(West Nyack, NY) September 9, 2021 – Association for the Visually Impaired, Inc. (AVI) is now an affiliate of Rockland Independent Living Center, Inc., also known as BRIDGES. AVI assists persons of all ages who are visually impaired or blind to lead independent lives in their homes as well as in the community.
The mission of BRIDGES is to provide advocacy and leadership toward a more accessible, integrated community, promoting health and autonomy for people with disabilities. “AVI was a natural fit based on our mission to help those with any level of disability to lead a more independent life. AVI’s services and supports will expand our reach and network, reduce costs, and allow more people access to needed services,” states Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of BRIDGES.
AVI’s team of professionals help individuals and their families learn the techniques they need to remain active and independent in their communities. Services are provided by qualified personnel including Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Instructors, a social worker as well as Teachers for the Visually Impaired.
“The AVI Board is excited about this affiliation and eventual merger with BRIDGES. This transition helps to ensure the continued provision of vital services to those served by AVI now and in the future, as well continuity of service with AVI’s program staff under BRIDGES’ umbrella. We believe that combining these two agencies will provide more comprehensive services and supports for blind and visually impaired individuals throughout the Lower Hudson Valley.” Bob Heiferman, Board Member.
“We are very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with AVI under the management of our partners at BRIDGES”, said New York State Commission for the Blind Associate Commissioner Brian S. Daniels. “We are confident that AVI will continue to deliver quality vision rehabilitation services to the residents of Rockland, Orange, and Sullivan Counties.”
BRIDGES is a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities. It is one of 41 Independent Living Centers (ILC) operating in New York State under the auspices of New York State Education Department (NYSED). Each ILC adheres to a national philosophy of Independent Living that seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to make autonomous decisions regarding all aspects of living and advocates to ensure equal access to opportunities desired.
For more information visit www.bridgesrc.org or call (845) 624-1366.