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Over 100 years of service to the blind, low vision, and deafblind communities in the Twin Cities. From modest beginnings to a world-class Rehabilitation program, Vision Loss Resources has been a leader in providing individuals with the skills they need to advance their own careers and wellness.
What We Do
Vision Loss Resources creates a community of service, skills, and support for people with vision loss.
DeafBlind Services Minnesota advances the independence of children and adults with combined hearing and vision loss.
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Training & Classes
We can help you or your loved one adapt to vision loss through personalized training.
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Social & Emotional Support
Meet people who know what you’re going through: join support groups and meet a peer mentor.
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Resources
Read about eye diseases, doctors, and the basics of living with vision loss.
Recent News
October 1st, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Virtual Support Group. Held online.
October 8th, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. In-Person Technology Group. The new iOS upgrades and accessibility features. Held at our office.
October 9th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Readers Choice Book Club. Held online.
October 16th, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. In-person Support Group. Held at our office.
October 19th, 11:00 – 1:30 p.m. Deafblind Club. Held at St. Peder’s Church.
October 22nd, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Virtual Support Group. Held online.
October 25th, 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Movie Day! Held at our office.
October 29th, 11:00 – 2:30 p.m. Fall Craft and Halloween Get Together. Held at Sunrise Bank.
September 3rd, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Virtual Support Group. Held online.
September 10th, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. In-Person Technology Group – Using Voiceover accessibility features on Apple Devices. Held at our office.
September 11th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. In-Person Support Group. Held at our office.
September 11th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Readers Choice Book Club. Held virtually.
September 21st, 11:00 – 1:30 p.m. Deafblind Club at St. Peder’s Church.
September 24th, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Virtual Support Group. Held online.
September 27th, 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Movie Day! Held at our office.
Each month the Minnesota Access Alliance publishes a calendar with upcoming accessible arts and culture events. These events ensure that everyone can enjoy them. Mark your calendars for these fantastic shows:
Calendar of Accessible Arts Events by VSA Minnesota (mnaccess.org)
Good day members of the Vision Loss Resources community
I hope this update finds you well as we launch into 2024.
A new year brings new challenges. As you may have heard, Blind, Inc., the Twin Cities other large provider of services to blind and low vision clients, paused their operations and are no longer operating. That leaves VLR as the Twin Cities only comprehensive provider of services. Our student enrollment has grown and I’m pleased to report that we are ready and willing to take on this new challenge.
We’ve already started to modify our workspace to ensure that we have the right mix and type of classrooms for our students and instructors. We’ve even changed our parking lot configuration to make it easier for the additional Metro Mobility buses as they drop off and pick up students and staff!
I’m excited to report these changes as it shows the confidence that the state has in VLR as a training provider. I’ll report in as the year progresses on our training workload and our staff, but for now know that we are taking on this challenge and I know that we will rise to the occasion.
And of course, we couldn’t do any of this without your support. While State Services for the Blind compensates us for the training we provide, we only get paid when a student is here. So, if a student calls in sick, or is otherwise unavailable for training that day, we don’t get paid even though our instructors obviously still need to be compensated, the lights need to stay on, etc. This creates a situation, as it has for years, that means we must independently raise the funds to cover the difference between what we receive from SSB and what it costs to operate our business. While we are financially leaner (both in employees and our overall costs) we still need your generosity to keep providing the great training we provide, day in and day out.
Please take a moment to consider a donation. You can donate online via credit card or send us a check in the mail. Know that every donation, and every amount, is critically important for us and we appreciate your support.
I look forward to updating you on what I know will be a challenging but rewarding year. We make a difference in the lives of our students and I know that our instructors will succeed, as they do daily, in setting up our students for the independence that we all strive for in our lives.
With sincere thanks and wishing you a great January!
Matt Kramer
President
Visit this link to check out our 2023 Annual Report!
Vision Loss Resources is recruiting board members to join our board of directors. VLR is innovative nonprofit, serving low vision, blind, and deafblind Minnesotans while at the same time operating a fully for-profit competitive packing company (Contract Production Services). We seek board members with experience in human resources, manufacturing, and sales to help guide our growth and who have a passion for serving fellow Minnesotans.
If interested, contact Matt Kramer at MattK@vlrw.org for more information.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals and instructors at Vision Loss Resources who are committed to empowering individuals with vision loss. With a rich history of service in the Twin Cities, our team has been at the forefront of providing essential skills and support.
Upcoming Events
In-Person Support Group – Exploring the Benefits of Belonging to a Support Group
Deafblind Club
Saturday, October 19th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Come for games, socializing, and community announcements. Bring $5 if you want the pizza provided or bring your own lunch. Adults and teens experiencing combined vision and hearing loss are welcome to attend, as well as American Sign…
Virtual Support Group – Exploring the benefits of belonging to a support group
Subject: Exploring the benefits of belonging to a support group. Join Zoom Meeting Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6207585513 Zoom Call-in Number: (651) 372-8299 Meeting ID: 620 758 5513 Zoom One Tap Mobile: +16513728299,,6207585513#…
Your Support Extends Our Reach
Your donation empowers people with vision loss to stay active and independent.