A critical component of our work is Peer Support. More than 50% of our staff, members, board, and primary volunteers are blind or visually impaired, so we can provide first-hand knowledge of the challenges of living with low to no vision. Through Peer Support, we provide information, education and training to ensure that persons with low to no vision have the tools and resources they need to live safe, independent and healthy lives. This part of our programming also seeks to combat the community and social exclusion often associated with blindness. Our services and support are free of charge and available to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by the effects of vision loss.
Services:
Information, Referral and Intake
BCB offers Individual Empowerment Plans (IEP) to persons affected by vision loss. Through the IEP, we discuss and document specific challenges and needs related to your vision loss, and set goals to address these needs. To obtain your goals, we assist with referrals and information on programs and services available to persons affected by vision loss. We also follow up periodically to be sure goals are being met, and adjust the plan, if needed.
Informing the public to raise awareness of vision loss is an important part of our Peer Support Program. Bi-monthly newsletters are distributed to blind and visually impaired persons, family and caregivers, professionals serving and working with those who are low to no vision, and are available to the general public. The newsletters are available in large print, in audio format, or electronically via email or website viewing. Our website and social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, are updated regularly with pertinent information and BCB news. Our Speaker’s Bureau is available to speak to community offering presentations, and we host special educational events that are open to the public.
Through collaborations with other organizations and businesses, BCB can better serve those with low to no vision. Some of our partner organizations include:
Blind Services Coalition of Kentucky
Kentucky Nonprofit Network
Downtown Lexington Corporation
United Way of the Bluegrass
Independence Place
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government – Office of Aging Services and Disability Support
Mayor’s Commission for Citizens with Disabilities
Radio Eye
Lexington Lions Club
Visual Impairment Services Team at Lexington VA
Blinded Veterans Association of KY
Teachers of the Visually Impaired – University of Kentucky
Retina Associates of Kentucky
Visually Impaired Preschool Services
Red Cross Wheels
Kentucky Optometric Association
Kentucky Office for the Blind
Kentucky School for the Blind
Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation
UK Clinic, Low Vision Services
Independence Place
Group Meetings and Community Outings
Our group meetings are held once a month, on the 4th Wednesday from noon to 2 pm. The meetings include a free lunch and presentations followed by informative share sessions.
Our community outings are scheduled monthly (typically on the 2nd Monday of the month) to encourage independent travel, reduce isolation and encourage community involvement. Check our calendar and Facebook page for dates and times.
A topic is chosen each month for discussion at group meetings and community outings. This is a suggested topic and participants are encouraged to share ideas, thoughts, techniques, and ways they overcome challenges and difficulties.
Mentoring
One-on-one support is provided in the mentoring component of Peer Support. Newly blind individuals or those experiencing difficulty coping with vision loss are paired with an experienced member of BCB who would serve as their mentor. This relationship is supportive with established goals relevant to vision loss adjustment. Interested mentees are paired with a member mentor for a minimum of a one-year relationship. Weekly contacts are made between mentors and mentees. Mentor/mentee mixers and mentor follow-up trainings are held twice a year. Individuals needing more in-depth counseling are referred to a licensed counselor or partner agency.
Membership
BCB is an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and membership is $10 a year for a combined BCB and ACB membership. Members are critical to the development of nonprofits for people who are blind or visually impaired because they have voting privileges at BCB and ACB meetings. Membership meetings are held quarterly in March, June, September and December and include a dinner and business meeting. As an affiliate of ACB, our consumers are connected with thousands of individuals who provide support and share information about issues related to vision loss. ACB has more than 70 state chapters and special interest affiliates where members can connect, share and learn with hundreds of others from across the nation.
Membership Brochure with Application PDF
Membership Brochure with Application Word Version
Outcomes
Based on our follow-up surveys, program participants get great benefits through our Peer Support Program. They are more informed and aware of their choices and community resources, more included in their community and feel less isolated, feel encouraged, empowered, more confident in their decisions and more self-sufficient in managing personal goals; live more independently because of knowing where to go for services after obtaining referrals; able to travel independently more comfortably and safely. With increased knowledge of visual aids and other assistive technology, consumers are able to handle personal care needs and maintain household responsibilities with reduced reliance on caregivers. Consumers and the general public stay informed of relevant information pertaining to those with low to no vision. The awareness of the rights, needs and abilities of the blind and visually impaired persons in the community is also increased, promoting advocacy and inclusion for people with vision loss.
See the calendar page for specific dates and times of Peer Support events