BAC Rutland

The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) officially dedicated its newest facility June 25 in South Burlington. The Gibney Family Vision Center, named in honor of VABVI benefactor The Gibney Family Foundation, will function as the agency’s base for statewide operations, as well as its largest client service center. Foundation representative and longtime VABVI friend Frank Gibney was present to cut the ribbon, and fellow VABVI contributors Chittenden Bank, and Neagley and Chase Construction were represented. Also in attendance were Gov. Jim Douglas, Leahy Field Representative John Tracy and community supporters, clients, staff and volunteers.

VABVI served more than 1,400 Vermonters of all ages last year through rehabilitation, education and transportation programs, an increase of more than 50 percent in its number of clients in ten years.

According to the agency, the state of Vermont has approximately 10,500 residents living with blindness or visual impairment. Recent studies indicate the figure will nearly double in 20 years, a key factor in the need for their agency’s growth.

With approximately 12,000 square feet of handicapped accessible space, the new facility is twice the size of the agency’s previous Burlington office. Additions and improvements in the design include a library, attached reading room, Braille room, state of the art kitchen with brand-new appliances for training purposes, three classrooms for private instruction, aids and appliances room large enough to store inventory, a sunny and spacious volunteer room, and an all-purpose space able to accommodate 70 people.

VABVI was founded in 1926 with the assistance of Helen Keller and the American Foundation for the Blind. The private, nonprofit organization provides comprehensive support services for visually impaired Vermonters of all ages free. Offices are located in Brattleboro, Montpelier, Rutland and South Burlington. Call 800-639-5861 or visit www.vabvi.org for more information.