VAAPVi is a Virginia non-profit organization of, by and for parents of children who are blind and visually impaired. Our mission is to provide services to empower families, professionals and the community to meet the needs of children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities.

 

When a child is first diagnosed with a visual impairment most parents go through a variety of emotions. Most parents leave the doctors office stunned and with little information. Not knowing where to turn or who to contact for guidance. As parents of children who are blind or visually impaired we have been there. We do not focus on the disability or diagnosis but we do understand the emotions that a parent goes through. We are here to support you and each other every step of the way, from diagnosis on.

 

We all want the same things for our children. We want all of our children to be happy, feel loved, have friends, to have good self-esteem, to get a good education and to do all that they dream to do. We want all our children to become productive, functioning, independent members of society and participate fully in the community and they can. With positive attitudes, communication, education, training and collaboration those goals can be met.

 

Services and education for our children vary drastically from state to state and even from county to county.  What has made a difference is community awareness and involvement. By networking with each other and collaborating with professionals we can create an active community. We will collaborate with organizations and professionals to meet the needs of our children.

 

Let us all work together to improve opportunities and make a better community for our children.