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Vision Forward Association

General Information

Vision Forward Association
912 N Hawley Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-615-0100
info@vision-forward.org
http://vision-forward.org

Brief Description

On January 1, 2010, the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children merged to become Vision Forward Association. Combining over 130 years of expertise, Vision Forward is Southeastern Wisconsin's premier resource for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.

Services Offered

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Staff in our TEC (Technology Education Center) offer training in the broad scope of the latest adaptive technology from smart phones to screen magnification software. Classes are offered in keyboarding, word processing, navigating the Internet, Excel, and more. Demonstrations are provided on new wearable technology including Orcam and eSight.

  • Counseling
    • Vision Forward offers support groups and individual support for adults, family members and parents. Group sessions provide the opportunity to explore what it means to live with vision loss, how to accomplish life tasks without normal vision and how to connect with other valuable resources. Group members are enabled to fully claim their change in vision, assertively communicate with others about their needs and abilities and maintain their sense of worth and dignity.

  • Information and Referral
    • Information about community resources are provided to our clients by our Social Worker and other staff.

  • Low Vision Services
    • Our Low Vision Services program is staffed by an optometrist and occupational therapists with special training and experience working with clients living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions. Low Vision Services help our clients make the most of their remaining vision with the help of proper magnification devices, specialized lighting and contrast enhancement. Appointments are covered by Medicare and most other insurances.

  • Community Outreach Programs
    • Vision Forward is actively engaged in our community, providing information, education and support to people of all ages in schools, business settings, senior centers and throughout the community.

  • Recreation Services
    • Our Education and Enrichment offerings teach people who are blind or visually impaired adaptive techniques so that they can continue hobbies and leisure activities or learn new ones, allowing them to be as independent as possible. We also offer classes and events throughout the year on an ongoing basis.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Specially trained staff members teach techniques that help adults and young adults who are blind or visually impaired function independently. Rehabilitation teachers and occupational therapists develop an individualized plan of service based on each person’s unique needs and goals. Training is provided in food preparation, personal management, personal hygiene and grooming, nutrition, household maintenance, money management, use of time-keeping devices, and methods of organizing and labeling. Training helps adults relearn tasks by making the most of their remaining vision and developing new non-visual skills.

  • Consultation/Technical Program Assistance
    • Vision Forward staff members provide expertise to individuals, families, community organizations and service agencies in a variety of areas including adaptive products, living with vision loss, therapeutic interventions and more.

  • In-Home Services
    • Low Vision Therapists, an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Orientation & Mobility Instructor are able to provide low vision, daily living skills training, and orientation and mobility follow-up services in the home environment.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Participants master techniques of safe travel, learn to use their other senses, gather information, plan a route, cross the street, problem-solve, and learn how to use public transportation.

  • Assistive Products
    • The Vision Forward Store, southeastern Wisconsin's only adaptive devices retail store, offers people of all ages who have low vision or are blind a selection of solutions for home, school, work or recreation. Products are designed to help those living with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and general vision loss. In addition to our hands-on retail setting, products are available in our online store.

  • Support Groups
    • One-on-one support and support groups, offered in a safe and supportive environment, help individuals and family members deal with the emotional issues that often accompany vision loss. Participants learn strategies and techniques for successfully living with changing vision. They have the opportunity to explore effective self advocacy, work on building a positive self-image, and identify community resources to meet their changing vision needs.