History
The Michigan Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired was started in 1984 by Donald Blasch, an internationally known leader in the development of services for blind and visually impaired individuals and the first Director of what is now the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University.
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to maximize independence through the use of accepted professional practices to empower individuals who are visually impaired, primarily in the Kalamazoo area, to achieve their desired level of independence through the provision of vision rehabilitation services.
Methodology
The Michigan Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired serves anyone who has a visual impairment that prevents that person from functioning normally in day-to-day activities. We provide opportunities to individuals irrespective of race, creed, sex, religion or economic status.
Rehabilitation Services
Personal Adjustment training helps participants learn skills and acquire knowledge to enable them to live independently, safely, and confidently. Each person has the opportunity to learn basic kitchen and cooking skills, keyboarding, Braille, money management, writing guides, orientation and mobility, and other daily living skills.
Board Members
- Mr. Blaine Lam, Treasurer
- Mr. John Boes
- Ms. Elyse Connors
- Ms. Mary Leveque
- Mr. Zach McClung
- Ms. Gail Toda
- Mr. John Van Elk
- Mr. Rob Wall-Emerson