In the early 1920s six women formed an organization devoted to serving New Yorkers who were blind.  They saw needs of people that had been overlooked, such as the desire to escape from stressful city life to a place with specially designed accommodations and services.  The organization, called Vacation Camp, started on March 5, 1923 with sixty-two charter members and grew to over four hundred within a month.

Starting small, the women rented a cottage in Rye, New York, where a few blind men could spend two-week vacations.  They expanded the vacation services by renting the Huyler estate, with its lovely grounds, three story colonial house, and beach privileges.  By the second summer, the camp hosted 150 blind and partially sighted guests over a ten-week season.  Men vacationed in July, women in August, with a separate week for mothers with babies.  Vacation Camp pioneered racially integrated groups.

On June 15, 1926, Vacation Camp and Dormitory for the Blind was incorporated.  The Huyler estate in Rye was purchased for Vacation Camp, and a residence for 13 blind working men was established on 120th Street in Manhattan.  Board members helped the residents start businesses and assisted with bookkeeping, purchasing, and contacting customers.  Helping people to help themselves was progressive at that time.

In 1951, a thirty-five acre camp in the Village of New Hempstead, New York, was purchased, offering vacations year-round for visually impaired single adults, couples, and families with children.

In 1964, VISIONS introduced the first group of seniors with vision impairments to a center in their own neighborhood.  Today, we provide outreach, information services, and counseling to help older individuals integrate into community life, and serve as a liaison with over 64 senior centers throughout the city.

In 1972, CIL (Center for Independent Living) rehabilitation services began as the only program at the time providing comprehensive individualized services for older people who are blind.  CIL and VCB merged in 1984.  Today, consumers receive training at home and at VISIONS’ offices.  In 1993, VISIONS’ rehabilitation department received the Program of Distinction Award from the National Rehabilitation Association, New York Metropolitan Chapter.

In 1997, VISIONS’ Volunteer Program won the Youth Serving Elders Award from NYSIGN, the New York State Intergenerational Network.

In 2001, Visions at Selis Manor inaugurated its new rehabilitation, recreation and social programs to serve blind and visually impaired tenants of Selis Manor and community users of the building.  VISIONS celebrated its 75th anniversary.

In 2004, VISIONS received a Best Practices Award from the Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City for its senior center training and integration of blind seniors into center activities.  VISIONS was named Outstanding Employer by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), an inaugural national recognition award.

In 2006, VISIONS received the New York State Coalition on Aging Intergenerational Program Award. VISIONS celebrates its 80th Anniversary.

In 2007, VISIONS created an Employment and Training Center at VISIONS at Selis Manor and launched Employment & Technology Institutes.