setting,” said Heather Hogan, senior vice president of Foundation and Mission Services at Envision. “We are excited to build on what the American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss and Esther’s Place have accomplished and reach even more individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout North Texas and beyond.”
 
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
 
About the American Foundation for the Blind: Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. Visit: www.afb.org
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