NJFFB completed its first comprehensive vision rehabilitation program funded through a grant from the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI).  The grant was to serve 24 clients over two sessions in a 10 day independent living program for older individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  The Foundation submitted its proposal to NJ in August 2010 and was awarded the contract for the Northern region of New Jersey.

The first session included evaluations of potential clients throughout November and December.  12 students were enrolled and began the intensive 10 day program which ran between January and March.  A second group of students were evaluated in March and the NJFFB 10 day program began in April and will be completed in early June.  The Training Programs stressed the four core areas of Activities of Daily Living, Communications skills, Orientation & Mobility and Assistive Devices and Technology.  The programs were customized to the specific needs of each student and include follow up procedures to assess the outcome of the program.

While this was a one-time grant from the state, Executive Director David Feinhals commented, "We enjoyed working with the CBVI on this program and hope we can continue to work together in the future.  The assistance from the CBVI enabled us to provide this intensive support to the visually impaired in need of these services.”