Press Release
The J M Smith Foundation has awarded a $12,500 grant to support the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina's (ABVI) new low vision occupational therapy program. Through J M Smith's grant, ABVI will be able to provide comprehensive skills training for adults who are blind, visually impaired or have a progressive eye condition in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester County to help them restore functionality and attain a personally satisfying level of independence through skills training, education and support services.
“Without continued support from grantors like the J M Smith Foundation, many of our Tri-County neighbors who are blind or visually impaired would not be able to access the critical vision rehabilitation training they need to attain maximum functionality, maintain independence and achieve an optimal quality of life,” said Anne Reid, Chief Development Officer for ABVI. “ABVI is so grateful for the J M Smith Foundation's many years of support as we continue our work to create a world in which individuals can live, learn and earn with vision loss.”
Low vision occupational therapy is a new addition to the services ABVI provides within its main Own Your Life program. Through low vision occupational therapy, ABVI helps clients make the most of any remaining vision, reduces the impact of their disability by promoting independence, helps them participate in meaningful activities and more. Low vision occupational therapy has a myriad of benefits including helping people perform daily tasks independently, helping older individuals age safely in place, reducing risk of falls, helping some individuals join the workforce, just to name a few.
ABVI has vision rehabilitation training facilities in Charleston and Ladson and offers virtual training for most classes. To learn more about ABVI, visit www.abvisc.org.
To learn more about the J M Smith Foundation, visit https://www.jmsmithcorp.com/community
