What We Do
For more than three decades, CAABVI has brought together California agencies serving people who are blind and low vision for collaboration and connection. Now, we are so much more.
Our Mission
CAABVI collaborates for access to effective and equitable training, education and services for all Californians who are blind or visually impaired.
Our Vision
CAABVI creates opportunities for all Californians who are blind or visually impaired to flourish.
Our Values
CAABVI embraces community of agencies working for the common good that value:
Respect
Integrity
Engagement
Forward-thinking
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller
What We’ve Achieved
April 2023
FAPE Committee releases 2023 survey on needs of children with visual impairments for:
Full access to Appropriate instruction.
Enough TVIs and O&Ms to meet their service needs.
TVIs and O&Ms with reasonable workloads.
March 2023
CAABVI partners with other membership organizations representing blind and low vision individuals in joint advocacy workgroup.
February 2023
CAABVI hosts Sue Pelbath, new Deputy Director, Specialized Services, Department of Rehabilitation in conversation with general membership
January 2023
Elsie Hirata, Executive Director of community Center for the Blind, Stockton, and Allison Burdett, Vice President of Visual Impairment and Developmental Disability Services, Wayfinder Family Services, Los Angeles, join CAABVI Board of Directors
December 2022
CAABVI application for federal tax exemption approved; designated as 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization. Federal I.D. (EIN): 86-3400113
November 2022
CAABVI Strategic Plan released.
September 2022
Governor signs AB2480 authorizing funding for adults with vision loss in need of independent living skills.
July 2022
CAABVI adopts goals and objectives for 2022-25 at board retreat:
Be a self-sustaining member organization
Be the collective voice for policy for the blind and visually impaired in California
Be the network of resources for agencies and individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
March 2022
CAABVI forms three policy subcommittees; Aging/OIB, Children & Youth and DOR-CAABVI workgroup
January 2022
Board of Directors expanded from 4 to 6 members. Shellena Heber and Sarah Orth elected to serve with Shari Roeseler, Bob Sonnenberg, Theresa Stern and Angie Rowe
November 2021
CAABVI joins Aging and Vision Loss Big Data Project to identify older adults in California experiencing vision loss
November 2021
For CAABVI Release: Free Uber Health Rides for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Valley Center for the Blind announces free rideshare program to get vaccines.
October 2021
RSA releases California 2020 Annual Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) Report, 7-OB
October 2021
CAABVI welcomes Dr. Jonathan Lorenzo Yorba as Executive Director of Guide Dogs of the Desert.
September 2021
CAABVI supports Coverage of Low Vision Aids under Medicare
September 2021
CAABVI publishes “Highlights From Big Data Project” and distributes to membership
August 2021
CAABVI raised funds through contributions from7 member agencies to fund VSA’s Aging and Vision Loss Big Data Project to develop fact-based reports on older adults with vision loss in California and the nation.
July 2021
CAABVI appoints first Executive Director, longtime leader in the BVI community, Anita Shafer Aaron.
March 2021
CAABVI elects new Vice President Bryan Bashin, CEO of Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired headquartered in San Francisco.
November 2020
CAABVI President commends members on work toward formalization. Jay Allen, CAABVI President, highlights first year of work after decision to formalize.
February 2020
CAABVI votes to formalize/elects inaugural Board of Directors and Officers
On Monday February 10th, 2020, 26 individuals representing 19 Agencies met at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, CA and made the historic decision to formalize California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired and voted to elect CAABVI’s first Board of Directors. CAABVI’s newly elected board is tasked with making the final recommendations on CAABVI’s official mission and vision, organization structure, public policy pursuits and membership.