Mission
St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides the full range of vision rehabilitation and education services
to children and adults. Although the majority of individuals served are experiencing age-related vision loss, programs and services are offered
to students attending public schools through contractual agreements with local special education entities. Other services are provided to
individuals of all ages.
The mission of the Society is to help those with vision loss receive training, vision rehabilitation, educational
services, and support services to help the individual maximize their quality of life and be as independent as possible.
Organization Status
The Society is an IRS recognized 501 (C) 3 charitable tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Funding and Support
The Society receives funds from an endowment which was set up by the founder of the organization in 1918, as well as
donations from individuals, corporations and community groups.
Over the years numerous individuals have remembered the Society through their estate planning and included the Society in their wills
and trusts. Such gifts are added to the Endowment Fund for long-term funding of Society programs and services.
Some funds are received through contracts for specific services from school districts,
the State of Missouri and Veteran’s Administration.
Government and United Way Funding
The Society receives no government grants and is not a United Way agency. The Society is a
member of Community Health Charities of Missouri and Kansas (CHC) and receives some funds
through workplace giving to CHC.
Program and Service Information
Eligibility for Services
Although the Society does not have strict eligibility criteria, all individuals served have
significant vision loss which impacts and may interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, cooking,
shopping, getting around safely, using computers, watching television, and similar activities.
School-age students receiving educational services are made eligible through their local school district,
which may contract with the Society for special education services. School-age students may be seen at the
Society’s Low Vision Clinic without a referral from their school district.
Referral Sources
Many individuals are referred by their primary eye care physician and/or retinal specialist.
Others are referred by family members and friends. Some hospitals, adult living facilities, nursing homes, aging
organizations, and community social service organizations also refer individuals for our services.
Cost to Individuals
There is no charge to individuals for most services. There is a $10 fee to see the Low
Vision Specialist through the Low Vision Clinic and small supply fees for some crafts classes. There is also
small donation requested for transportation costs to some community events and activities. The Technology
Training also has an initial $150 deposit, which is credited towards Technology Training classes if the
individual does not have outside funding. Technology training fees are on a sliding scale based on income and
expenses.
Some individuals are covered by the Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or the Veteran’s Administration. No one is denied services if unable to afford the minimal fees.
Where Services Provided
The majority of services are provided in the individual’s home. The Society’s Low Vision
Clinic, support groups, recreation and leisure groups, small group cooking classes, and technology training are
provided at the Society’s main office. Some Technology Training may be provided in the individual’s home,
based on personal needs and preferences.
Appointments
Due to the number and variety of type of magnifiers the Society carries, appointments are
required for individuals wishing to look at and purchase magnifiers.
Area Served
The Society primarily serves Saint Louis City and County, with some services provided in
the immediate areas bordering Saint Louis County.
Special Education Services to school-age students through their local school district are provided up to a
60 mile radius of Saint Louis, including Illinois and Missouri.
The Low Vision Clinic serves individuals from throughout southern Illinois, eastern Missouri, and from other
states who are able to come to St. Louis to be seen at the Society’s office by our Low Vision Specialist
(Optometrist trained in low vision).
Staff Qualifications
All professional staff have a Master’s Degree and/or national certification in their area of
expertise. Vision Rehabilitation staff who have professional certification are certified through the
Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education
Professionals. (www.acvrep.org)
Transportation Assistance
In order to insure full access to the Society’s programs and services, transportation
assistance in the form of a Society driver and vehicle or Society paid taxi are made available for Low Vision
Clinic appointments and Support Groups. New individuals participating in regular ongoing Leisure Activity
Groups are given a limited number of Society provided transportation until the person is able to find other
means of getting to and from groups.
Aids and Equipment
The Society carries over 350 different vision aids, magnifiers, CCTV’s, and daily living
aids, and has the most comprehensive options for magnification in the St. Louis area. Those interested in
looking for a magnifier are asked to call ahead and make an appointment.
Program and Services
Over 1,500 different individuals are served annually through the many programs and
services offered by the Society, including direct one-on-one services and various groups.
Individual Services Offered
Group Services and Activities
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