The North Country Association for the Visually Impaired, Inc. (NCAVI) is now an affiliate of the North Country Center for Independence (NCCI). NCAVI assists persons who are blind or visually impaired with attaining or maintaining independent lives in their homes and community.
The mission of NCCI is to provide advocacy and leadership toward a more accessible, integrated community, promoting health and autonomy for people with disabilities. “NCAVI was a natural fit based on our mission to help those with any level of disability to lead a more independent life. NCAVI’s services and supports will expand our reach and network, reduce costs, and allow more people access to needed services,” statedRobert Poulin, Chief Executive Officer of NCCI.
NCAVI’s team of professionals help individuals and their families learn the techniques they need to remain active and independent in their communities. Services are provided by qualified personnel including Vision Rehabilitation Therapists and Orientation and Mobility Specialists.
Amy Kretser, former executive director of NCAVI is proud to have helped facilitate the move. Kretser said, “Non-profit agencies across the state and country work hard to fund their missions. We care about the people we serve and our primary focus is ensuring services are sustainable. Agencies that stand alone in terms of program and service provision are simply not as strong as those who have robust partnerships and a larger breadth of service.” Kretser explained that while services provided to people who are blind will not change, people will have the added benefit of the many additional services offered by NCCI. Kretser joins the NCCI team as the Chief Operating Officer
"The NCAVI Board is excited about this affiliation and eventual merger with NCCI,” said Alex Forster, NCAVI Board President. “This transition helps to ensure the continued provision of vital services to those served by NCAVI now and in the future, as well continuity of service with NCAVI’s program staff under NCCI’s umbrella. We believe that combining these two agencies will provide more comprehensive services and supports for blind and visually impaired individuals throughout the North Country,” said Forster.
His sentiments were echoed by NCCI Board President Patti King who stated, “We are so proud of the work both of these agencies do to help people with disabilities. We look forward NCCI sharing the many successes we expect will continue with this new Vision Services program.” King added, “While the program has a new home at NCCI, these vision services are certainly not new to the region.” NCAVI has provided low vision services to the North Country for over 30 years and is moving into the next 30 with confidence.
Julie Hovey is the New York State Commission for the Blind Associate Commissioner. Hovey stated, “We are very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with NCAVI under the management of our partners at NCCI.”
NCCI is a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities. It is one of 41 Independent Living Centers (ILC) operating in New York State under the auspices of New York State Education Department (NYSED). Independent Living Centers like NCCI all provide a combination of services and community advocacy. Their goals are to empower people with disabilities to direct their own lives, and to ensure equal access and opportunities for the disability community. For more information visit www.ncci-online.com or call 518-563-9058.