At the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC (ABVI), we are grateful to be a part of a community that looks for opportunities to help. In response to COVID-19, we launched our Seeing Through the Pandemic Campaign to help ensure we could get to the other side of the pandemic whole so we could continue providing critical vision rehabilitation services for our neighbors who are blind or visually impaired.
Initially it was our goal to raise $10,000. However, you helped us surpass that goal, raising a total of $15,200! We are beyond grateful for the support we received over the last several weeks. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped us spread the word.
While our offices have been closed for in-person training, we have transitioned to virtual and online training for most of our classes. Virtual training has allowed our existing clients to continue their progress in their journey to independence during the pandemic. It has also created opportunities for clients like Brendan to access training for the first time. Brendan was unable to reach our facilities for training in person, but he jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of our new virtual training services. Brendan is currently enrolled in Braille and Assistive Technology classes, and he is learning how to use the accessibility settings on his new iPhone in order to stay connected during the pandemic. Regarding his experience training with ABVI, Brendan said:
“I’m glad I am able to take some classes. I felt like I was stuck, and now I am moving. I can take these classes at home, and that helps so I don’t have to get transportation from Ridgeville.”
There are more than 15,000 adults who are blind or visually impaired living in the Tri-County. Thanks to your support and partnership, ABVI can provide critical vision rehabilitation services to allow clients like Brendan, and many others, to live more independently throughout the pandemic and beyond.
On behalf of the entire ABVI staff, thank you again!
