Comitta secures funding for the Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

West Chester – The Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CCABVI) is expanding its services to reach more people and community members, thanks to state funding secured by Senator Carolyn Comitta.

Comitta recently secured $25,000 in state grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for CCABVI to expand its “library” of vision-support equipment that can be loaned long-term to those in need.

“We thank State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s office for its guidance and assistance in obtaining these funds,” said Tracey Melia, CCABVI board chair.

According to Melia, the nonprofit offers an on-site demonstration lab with the supporting equipment, as well as a traveling demonstration kit that can be used in assisting homebound people. In addition, the money will be used to hire an occupational therapist who can make home visits to the caseload of 480 people.

“The Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been serving Chester County for more than 70 years. I am proud to have secured this funding to help even more people with blindness or vision loss live safe, happy, healthy, productive and independent lives,” said Comitta.

The CCABVI’s mission is to prevent blindness and vision impairment through public education and to improve the quality of life of people experiencing blindness or vision loss through direct services or referrals.

CCABVI provides referrals for free eye exams and glasses to those in need and provides employment to the blind and visually impaired in an on-site textile workshop.

For more information about the CCABVI and its services, visit www.chescoblind.org.