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Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

General Information

Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
712 S Kansas Ave Ste 410
Topeka, KS 66603
785-235-8990
kabvi@cox-internet.com
http://www.kabvi.com/about-kabvi.html

Brief Description

The Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI) was founded in 1920 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Comprised totally of volunteers, all activities are conducted by individuals contributing their own time and resources.
KABVI strives to increase the independence, opportunities, and quality of life for blind and visually impaired Kansans.
KABVI maintains the Kansas Braille and Archival Center on Kansas Blind, a small braille library and an archival library containing information on blindness and visual impairment.
KABVI receives donations of used adaptive equipment for the blind and visually impaired, such as low vision devices, talking items, and adapted computers, and recycles these items back into the community to serve others who may need them. They recycle some items free of charge, and charge minimal fees for redistribution of larger high-tech items.
KABVI also provides meeting space for low vision and blindness-related support groups and provides volunteer peer consultation. KABVI's services include advocacy, information and referral, equipment recycling (canes, slates/styli, etc), and CCTV recycling. Equipment is donated by individuals who can no longer use it and provided to individuals who need it. KABVI is also involved in public education, participating in information fairs across the state or speaking to local organizations when transportation is available.

Services Offered

  • Information and Referral
    • Provides information on programs and services in the blindness field and where to obtain them. Provides information about laws affecting blind persons. Websites: www.kabvi.com and www.kabviyouthconnection.com. Quarterly news magazine, KABVI News.

  • Advocacy
    • Members serve on state and local councils and committees and participate in projects related to quality rehabilitation training, obtaining assistive technology, quality special education including the Kansas State School for the Blind, consultation to private service providers, consultation regarding the ADA and blindness/vision impairment, rights of dog guide users, and legislation to enable visually impaired and blind Kansans to achieve maximum productivity and independence.