Serving Alaskans since 1977, we are the only non-profit vision rehabilitation center in Alaska. We serve the entire state of Alaska through the Rural Outreach Program. The Center has a suite of services for blind and low vision Alaskans at its facility in Anchorage.
We provide a range of services for blind and low-vision Alaskans at our Anchorage facility, including:
- Activities of Daily Living: Training in personal and household management for independent living.
- Orientation and Mobility: Safe travel in business and residential areas.
- Assistive Technology: Adaptive communications using computers and electronic devices, and reading and writing Braille.
- Manual Skills: Use of tools and development of problem-solving skills.
- Vocational Services and Worksite Evaluations: Job preparation and vocational training for employment success.
Programs out in the community
Visually Impaired Senior Alaskans (VISA)
Living Well With Vision Loss support groups and services providing support to seniors to increase their home safety for independent living.
Contact: Pete McCall, Older Blind Coordinator. Email pmccall@alaskabvi.org, phone (907) 771-4306.
Rural Outreach
Through a State grant, the Center provides rehabilitation training in communities all over Alaska. When vision loss begins impacting daily life like reading, travelling, cooking, or using the computer, the proper rehabilitation training and assistive technology can help. From Utqiagvik to Ketchikan, over 100 Alaskans per year attend our low vision clinic and receive training at no cost in their community or nearby hub. Up to $100 of low vision devices is provided to each individual as needed. While many are referred by their eye doctor, no referral is needed to benefit from our rural outreach. We typically visit a community once per year and rely on our wonderful community partners to get the word out and host our low vision clinic. Optometrists, nurses, care coordinators, Lions Club members, and many others help make our program a success by connecting those in their community who are blind or have vision loss to our services.
Contact: Tom Class, Rural Outreach Coordinator. Email tclass@alaskabvi.org, phone (907) 771-4324.
Youth Program
Vision rehabilitation, vocational training, job preparation, assisted daily living and supervised social activities for youth ages 14-21.
Contact: Daria Ezhova, AT Instructor and Youth Coordinator. Email dezhova@alaskabvi.org.
Blind Sensitivity Training
Hands-on training that helps businesses, agencies, and community groups understand blindness and low vision and interact respectfully and effectively.
Contact: Casey Duer, Program Director. Email cduer@alaskabvi.org, phone (907) 771-4300.
Presentations for Community Health Providers and Senior Living Homes
Educational presentations for health-care providers, senior living communities, and other organizations on vision loss, available services, and how to support people who are blind or losing vision.
Mat-Su Outreach
Services and support for blind and low-vision residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, coordinated locally so clients can access training and resources closer to home.
Beyond individualized services, our Mat-Su program remains active in the community through monthly support groups, Low Vision Clinics, educational presentations, outreach events, and partnerships with local organizations. We believe relationships matter, and over the years many of our clients have become like extended family. Whether we’re speaking at community events, connecting with partner agencies, or helping someone access vision rehabilitation services, our goal is to ensure people who are blind or visually impaired have the tools and support they need to remain independent and connected.