Peoria-Area Community Impact Guide 2023-2024

CENTRAL ILLINOIS CENTER FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED The Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides programs and services to meet the emotional, educational, social, and cultural needs of those we serve.

2905 W. Garden Street Peoria, IL 61605 Phone: (309) 637-3693 Email: info@cicbvi.org Website : wwwcicbviorg

Facebook : @cicbvi Instagram : @cicbvi

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kurt Norris, President Steve Knecht, Treasurer Lance Barke, Secretary Deb Conklin David Murphy Dr Steve Eyler Bernice Gordon-Young

to-date devices such as screen reading programs for computers, phones, or tablets Our loan program can provide electronic desktop magnifiers or electronic personal assistants such as Echo/Alexa devices Recommendations are made for talking products and independent living aids Contracted staff provide in-home assessments and long white cane training to remain independent Our food pantry serves our patrons who live within a limited area every month The staff and patrons alike enjoy events centered around food and fun, which can include field trips, concerts, parks, shopping, restaurants, bingo, trivia, and sporting events These monthly events encourage our patrons to get out and enjoy the company of others, while the Center provides a safe and educational experience Transportation to and from Center-sponsored events for patrons is available within a limited radius of the Center The Center encourages local service organizations and educational institutions to reach out to us to schedule one of our staff to visit and speak, enlightening our community on ways to help individuals with visual challenges to remain independent Our monthly newsletter can be sent to anyone who would like to receive it via email, large print, Braille or USB Contact us at 309637-3693 or info@cicbviorg DID YOU KNOW Peoria is the home to the original white cane, created in Peoria in 1930 Later the City of Peoria established the first ordinance granting right-of-way to pedestrians who are blind and visually impaired while carrying a white cane Our Center is the owner of the original white cane and it is currently on loan to the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where the community can view and appreciate its historical significance.

Gyla Grigsby Kirk Johnson Xin Lu

Cora Quinn Chris Willey Gabe DuBois Ken Gray, Director Emeritus

KEY STAFF Paula Balistreri, Operations Manager Jill Owen, Administrative Assistant

HOW TO HELP CICBVI does not rely upon government support, but depends entirely upon private donations, grants, and spon sorships from generous individuals and businesses in our community. We rely on volunteers to help with serving meals, driving, clerical support, fundraising, teaching, maintenance and more.

VISION We envision a future where people who are blind or visually impaired have equal opportunities to engage independently in our great central Illinois community WHAT WE DO CICBVI focuses on adults who are blind or visually impaired, including those who have aged out of early education programs or have experienced later-in-life vision loss We are here to help them learn to navigate vision loss, be productive, and most of all, be independent Our services range from assistive technology to education and training to socially supportive events Our technology center is designed to give our patrons an opportunity to learn and experience up

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