Mannion tours CABVI in Utica

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UTICA — The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired invited State Sen. John W. Mannion, D-50, Syracuse, to tour its Vision Health and Wellness Center on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The VHWC is where the CABVI provides low vision services, orientation and mobility training, occupational therapy and other support services.

During his visit, the senator learned about the programs and employment opportunities CABVI offers to those who are blind and visually impaired in the region. CABVI also provides assistive technology training for those with vision loss.

Members of the Rehabilitation Department provided a demonstration to show Mannion how the tools can be used both at home and in work environments.

Mannion, who serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Disabilities, has sponsored legislation to expand employment opportunities through the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers who are blind, which is a state-mandated initiative that directs government agencies to create and sustain jobs for those who are legally blind.

The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired through employment, rehabilitation and community services. CABVI serves more than 2,000 people of all ages, generally free of charge, who are blind or visually impaired, in a 10-county region of Central New York. For more information, go online to www.cabvi.org/video.