Porfiria Landeros, and her two children, Dayonara (age 10), and Jose (age 9) from Staten Island are among the many wonderful families who attend VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) in the summer. Like many, they return year after year to learn, connect, and grow with staff and families like theirs.

The Landeros' VCB journey began four years ago, when they first attended at the recommendation of their New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) counselor, Paul Geraci. Initially, after aging out of one vision rehabilitation agency, and being turned away by another, Porfiria was concerned that VCB staff may not be able to work with her son, who has a learning disability. To Porfiria's surprise, VCB staff told her they COULD work with her family, and would even provide her son with an individualized plan to meet his needs.

Over the next four summers, the Landeros family participated in VCB's Rehabilitation & Recreation Program (R&R), a week-long program in which children with visual impairments and their families learn how to safely navigate, and utilize adaptive equipment for completing household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Additionally, families enjoy socializing and connecting with other children and families during supervised activities including swimming in an accessible pool. Porfiria recalled one year, where VISIONS staff went above and beyond in their work with Jose, to help him get over his fear of the swimming pool. "Staff took their time, got on his level, and gave him the confidence to get over his fear. I was very proud of that moment and found it to be very memorable."

Each year, Porfiria leaves the R&R Program with a newfound confidence that a visual impairment will not stop her children from living a life full of joy and exploration. "Vision loss doesn't stop you; there are no limits to what people could do, or where they can explore." Porfiria also knows that with each year, she is able to meet other families with whom she can relate, and be part of a great community. "Don’t think about it twice. Take the opportunity. Meet other people and learn from them. This program helped my children come out of their shells, and learn what they’re capable of. Any parent considering this program will not regret it!"

When Porfiria and her family are not at VCB, her children attend school, and receive VISIONS services in the home to help strengthen their skills, and get them ready for the experience they will have next year at VCB!