Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany

Basic Information

Address: 301 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12206
Phone Number: 518-463-1211
Fax Number: 518-463-5883

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Additional Information

Executive Director: Christopher T. Burke
President: Lawrence Volk
Service Description: Provides services and support to help blind and visually impaired people achieve independence and growth.
Mission Statement:

The Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc. (NABA) is a not-for-profit, community-based agency that provides services and support to help blind and visually impaired people achieve independence and growth. The agency provides services in fifteen counties in upstate New York, including rural and urban communities, made up of diverse populations. NABA’s programs serve consumers of all ages with vision impairments. The mission of NABA is to assist individuals who are blind and visually impaired achieve independence and growth.
Some of NABA’s goals are listed below:
• Provide education and awareness on blindness and vision impairments
• Offer diagnostic services at an early age and address vision impairments
• To improve the quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals
• To be an advocate for students with vision impairments in school
• To provide rehabilitation and vocational training to both teens and adults

Membership Fee: None
Eligibility Requirements: None
Area Served: NY regions include: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Northern Dutchess, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren and Washington Counties
Hours of Operation/Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday
Services Offered:
Vision Rehabilitation Services,KidSight,The Business Enterprise Program ,Job Readiness and Employment ,etc.
Events:

62 Annual Tulip Ball, May 8, 2010 Wolferts Roost Country Club
11 th Annual Visionary Tournament, September 13, 2010 Wolferts Roost Country Club
2nd Annual Blind Artist Gala, October 7, 2010 The Art Center of the Capital Region

Fundraisers: 62 Annual Tulip Ball, May 8, 2010 Wolferts Roost Country Club 11 th Annual Visionary Tournament, September 13, 2010 Wolferts Roost Country Club 2nd Annual Blind Artist Gala, October 7, 2010 The Art Center of the Capital Region
History:

This past year, the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) celebrated its founder and our humble beginnings. For over one hundred years ago our founder, Frank Frost, rode the trolley cars of Albany looking for others who were blind and visually impaired to come together and improve their quality of life. Mr. Frost was a visionary who understood the need to bring people together to address a need in the community. Mr. Frost knew that there was more to life.

Today, NABA continues the work of its founder by involving the community in the development of new programs and services to improve the quality of life for our clients and employees. NABA is looking forward by creating new and expanded programming for children, providing flexible client-focused services in the community and committing to being a leader in adaptive technology training, not just for our clients but the entire Capital Region.

Detailed Organization Information:

 

Vision Rehabilitation Services
Harry M. Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center
Recognizing the unique needs of those with some remaining vision, NABA's Low Vision Specialist determines the individual's level of functional vision. The Specialist prescribes low vision aids and trains the individual in their use allowing the individual to maximize his or her remaining vision.  
 
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy - Independence and Self-Sufficiency
NABA works with individuals to develop the skills and techniques that enable them to live independently. These skills may include household management, health and personal care, and safe meal preparation.  Individuals may also receive training in the use of low vision aids and/or adaptive technology designed for people with little or no vision. 
Orientation & Mobility - Safe Travel
Being able to travel independently and safely is a critical part of dealing with vision loss. NABA specialists instruct individuals on safe travel skills and ways to establish and maintain orientation. Lessons are individualized, taught inside and outdoors, and may incorporate the use of a sighted guide, cane skills, public transportation, and existing vision as aided by low vision equipment.

Social Work - Adjusting to Vision Loss
Adjusting to and coping with vision loss can be very difficult emotionally. NABA assists individuals adjust to their vision loss, helping them to develop coping, problem-solving and decision-making skills while reducing stress and anxiety. This encourages the individual's personal growth and complements the vision rehabilitation program.

Other Services
KidSight
This unique vision screening service, offered by NABA, aims to identify and address potential vision problems in children. Early identification of vision problems is vital to ensuring timely treatment and prevention.

The Business Enterprise Program provides training opportunities for individuals to be self-employed as managers of one of several vending facilities located in Federal and state office buildings throughout the state. Through classroom and on-site instruction, consumers become proficient in all aspects of retail management including purchasing products, controlling inventory, marketing products, maintaining good customer relations, hiring staff and keeping accurate records.

Job Readiness and Employment
For individuals seeking employment, NABA helps to identify abilities, aptitudes, and interests that lead to the selection of an employment goal. Job training and professional job-seeking skills are provided to help the individual achieve his or her goal. Employment and internship opportunities are developed in many areas to meet unique needs.

Assistive Technology Services
To address the growing need for computer technology skills, NABA assesses the needs of the individual, and recommends a computer system and software that will allow him or her to continue to utilize technology for work or school. Training is provided on how to use the adaptive software and hardware. NABA specialists are available to consult with schools, businesses and other enterprises that may have employees or students needing assistive technology services.