Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

For more than 50 years, SCVBC has provided support to individuals facing the uncertainties, fears, and challenges related to uncorrectable vision loss. We are a community-based organization dedicated to increasing the confidence, independence, and quality of life of the blind and visually impaired. SCVBC tackles complex vision loss issues comprehensively through rehabilitative, educational, and recreational services that ensure the long-term independence and empowerment of our clients.

Introductory Visit

An experienced social services staff member meets with each client at the client’s home or in a mutually convenient location, provides information about the services available at Vista Center, and connects clients to the appropriate Vista Center services. At this visit social services staff also inform clients about community resources that can assist them with vision loss related needs such as accessible telephones, transportation resources and audible reading materials.

Information and Referral

Vista Center offers comprehensive information and referral services about local community, state or national resources available for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

Classes

Choices and Changes is a four-week education/orientation program that is available to adults with visual impairments and their family members.  The sessions, which are led by social services staff and rehabilitation teaching staff, address different aspects of rehabilitation and focus on the following goals:

• Increase exposure to and awareness of services and equipment which will assist the participant in attaining the highest level of independence and quality of life.
• Increase safe and appropriate use of community facilities and services.
• Reduce social isolation and potential depression or anxiety.

Each 2 ½ hour session features an exposure to one aspect of rehabilitation with opportunity for discussion, sharing of collective experience, and hands-on work with the equipment and techniques provided.  Topics include understanding of vision disorders and legal blindness, daily living skills techniques and adaptive equipment, safe travel and use of canes, community education and recreation programs, understanding and managing emotional responses to vision loss, and use of technology to enhance communication.

Counseling and Support

Counseling
Our experienced counselors help clients and families cope with the special problems that accompany loss of sight.

Support Groups
Vista Center offers several monthly support groups facilitated by our professional counseling staff.  Clients discuss strategies for managing sight loss, exchange information about resources, and discuss the feelings that often accompany loss of sight.  Clients in support groups build a community, become more positive about their loss of vision, and are more likely to resume activities and accept other rehabilitation services.  If you are interested in learning about or attending a support group please call the facilitator listed prior to attending the group.  Current support groups include:

Cypress Senior Center Low Vision Group

located : Cypress Senior Center, Online

Grupo de Apoyo en Español

Spanish speaking support group members around table
(Spanish Speaking Support Group)

Vista Center’s Spanish speaking support group  provides clients who are native Spanish speakers a more comfortable place to  share their experiences in  dealing with vision loss. (More support group photos).

Orientation and Mobility

Have you ever wondered how you would cross a busy intersection if you had no vision?  The ability to move about independently, safely and with confidence is fundamental to enjoying a productive and independent life.  Our Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists teach adults and children who have vision impairments the specific skills needed to find their way through their environment and to travel safely and efficiently at home, school, work, and through the community.

Daily Living Skills

Imagine trying to perform your routine daily activities without the benefit of eyesight.  Our Rehabilitation Teachers provide tips, instruction and simple modifications that empower clients to continue to manage their lives.

School Programs

For more than 30 years Vista Center has partnered with local school districts to provide children with impaired vision the very best education available. As vital members of the IEP team, our teachers work with students in their classrooms or in the community to provide the following services and instruction:

• Teachers of the Visually Impaired
• Orientation & Mobility
• Assistive Technology
• Daily Livings Skills
• Social Skills

Vista Center is a member of the California Transition Council, a coalition of blind agencies dedicated to easing the path to adulthood for the child with blindness or impaired vision.  We offer year-round recreational and transition activities to students of all ages at no charge.   We are especially excited about our new Teens Together support workshop for pre-teens and teens.
If you would like more information about contracting with Vista Center student services, please call us for information at 650-858-0202 x 111.

Youth Group

Vista Voyagers Youth Program

Youth of Tomorrow Transition Program (PDF)

The Health Library at Vista Center is an affiliate of The Stanford Health Library.

The Health Library  is designed to help address the needs of individuals with vision loss, with comprehensive information about:

• Eye conditions – Causes of vision loss
• Consumer and caregiver information
• General information about health and disease

The library is staffed by visually impaired volunteers trained in researching health-related questions.

CCTV Rental Program