Community Outreach

VISIONS Community Outreach Department conducts presentations, offers printed information about prevention of blindness and managing with vision loss, participates in community events, delivers testimony at government hearings, sits on city and borough-wide boards and committees, and interacts with service providers. Community Outreach Coordinators and vision rehabilitation specialists provide training on working with blind and visually impaired individuals to professionals working in nonprofit settings such as health care, case management and senior centers, and educate public and elected officials about the needs and capabilities of the population with vision loss so they may fully participate in all aspects of community life. Presentations are provided in multiple languages and address the needs of low-income, minority and immigrant communities. The goal is to ensure that all persons of all ages that experience legal blindness or severe vision loss are referred for free services.

outreach members holding plaques

Presentations for the Public

VISIONS outreach staff are available to conduct free presentations in all five boroughs of New York City to identify people who could benefit from VISIONS services to improve their independence, safety, social interaction and find work.

Presentations for the Professionals

VISIONS professional vision rehabilitation staff conducts free workshops on the value of vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility and social work counseling to adjust to vision loss.

old guys posing as a group
Fundraiser ladies smiling at camera

Staffing Community Events

If a community event has individuals with vision loss attending, VISIONS can staff a table to provide information about our free services.

Professional Staff Training

If your organization is working with participants with vision loss and would like guidance on how to help them in your program VISIONS provides a fee-based in-service based on your organization’s needs.

12 Board Member Christina Caruso , Mike Sackos, Chef and Owner of Aegea Restaurant with Doreen DiLeonardo - 2

Request a Presentation From One of Our Staff

Mark Bonés
Community Coordinator

Phone: (212) 625-1616 Ext. 109
Email: mbones@visionsvcb.org

Carmen Rivera
Community Specialist

Phone: (212) 625-1616 Ext. 134
Email: crivera@visionsvcb.org 

Cathleen McGuire
Senior Director of Rehabilitation and Outreach

Phone: (212) 625-1616 Ext. 133
Email: cmcguire@visionsvcb.org