Services for Seniors
Vision Rehabilitation Services
VISIONS Rehabilitation Department helps seniors achieve their highest level of independence. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Professionals provide instruction in adaptive independent living skills and mobility at home, at work and in the community, in addition to occupational therapy, social work counseling, and assistance with employment.
Contact Carmen Rivera, Intake Coordinator/Outreach Specialist (212) 625-1616 x 134 or crivera@visionsvcb.org
Community Outreach and Training
Through inter-agency collaborations, VISIONS ensures that individuals who are blind have access to community-based resources. VISIONS sponsors advisory boards in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. VISIONS provides staff training, public education forums on eye disease in all five boroughs of New York City, and has affiliations with over 150 senior centers.
Contact: Rick Schwartz, Director of Development and Outreach (212) 625-1616 x 128 or rschwartz@visionsvcb.org
VISIONS at Selis Manor
VISIONS at Selis Manor is a center for blind youth, adults and seniors. Located at 135 West 23rd Street in Manhattan, Visions at Selis Manor offers support groups, adapted classes from fitness to computer training, assistance with benefits, social programs such as Senior Speak Out, volunteers and social work services for seniors with vision loss.
Contact Carrie Lewy, Director of VISIONS at Selis Manor Senior Center (646) 486-4444 x 16 or clewy@visionsvcb.org
Intergenerational and Caregiver Support Programs
VISIONS Intergenerational Program recruits, trains and employs high school students to assist blind seniors in their homes, and at Selis Manor. The youth provide escort and assistance with reading, shopping, and technology. VISONS Caregiver project supports family, partners, and friends who help a senior with vision loss. Overnight respite at VCB and day respite at Selis Manor are provided.
Contact Jessica Ferrandino, Senior Center Program Coordinator (646) 486-4444 x 33 or jferrandino@visionsvcb.org
Contact Diana Cruz Caregiver Support Program Case Manager (212) 625-1616 ext. 147 or dcruz@visionsvcb.org
VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB)
VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) is a residential vision rehabilitation and training center located in Rockland County, New York. VCB is open year round and is adapted to meet the needs of people who are blind including people who are also independent wheelchair users. Sessions include employment and technology training, wellness programs and family services.
Contact Carmen Thorne, VCB Co-Administrator 212-625-1616 x 107 or cthorne@visionsvcb.org
Blindline®
Blindline® provides a toll-free number for access to a New York statewide database of resources and services for people who are blind or visually impaired, their family members, caregivers, and professionals. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm by calling 888-625-1616. A fully accessible website (www.blindline.org) with direct access to the database is open to the public.
Contact Michael Cush, Director of Workforce Development and Training/Adult (212) 625-1616 x 139 or mcush@visionsvcb.org
