Vision Forward Association
Vision Forward Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded in 1919 that delivers vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, therapy, and education services statewide to children and adults with visual impairment.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1919
- HeadquartersMilwaukee, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Vision Forward Association does
Vision Forward Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 39-0808506) founded in 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, originally as the Badger Association of the Blind. It delivers a continuum of vision rehabilitation and support services across the lifespan — from Birth-to-3 early intervention and early education programs for infants, toddlers, and school-age children, through adult low vision evaluations, assistive technology training, orientation and mobility, activities of daily living, and braille instruction, to senior-focused community education and support groups — supplemented by a specialized Neurological and Visual Impairment (NAVI) Program for clients with co-existing neurological conditions, music, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, recreational and camp programs, and a scholarship program awarding $500–$3,000 to visually impaired Wisconsin students.
Its core service stack rests on in-house clinical expertise rather than proprietary technology. Service delivery is anchored in specialized credentials (TVI/DTVI, CLVT, COMS, NMT, OD with low vision externship) and a purpose-built 2025 accessible facility in West Allis housing the Vision Forward Store retail channel. Underlying platforms include the Tech Connect online education portal (techconnect.vision-forward.org) for assistive technology training, the Babies Count national data registry collaboration with the American Printing House for the Blind, and partnerships with the Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, Froedtert & MCW, and Wisconsin Lions Clubs for referrals and clinical co-management. Notably, assistive technology offerings rely on procured third-party devices and software (JAWS, OCR, electronic magnifiers) rather than internally developed AI.
The revenue model is donation-anchored: contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations (including the Impact Circle monthly giving program, planned gifts via the Adam Zepp Legacy Society, and an active $3M Bold Vision Forward Campaign with $2.2M raised); sliding-scale service fees for therapy, low vision, and eye care (e.g., music therapy at $110 per 30–60 minute session, camp at $300 per child) including Medicaid waiver reimbursement (CLTS, Family Care, IRIS); retail product sales of adaptive equipment ranging from $8 household aids to $1,949 electronic magnifiers through both physical storefront and online store; and pass-through scholarship funds. Geographically the organization serves Wisconsin, with plans to extend reach via satellite low vision clinics and mobile Pop-Up clinics funded through the capital campaign.
Vision Forward Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vision Forward Association
- Legal name
- Vision Forward Association, Inc.
- Website
- https://vision-forward.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1919
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Vision Forward Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded in 1919 that delivers vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, therapy, and education services statewide to children and adults with visual impairment.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vision Forward Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vision Rehabilitation Services
- NAICS
- Optical Goods Retailers (45613)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low Vision Rehabilitation (HLAKAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Vision & Hearing Early Intervention Services (EDACAFAN), Computer Access & Alternative Input (Switch, Eye Gaze, Head/Mouse, Keyboards) (EDAKAIAD)
Keywords
Where Vision Forward Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Milwaukee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Vision Forward Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Philanthropy: The organization relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. They have an Impact Circle monthly giving program, capital campaigns, and accept planned gifts through their Adam Zepp Legacy Society.
- Service Fees and Program Revenue: Fees for various therapeutic and educational services including music therapy ($110/session), early education programs, and camp programs. Sliding fee scale available; services not denied based on ability to pay.
- Retail Product Sales: The Vision Forward Store sells adaptive equipment and products for the visually impaired including electronic magnifiers, wearable devices, household tools, and specialized aids. Proceeds support the mission.
- Scholarship Programs: Provides scholarship funding to visually impaired Wisconsin students ranging from $500 to $3,000 per award, funded through endowed and general scholarship funds.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Music Therapy Sessions |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Scholarship Awards |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Camp Readiness Program |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Retail Products |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Vision Forward Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vision Forward Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers a continuum of vision rehabilitation and therapeutic services to people of all ages with visual impairments across Wisconsin. Its portfolio spans low vision evaluations, assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, early intervention (Birth to 3), pediatric therapies (occupational, physical, speech, music), braille instruction, daily living skills, recreational programs, scholarships, and a retail store selling adaptive vision products.
Product overview
Vision Forward Association is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to individuals of all ages with visual impairments in Wisconsin. The organization offers a unified portfolio of services organized into three main pillars: Children's Services (Birth to 3, Early Education, School-Age Programs, and Therapy Services including music, occupational, physical, and speech therapy), Adult Services (Low Vision Services, Assistive Technology, Daily Living Training, Safe Travel, Braille Instruction, and Recreational Classes), and the Neurological and Visual Impairment (NAVI) Program. Additional offerings include a Retail Store selling adaptive vision products and assistive technology, Community Outreach education programs, Family Connections support, Scholarship opportunities, and Camp Programs. The Tech Connect online platform provides assistive technology training resources. Services are delivered at the main facility in West Allis, Wisconsin, with satellite clinics and mobile pop-up clinics planned for broader state access.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Vision Forward Store (Adaptive Vision Products) Physical and online retail store selling adaptive vision products and assistive technology for visually impaired individuals, including electronic magnifiers, wearable devices, braille devices, OCR devices, household aids, and daily living tools. Proceeds support the organization's mission.
- Low Vision Services Comprehensive low vision evaluations and rehabilitation services for adults with vision loss, including magnification assessment, specialized lighting, contrast enhancement, glare control, and training on adaptive products. Delivered by Certified Low Vision Therapists and optometrists.
- Assistive Technology Center State-of-the-art assistive technology center offering demonstrations, training, and product solutions including electronic magnifiers, wearable devices, OCR devices, JAWS screen reading software, and Braille notetakers for adults with vision loss.
- Birth to 3 Program (Infants and Toddlers) Early intervention services for infants and toddlers with visual impairments (birth through age 3), providing functional vision assessments, developmental evaluations, and family support delivered in home and community settings.
- Early Education Program Comprehensive early education program for children with visual impairments ages 0-6+, including EYE Grow, EYE Play, EYE Learn, and EYE Explore groups that incorporate the Expanded Core Curriculum.
- School-Age Programs Programs for school-age children with visual impairments including Braille Challenge, Braille Games, Beep Baseball, Spring Festival, Rainbow Day Camp, and scholarship opportunities aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum.
- Music Therapy Certified music therapy services supporting physical, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and social development of children with visual impairment through individual and group sessions. Priced at $110 per 30-60 minute session.
- Occupational Therapy Licensed occupational therapy services addressing gross and fine motor abilities, spatial awareness, daily activities, and functional vision use for children with vision loss.
- Physical Therapy Expert physical therapy evaluations and treatments for children with vision loss including therapeutic exercise, range of motion, visual motor skills, balance, and gait training.
- Speech and Language Therapy Pediatric speech therapy services for children with visual impairments including language delays, articulation errors, AAC devices, and feeding/swallowing therapy.
- Neurological and Visual Impairment (NAVI) Program Multi-disciplinary program helping individuals with co-existing neurological and visual impairments achieve greater independence through coordinated therapies including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, optometry, and assistive technology.
- Orientation and Mobility Training (Children and Youth) Specialized instruction helping children who are blind or visually impaired learn to orient to surroundings and move safely through environments using remaining senses and mobility tools.
- Safe Travel Training (Adults) Orientation and mobility training for adults to achieve travel independence using long canes, non-visual techniques, and public transportation instruction.
- Routine Eye Care Comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for eyeglasses, contact lens fittings, and management of conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy delivered by a staff optometrist.
- Braille Instruction Braille instruction for parents/guardians of children who are braille users and adults with visual impairment, with sessions tailored to individual needs.
- Activities of Daily Living Training Adaptive daily living skills training for adults with vision impairment including grooming, medication management, cooking, money identification, labeling, and household management.
- Support Groups Support groups for individuals with vision loss including groups for younger adults, older adults, persons with partial vision, and parents of visually impaired children.
- Recreational Classes Ongoing recreational classes for adults with vision impairment including discussion groups, bingo, book club, fitness, knitting, games, and support groups.
- Community Outreach Education Educational presentations on assistive technology, vision services, and eye diseases for senior groups, employers, medical professionals, educators, and community providers.
- Family Connections Events and services for families including training courses, conferences, caregiver matches, and support groups to help families of children with visual impairments learn, connect, and grow together.
- Scholarship Program Scholarship opportunities for Wisconsin students who are blind and visually impaired, including the Vision Forward Association Scholarship and Arthur L. Ebert Endowed Scholarship, ranging from $500 to $3,000 per award.
- Camp Programs Summer camp programs including Rainbow Day Camp, Camp Readiness (3-day program at $300 per child), 2-Day Tech Camp, and Pathways to Independence Camp for children and young adults with visual impairments.
- Tech Connect Online platform offering assistive technology demonstrations, webinars, and interactive live sessions including the Keys to Access training series for Windows operating system essentials.
Quantifiable outcome
- Only 5% of individuals with vision loss who are eligible for services seek them each year - Vision Forward works to close this gap
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Vision Forward Association
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Vision Forward Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Vision Forward Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- VisionServe AlliancecoreVision Forward is a member of VisionServe Alliance, a national council of private agencies for the blind and visually impaired organized for charitable and educational purposes.
- Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBVI)majorPresenting Partner for Dining in the Dark event. IBVI is a nonprofit employing people who are legally blind through blind-made products and services.
- Hiller FordmajorLuminary Partner for Dining in the Dark fundraising event.
- Froedtert & Medical College of WisconsinmajorVisionary Partner for Dining in the Dark; partnership ensures patients with neurological conditions and visual impairments receive comprehensive, individualized services.
- Milwaukee Eye CaremajorVisionary Partner for Dining in the Dark; provides eye care services in Milwaukee since 1933.
- Beyond VisionmajorNonprofit manufacturing company employing people who are legally blind; Leader Partner for Dining in the Dark.
- Hoffman YorkmajorMilwaukee-based advertising agency that co-created the BeSeen public awareness campaign with Vision Forward.
- Front Room StudiosmajorCreative studio partner for BeSeen campaign featuring photography, video, and storytelling.
- Lions Clubs International (Wisconsin chapters)majorOver 30 Wisconsin Lions Clubs partner with Vision Forward including Bay View, Big Bend Vernon, Delavan, East Troy, Elkhorn, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Kenosha Greater, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Port Washington, Sussex, Thiensville Mequon, Waterford, West Allis, West Milwaukee, and many more. Major donor through Lions Clubs partnerships.
- Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)coreProvides employment services and counseling to people with disabilities. Vision Forward collaborates with DVR to provide skills training for individuals seeking work.
- American Printing House for the Blind (APH)coreNational partner for Babies Count registry - a national database of children ages birth to 36 months with visual impairments.
- Medical College of Wisconsin - Eye InstitutemajorHealthcare partner providing comprehensive eye care services and referrals to Vision Forward.
- IndependenceFirstmajorLocal nonprofit providing personal assistance support services to persons with disabilities so they can continue living in their homes.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Vision Forward Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- IndependenceFirst: Milwaukee-area nonprofit providing independent living services for people with disabilities; a direct local partner and partial competitor for disability-services funding in Vision Forward's geography.
Broad incumbents
- National Federation of the Blind (NFB): National advocacy and service organization for blind Americans; competes for donor dollars and visibility with regional vision loss agencies like Vision Forward.
- American Printing House for the Blind (APH): National nonprofit producing educational materials and assistive products for the blind; partners with Vision Forward on the Babies Count registry and competes for similar philanthropic and government funding.
- Perkins School for the Blind: Historic nonprofit serving children and youth who are blind or visually impaired with educational, early intervention, and assistive technology services — overlaps significantly with Vision Forward's children's services and NAVI Program.
- VisionServe Alliance: National consortium of private agencies serving people with vision loss of which Vision Forward is a member; sets industry standards and convenes peers operating similar multidisciplinary service models.
- Lighthouse Guild: National nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, behavioral health, and assistive technology services; comparable in mission and service mix to Vision Forward but operates at national scale rather than regionally.
Others
- Lions Clubs International (Wisconsin): Service organization network of 30+ Wisconsin chapters that partner with Vision Forward as a major donor and referral source for vision loss services across the state.
Direct peers
- Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI): Regional nonprofit providing rehabilitation, assistive technology, low vision services, and employment support for people with vision loss — operates a similar multidisciplinary model to Vision Forward in another Midwest market.
- Chicago Lighthouse: Regional nonprofit offering vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, low vision services, and employment programs for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Chicago area — the closest direct geographic and service-line peer to Vision Forward.
Regional players
- Beyond Vision (formerly Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, IBVI): Wisconsin-based nonprofit employing people who are legally blind; partners with Vision Forward on the Dining in the Dark event and serves an overlapping population with complementary employment-focused services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Vision Forward Association social profiles
Digital presenceVision Forward Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Vision Forward Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vision Forward Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Vision Forward Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vision Forward Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Vision Forward Association
What does Vision Forward Association do?
Vision Forward Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers a continuum of vision rehabilitation and therapeutic services to people of all ages with visual impairments across Wisconsin. Its portfolio spans low vision evaluations, assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, early intervention (Birth to 3), pediatric therapies (occupational, physical, speech, music), braille instruction, daily living skills, recreational programs, scholarships, and a retail store selling adaptive vision products.
Is Vision Forward Association a public or private company?
Vision Forward Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Vision Forward Association founded?
Vision Forward Association was founded in 1919. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Vision Forward Association based?
Vision Forward Association is headquartered in Milwaukee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vision Forward Association make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Philanthropy is the primary driver. The others are service Fees and Program Revenue, retail Product Sales and scholarship Programs.
Who are Vision Forward Association's main competitors?
IndependenceFirst is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are National Federation of the Blind (NFB), American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Perkins School for the Blind, VisionServe Alliance and Lighthouse Guild. Lions Clubs International (Wisconsin) is listed as an others. Direct peers are Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) and Chicago Lighthouse. Beyond Vision (formerly Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, IBVI) is listed as a regional player.
Does Vision Forward Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vision Forward Association.
What industry is Vision Forward Association in?
Vision Forward Association's product category is Vision Rehabilitation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAKAKAJ, Low Vision Rehabilitation, with a secondary code of EDACAFAN, Vision & Hearing Early Intervention Services. Its NAICS code is 45613 and its SIC code is 3851.