Visions/ Services For The Blind And Visually Impaired

What Visions/ Services For The Blind And Visually Impaired does

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a New York State nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1926 by six women in Manhattan and headquartered at 500 Greenwich Street, New York, with a 37.5-acre residential campus (VISIONS Center on Blindness) in Spring Valley, New York. The organization delivers individualized vision rehabilitation and social services to blind and visually impaired individuals across all age groups — children, working-age adults, and older adults — serving over 7,000 program participants annually across all five NYC boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, the Lower Hudson Valley, and parts of New Jersey.

Core services include vision rehabilitation training delivered by Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), Licensed Medical Social Workers (LMSW), and Occupational Therapists (OTs); assistive technology training on screen readers (JAWS, VoiceOver), screen magnification (ZoomText Fusion), Braille displays, and digital video magnifiers by Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS); workforce development and job placement (ranked #1 in New York State for legally blind individuals for six consecutive years since 2016); youth programs up to age 21; the VISIONS Center on Aging (the first city-funded senior center for blind older adults in the country, opened 2012); the Nancy D. Miller Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) on the VCB campus; BlindLine® information-and-referral service (toll-free phone plus an accessible website linked to a New York State database of 2,500+ products and services); social work services; and unpaid caregiver support. Supporting content assets include CIL teaching manuals sold globally and the NYC Youth and Vision Loss Coalition handbooks.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through a diversified nonprofit funding stack: individual tax-deductible donations, foundation grants and corporate sponsorships (Altman Foundation, Con Edison, Goldman Sachs Gives, Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, The New York Community Trust, Lions District 20R1), and government contracts — principally New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB, which sponsors participants' services at no cost), NYC Department for the Aging, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Smaller revenue streams include fee-based professional in-service training for external organizations and one-time publication sales (CIL Teaching Manuals and self-help audiobooks). Programs are provided at no cost to NYSCB-sponsored participants; the organization reports 85% of donations going directly to programs. Services are produced directly through three owned/operated facilities and in-home delivery, with hybrid virtual and in-person modalities adopted since 2020. Leadership recently transitioned in July 2025 with the appointment of Molly Eagan as CEO; the organization is celebrating its centennial in 2026.

Name

Visions/ Services For The Blind And Visually Impaired

Legal name

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Website

https://visionsvcb.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1926

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1926 that provides free vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, workforce development, youth services, and older-adult programs to over 7,000 blind and visually impaired individuals annually across the NYC metropolitan area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vision Rehabilitation and Social Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Low Vision Rehabilitation (HLAKAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

Keywords

• Vision rehabilitation services
• Assistive technology training
• Vocational rehabilitation programs
• Blind and visually impaired support
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting the organization's mission. 85 cents of every dollar is spent on providing programs, training, and support.
2. Foundation Grants and Corporate Sponsorships: Funding from foundations including Altman Foundation, Con Edison, Goldman Sachs Gives, Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, and others. Corporate sponsors support events and programs.
3. Government Funding: Support from NYC Department for the Aging, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and NYS Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) funds programs for eligible participants.
4. Publication Sales: Sale of CIL Teaching Manuals (Orientation & Mobility Textbook, Rehabilitation Teaching Textbook, Sensory Development Textbook) and self-help audiobooks for consumers.
5. Fee-based Professional Staff Training: VISIONS provides fee-based in-service training for organizations working with participants with vision loss, based on the organization's needs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit vision rehabilitation and social service organization providing free individualized programs to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages. Core offerings include vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology instruction, workforce development and job placement, youth services, older adult programming at the VISIONS Center on Aging, residential training at the VISIONS Center on Blindness, and social work/caregiver support services. The organization operates across NYC, Long Island, Westchester, Lower Hudson Valley, and parts of New Jersey through three physical locations plus in-home and virtual service delivery.

Product overview

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit rehabilitation and social service organization offering a comprehensive suite of programs and services for individuals who are blind and visually impaired across all ages. The organization operates as a unified service delivery model centered around its core programs: Vision Rehabilitation Training (including CVRT, COMS, and OT services), Workforce Development/Job Placement (ranked #1 since 2016), Youth Services, Assistive Technology Training, and the VISIONS Center on Aging. Supporting services include BlindLine® information/referral, Social Work Services, Unpaid Caregiver Support, and Community Center programs. The Nancy D. Miller Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) provides residential work readiness programs, while the VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) serves as a 37.5-acre campus facility. The Redefining Independence Program offers specialized group training for older adults. All programs are offered at no cost to participants sponsored by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BlindLine: A uniquely comprehensive information and referral service for people who are blind or visually impaired, including a toll-free telephone number and accessible website linked to a New York State database with more than 2,500 accessible products and services.

Products and services

• Vision Rehabilitation Training Individualized rehabilitation training services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, covering navigation, meal preparation, home organization, and daily living skills. Delivered by Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), Licensed Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists.
• BlindLine A comprehensive information and referral service for people who are blind or visually impaired, featuring a toll-free telephone number (888-625-1616) and accessible website linked to a New York State database with more than 2,500 accessible products and services. Also serves as a vocational training program for blind or visually impaired interns.
• Workforce Development/Job Placement Programs Employment and job training programs ranked #1 in job placements for job seekers with visual impairments since 2016, including work readiness training, work experience training (WET), college-to-careers program, computer literacy, and vocational technology training.
• VISIONS Center on Aging The first older adult center in the country for blind and low-vision older adults (established 2012), offering programs, services, and activities designed to encourage social interaction, physical activity, and healthy aging at no charge.
• Youth Services Specialized programs for children and youth with visual impairments up to age 21, introducing independent living, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, social, and vocational readiness skills through summer programs and family sessions.
• Assistive Technology Training Hands-on training in assistive technology including screen readers (JAWS, VoiceOver), screen magnification software (ZoomText Fusion), refreshable Braille displays, digital video magnifiers, and large print keyboards, delivered by Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS).
• Nancy D. Miller Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) A fully accessible residential work readiness facility on the VISIONS Center on Blindness campus offering 45-day, 60-day, and 15-week certificate programs for young adults (18-23 years old) with partnerships for additional certificates through Rockland County Community College and BOCES programs.
• Community Center for Adults An adaptive community center at Selis Manor in Chelsea, Manhattan offering health and wellness, arts and education, support groups, entertainment, computer and technology services, and social services for adults who are blind and visually impaired.
• Unpaid Caregiver Support Program No-cost services for unpaid caregivers assisting older adults (60+) or grandparents (55+) who are blind or visually impaired, including support groups, respite services, information and referral, and supplemental emergency items.
• Redefining Independence Program Group training sessions for older adults (55+) living with vision loss, covering Vision Rehabilitation Therapy areas including personal management, home management, communication skills, meal management, financial management, assistive technology, and recreation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,000+ participants served annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Manhattanville CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Pre-College Program where high school juniors and seniors are enrolled in non-credit 'Introduction to College Life' course. CVRTs provide remote instruction on independence skills.
• Rockland County Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertificate program partner allowing VRC participants to access over 30 online certificates in fields including nursing assistant, teacher's assistant, HVAC, and more.
• Southern Westchester BOCEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertificate program partner for vocational rehabilitation center providing additional educational credentials for participants.
• Rockland BOCEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertificate program partner for vocational rehabilitation center providing additional educational credentials for participants.
• Northwell HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership for accessibility trainings and inclusive care presentations. Hosted 'Inclusive Care: Understanding and Serving Patients With Disabilities' event.
• New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)coreOthersPrimary government funder and referral source. Participants sponsored by NYSCB receive free services including vision rehabilitation, job training, assistive technology, and residential programs.
• NYC Department for the AgingcoreOthersGovernment supporter funding VISIONS Center on Aging programs for older adults with visual impairments.
• Lions Clubs InternationalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Lions Clubs adopted VCB in 1951, offering volunteer and financial support. Lions District 20R1 Charities, Inc. is a current funder. Multiple Lions members serve on Board of Directors.
• VisionServe AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization supporting the blindness services field.
• American Council of the BlindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational advocacy organization for blind individuals. ACB of New York, Inc. also listed as partner.
• American Foundation for the BlindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for people with vision loss.
• National Federation of the BlindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization of blind Americans. National Federation of the Blind New York also listed.
• Hunter College School of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for blind or visually impaired programs and educator training.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lighthouse Guild: NYC-based nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, behavioral health, and workforce services to people with vision loss. Most direct geographic and service-line peer to VISIONS, operating overlapping programs across the same metro area.
• Helen Keller Services: Nonprofit serving individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or have vision and additional disabilities across NYC and Long Island. Directly comparable mission and service mix, including rehabilitation, vocational, and assistive-technology training.
• The Chicago Lighthouse: Nonprofit social enterprise delivering vision rehabilitation, employment, and assistive-technology services in Chicago. Closely comparable operating model — combining direct service with workforce/employment programs for people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Ohio-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation, employment, and assistive-technology services to people with vision loss. Closely mirrors VISIONS' direct-service + workforce + community-center portfolio in a single regional market.

Regional players

• Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Rochester, NY): Upstate NY nonprofit offering vision rehabilitation, employment, and low-vision services. Highly comparable service model to VISIONS, but geographically distinct (Rochester/Finger Lakes region) so not a head-to-head competitor in NYC.
• Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired: New England-based nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, and social services. Comparable mission and program structure to VISIONS, serving a different geography with overlapping service lines.

Others

• VisionServe Alliance: National membership association of vision-loss nonprofits of which VISIONS is a member. Comparable in mission space but functions as a network/advocacy body rather than a direct service provider.
• American Foundation for the Blind: National nonprofit focused on research, advocacy, and resources for people with vision loss. Adjacent ecosystem player — VISIONS participates in AFB's programs but AFB does not deliver direct rehabilitation services in NYC.
• National Industries for the Blind: National nonprofit that creates employment opportunities for people who are blind through AbilityOne and other programs. Adjacent rather than overlapping — operates in the workforce/disability-employment space VISIONS also serves.
• Lavelle Fund for the Blind: Private foundation that is itself a current VISIONS funder and supports NYC-area vision-loss programs. Comparable mission lens and a key ecosystem partner; included to reflect the foundation side of the funding ecosystem VISIONS operates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/visionsvcb
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC
• Facebookfacebook.com/VISIONSVCB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/visions-services-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired
• Instagraminstagram.com/visionsvcb

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Visions/ Services For The Blind And Visually Impaired