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Valley Center for the Blind

General Information

Valley Center for the Blind
3417 W Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA 93711
559-222-4447
info@valleycenterfortheblind.org
https://myvcb.org/

Locations

  • 1707 Eye Street
    Suite 211
    Bakersfield, CA 93301

Brief Description

Originally founded in Fresno, Valley Center for the Blind has been providing services for the blind and visually impaired since 1973. What started as an idea for social and recreational services for the blind has grown into a comprehensive training program, offering classes to help participants set and reach their goals in Fresno, Kern, Madera, Kings and Tulare counties. Our staff is comprised of people who have a love for the Central Valley and a passion for helping those with vision loss. Always keeping up on the latest trends and technology for the visually impaired, we strive to keep our classes current and events fun and educational. Losing sight doesn't mean losing hope. Here at VCB we hope to help you see it that way too!

Services Offered

  • Counseling
    • Provides social evaluation; peer support groups; individual, group, family/parent counseling. Provides referral to community services, refers and provides consultation to other agencies for other counseling/social work services.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Refers for employment services.

  • Professional Training
    • Offers placement in training and regular in-service training programs; open to enrollment from other agencies.

  • Recreation Services
    • Offers arts and crafts,knitting and crocheting, special programs for elderly,and bowling. Offers therapeutic recreation activities.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Provides training in activities of daily living, gesticulation, video magnifier, home management.

  • Braille and Reading Instruction
    • Offers braille instruction.

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Offers computer training with screen readers and magnification software.x

  • Braille and Reading Instruction
    • We teach the basic alphabet and numbers. We also teach advanced shorthand braille if desired.

  • Low Vision Services
    • In Low Vision classes, consumers are educated about the nature of their vision loss, the importance of environmental modifications (lighting, glare,contrast) and the availability of assistive low vision devices which best meet their needs.

  • Advocacy
    • Classes to help teach how to advocate for yourselves

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Training in cane travel and mobility needs for blind and visually impaired persons.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • VCB works with adults with vision loss to help reach goals of employment. From identifying your perfect future career to helping you adjust to a promotion, VCB is a great source of support and education.