VISIONS at Selis Manor is an adapted learning environment and meeting place for youth, adults and seniors who are blind or visually impaired. Located at 135 West 23rd Street in Manhattan, VISIONS at Selis Manor offers training, adapted recreation, volunteer and social work services at no cost. All services are free of charge.

Education / Recreation Programs
Classes are offered quarterly throughout the year. VISIONS at Selis Manor has a fully adapted computer center and provides instruction ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Self-Development classes range from techniques for independence at home and learning Braille to seminars on critical thinking. Creative arts classes, including quilting, ceramics, photography and percussion, offer blind participants adapted opportunities for self-expression. The fitness/movement program offers classes for a variety of abilities and interests from yoga to bowling to a fully equipped fitness center. Formal registration for classes is required. Materials are available in print, large print, Braille, audiotape or email.

Social Work Services
VISIONS at Selis Manor has on-site staff to meet the individual, group and family needs of blind and visually impaired teens, adults and seniors. Social workers lead support groups, provide individual counseling and crisis intervention. VISIONS’ provides assistance and advocacy with securing government entitlements and benefits. Through inter-agency collaborations, VISIONS is able to facilitate referrals and coordinate services with other community or mental health programs.

Senior Speak Out
VISIONS at Selis Manor offers a weekly support group, Senior Speak Out, designed specifically for blind or visually impaired seniors aged 60 and over. Senior Speak Out includes a dinner and guest speakers who address timely topics based on the requests of the seniors. This wonderful service provides opportunities for seniors to socialize, participate in discussions on topics of importance, and enjoy a nutritious, hot meal. Senior Speak Out meets Mondays from 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Youth Services
With funding from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and other sources, VISIONS at Selis Manor offers comprehensive after-school and summer activities for high-school youth who are visually impaired. The Out of School-Time (OST) program provides work experiences in the on-site snack bar and administrative offices. Additionally, the youth participate in education workshops such as resume writing, interview techniques, financial management and training on conflict resolution and anger management. The youth participate in activities such as bowling, arts and crafts, yoga and creative writing. High School students age 14 – 21 who are blind or visually impaired are eligible for the OST program.

Volunteer Services
Readers meet individually with consumers to assist with mail and other printed material. Escorts accompany blind people to appointments and on errands. Local companies participate in special employee volunteer activities such as the annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Party where blind consumers are assisted with addressing holiday cards and wrapping presents. Volunteers also help expand VISIONS Education and Recreation programming, donating their time and expertise in facilitating classes and workshops in their area of interest and skill.