Every Journey Begins Somewhere
No two people experience vision loss in the same way. Some are preparing to return to work. Others want to remain independent at home. Some have recently been diagnosed with an eye condition, while others have lived with vision loss for many years. Our staff will help identify the services that best fit your goals and connect you with the appropriate program.
Below are the primary ways Alaskans receive services through the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Returning to Work
Building the Skills for Employment
For individuals seeking employment or returning to the workforce after vision loss, the first step is usually opening a case with the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR partners with ACBVI to provide comprehensive blindness rehabilitation and vocational services that prepare individuals for successful employment.
The process begins with a comprehensive 20-hour assessment completed by our rehabilitation team. During the assessment, we evaluate independent living skills, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, manual skills, communication methods, vocational goals, and any barriers that may affect employment. The assessment helps identify strengths while creating individualized recommendations for additional training and adaptive equipment.
Based on the assessment, clients may be recommended for one of our intensive residential training programs.
Eight-Week Comprehensive Training Program (140 Hours)
Our eight-week residential program provides approximately 140 hours of individualized instruction. Clients receive training in the areas identified during their assessment while working toward greater independence at home and in the workplace. Every four weeks, participants return home for a one-week break before completing the remainder of the program and celebrating their accomplishments during graduation.
Twelve-Week Comprehensive Training Program (210 Hours)
Clients who require additional instruction may participate in our twelve-week residential program, providing approximately 210 hours of intensive training. Like the eight-week program, instruction is individualized to each person’s goals and includes a scheduled one-week break after every four weeks of training. Graduation marks the completion of the program and recognizes the skills and confidence gained throughout the experience.
Residential Living
Clients participating in either training program have the opportunity to stay in our on-site residential apartments throughout training. Living on campus allows individuals to practice newly learned skills in real-life situations while building friendships with other participants, developing routines, and fully immersing themselves in the rehabilitation process.
For more information, call 907-248-7770.
Older Blind Program (Age 55+)
Maintaining Independence at Home
The Older Blind Program is funded through the federal Older Blind Program and serves Alaskans age 55 and older who wish to maintain their independence and continue living safely in their homes and communities.
The process begins with an intake appointment with our Older Blind Coordinator, Pete McCall. Following the required paperwork, Pete schedules a home visit to better understand each person’s environment, discuss goals, and identify areas where training or adaptive equipment may improve daily life.
Participants receive individualized training based on their needs, generally consisting of six instructional visits, along with access to support groups, resources, and ongoing follow-up. Whether the goal is reading mail, preparing meals, managing medications, or remaining active in the community, services are tailored to help individuals continue doing the things that matter most.
For more information, call 907-248-7770.
Low Vision Clinic
Making the Most of Remaining Vision
Appointments at our Low Vision Clinic may be requested through self-referral or by an eye care professional.
After your referral is received, you will be placed on our waiting list and scheduled for a one-and-a-half-hour appointment with one of our Low Vision Specialists. During the evaluation, we assess how vision loss affects everyday activities and identify devices and strategies that may improve reading, writing, medication management, hobbies, work, and other daily tasks.
Clients may have the opportunity to receive low vision devices through available funding sources and are also connected with additional community resources when appropriate.
For more information, call 907-248-7770.
Rural Alaska Services
Bringing Services to Communities Across Alaska
Many Alaskans live hundreds of miles from Anchorage. Through our Rural Travel Program, we bring services directly to communities throughout the state.
If your community would like to host a visit, speak with your local eye care provider and ask them to contact ACBVI. Working together, we schedule visits that may include Low Vision Clinics, community presentations, individual home visits, and consultations with local agencies and providers.
Our goal is to make quality vision rehabilitation services available regardless of where an Alaskan calls home.
For more information, call 907-248-7770.
Blindness Sensitivity Training
Creating More Accessible Communities
Blindness Sensitivity Training helps organizations better serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Training is available for healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, senior centers, government agencies, businesses, customer service teams, schools, and other organizations that interact with the public. Sessions cover communication techniques, guiding methods, accessibility, adaptive technology, and practical strategies for providing respectful and effective service.
Customized training and consultation are available. Contact Casey Duer, Program Director, for scheduling and pricing information.
For more information, call 907-248-7770.
Mat-Su Valley Services
Bringing Services Closer to Home
Thanks to generous support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation, ACBVI provides expanded services throughout the Mat-Su Valley.
Services include home visits, Low Vision Clinics, educational presentations, and support groups designed to help Valley residents maintain independence without traveling to Anchorage for every appointment.
This partnership continues to remove barriers to care while expanding access to vision rehabilitation throughout one of Alaska’s fastest-growing regions.
For more information, call 907-248-7770.