Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, INC. (AVRE)

About

AVRE is a private, non-profit organization that creates opportunities for success and independence with people who are blind or visually impaired. Unique for a non-profit, we follow a hybrid business model. On one hand, AVRE clinical staff provide a range of vision rehabilitation services to people of all ages across our nine county service territory – Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins. On the other, we run a business. Our Business Division includes the manufacture of a variety of paper-based office products, customized contract packaging, and several switchboard operations. AVRE has been serving the Southern Tier of New York for over 90 years. We’ve lived in several places, but we currently reside at 174 Court Street in Downtown Binghamton. The Binghamton facility houses our administrative and clinical staff offices, as well as the majority of our Business Division. We also staff and manage switchboards at three VA Hospitals downstate – in the Bronx, Castle Point, and Montrose. Part of what makes AVRE unique is that the revenue generated from the Business Division is invested in the Health and Rehabilitation Division by offsetting the cost of providing vision rehabilitation services. Within the Business Division, over 90% of our employees are blind or visually impaired. AVRE employs people who are blind throughout the organization, including its President/CEO, Ken Fernald.

Services Provided

Employment

• Work experience (e.g., volunteer, intern, apprentice, employment training programs)
• Skill development (e.g., technology, employability skills, pre-employment)
• Career development (e.g., career counseling, job club, mentor)
• On-the-job training and support (e.g., job coach, assistive technology, supported employment)
• Youth and adult employment programs

Independent/Community Living

• Daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting)
• Recreation (e.g., parks, sports centers, arts, summer camps)
• Home modifications (e.g., ramps, environmental control)
• Financial assistance (e.g., public assistance, financial literacy)
• Transportation (e.g., public transportation, driving instruction, vehicle modification)

Family Supports

• Support groups (e.g., parents, caregivers, peers)
• Educational resources for families
• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)

Education/Training

• Preschool/early childhood programs
• Vocational training programs

Other Services

• Advocacy
• Assistive Technology

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• CHENANGO
• DELAWARE
• OTSEGO