Vista Center for the Blind Visually Impaired

Once I acknowledged and accepted the fact that my site was changing I begin looking for resources to help me. That was when I discovered Vista for the blind and visually impaired in Santa Cruz. I went to their office and was introduced to the wide range of help that they offered. It was a great moment.during a very difficult time. It’s a world of wonderful people and amazing tools that they have under their roof. I’m very thankful for the warmth and help I’ve received.

The Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an extraordinary organization that transforms lives. Their compassionate team goes above and beyond to provide vital resources, training, and support for those with vision loss. From cutting-edge assistive technology to empowering life skills programs, they instill independence and confidence in every individual they serve. Their dedication to inclusivity and innovation truly makes a lasting impact on the community. A shining beacon of hope and empowerment!

I have had the privilege of collaborating with Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Their commitment to empowering individuals with visual impairments is truly inspiring.

The staff at Vista Center is exceptionally knowledgeable, empathetic, and dedicated to providing personalized care. They offer a wide range of programs and services, including low vision evaluations, assistive technology training, and adaptive skills training, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

One aspect that stands out is their holistic approach to patient care. They not only focus on enhancing visual function but also address the emotional and social aspects of living with vision loss. The supportive environment encourages clients to actively participate in their care and rehabilitation process.

Additionally, Vista Center fosters a strong sense of community, hosting events and workshops that promote connection and collaboration among clients and professionals alike. Their efforts to raise awareness about low vision issues significantly contribute to broader understanding and advocacy within the community.

Overall, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a pillar in the low vision community. Their unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those with visual impairments makes them an invaluable resource. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone in need of support or services related to low vision to reach out to Vista Center. They are making a profound difference in the lives of many!

As a member of the leadership team at Vista Center, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our organization has on the blind and visually impaired community. Our mission is to empower individuals with vision loss to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education and training – and I see this mission transform lives every day.

What makes Vista Center exceptional is their comprehensive approach to vision rehabilitation and unwavering commitment to treating each client with dignity. Our team provides essential services that help clients maintain their independence and achieve their personal goals, from continuing to work to staying active in their community.

I've experienced significant professional growth here, thanks to Vista Center's culture of continuous learning and development. The collaborative environment and mentorship opportunities have allowed me to expand my skills while contributing to our vital mission. Seeing clients regain their confidence and independence through our programs reinforces the importance of our work daily.

Vista Center isn't just an organization – it's a community dedicated to ensuring that vision loss doesn't limit anyone's potential. I'm proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful difference in people's lives.

I've volunteered at Vista Center for many years on and off and the people here never fail to amaze me, be it the volunteers or the people they serve. People from all different backgrounds come together and use their different areas of expertise to help the blind and visually impaired with anything from basic everyday tasks to group trips to even helping find jobs. Vista Center is an absolutely amazing place and I can't imagine what it would be like without them.

As a staff member at Vista Center, it is clear that our services have a powerful impact on the community members that we serve. Our staff's "meet you where you're at" approach to individual instruction, as well as a welcoming sense of community and camaraderie in our social programs assist our clients in feeling comfortable, supported, and empowered throughout their journey to increased independence. One client likened receiving services from Vista Center to "adding tools to her toolkit"!

I recently took my loved one to Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and it was one of the most compassionate and comprehensive experiences we’ve ever had when seeking support for low vision.

From the moment I reached out to schedule an appointment at the San Jose office, the Office Manager was warm and welcoming! She patiently walked me through the necessary steps, ensured the referral was in place, and sent all the required forms and information electronically, making the process seamless and stress-free.

The exam itself was far beyond what we’ve experienced elsewhere. The team used specialized equipment and techniques and explained every step clearly and easily. After the exam, they provided practical and meaningful recommendations tailored to improve quality of life, ranging from assistive technology options to daily living tools. We purchased a video magnifier, which was the best fit for our loved one’s needs.

The staff’s expertise was evident, but what truly stood out was their dedication to empowering individuals with low vision. They didn’t just offer solutions—they provided hope and confidence. Vista Center also shared information about its many resources, and we’re looking forward to joining a local support group to understand further how our loved ones can continue living a fulfilling and independent life, even as their vision changes.

It was also reassuring to know that while we were fortunate to have insurance that covered this visit, Vista Center offers grants for those who might not have the same financial resources. Knowing this support exists is a testament to their commitment to making care accessible for everyone.

I can’t recommend Vista Center enough for anyone supporting a loved one with low vision - especially at the start of this journey. It can be challenging for many but Vista made it easy. Their care and expertise made a big difference for us, and we left feeling supported and optimistic about the future.

Vista Center is a long-serving non-profit organization in Silicon Valley that has served the visually impaired community for decades. Always attuned to their clients, over the years, the type of programs have been updated and the delivery of programs now includes virtual access.

Vista Center, now with three unified locations, has a strong employee culture that has always prioritized compassion and personalization in their instruction and training services. Staff are highly educated/certified in the special elements of serving blind and people living with low vision - - and many live with visual impairment(s), making their approach to service delivery one of "lived experience". Clients relate to staff in a positive and optimistic manner, facilitating momentum towards independent living. Recent innovations include a focus on (assistive) technology, AI for visually impaired users and a strategic concentration on inclusion for everyone.

As a business, Vista Center is fiscally conservative, with 79 cents of every dollar received going directly to client programs and services! The Board and the Leadership Team are active in delicate balance of "clients first", with mindful staff selfcare policies, which include medical and retirement benefits for employees.

Employees love working at Vista - clients rely on Vista - donors admire and trust Vista Center!

I cannot say enough good things about the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. From the moment I connected with them, I felt welcomed and supported in every way. Their staff is not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and understanding, making each interaction a positive experience.

The services they offer have been life-changing for me. From learning new adaptive technology to developing skills that enhance my independence, every step of the process has been tailored to my needs. They focus on empowering their clients with practical tools and guidance, which has helped me gain confidence in my daily life.

The team truly goes above and beyond to ensure that clients feel capable and supported, no matter their goals. I’m so grateful for the work they do and highly recommend Vista Center to anyone in the blind or visually impaired community.

The Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is truly a beacon of hope and support for anyone navigating the challenging journey of vision loss. From the moment you step through their doors, you’re greeted by a team of thoughtful and incredibly kind staff who go above and beyond to make you feel supported and understood.

Their wealth of experience and knowledge is unmatched, offering practical solutions, emotional support, and valuable resources tailored to each individual’s needs. They understand the unique challenges of vision loss and provide tools and training to help increase independence in the most meaningful ways—whether it’s learning to use assistive technology, traveling safely, or simply regaining confidence in daily tasks.

Vista Center is more than just a resource; it’s a community of care and empowerment. I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone seeking compassionate, professional guidance on their journey.

I regularly read through their newsletters as Vista Center provides great insights on how to enhance accessibility for people with visual impairments. Their offers are varied and cover daily life skills, social interactions, and arts/culture. I especially like their "Practice your O&M Skills" events, which are walking tours through local parks and beaches to give people greater confidence in orienting themselves in the great outdoors.

Working with the Vista Center has been incredible. Not only is the staff very responsive, accommodating and informative, but the friendships I've made working with visually-impaired clientele has been life changing.

It's absolutely wonder to know that I'm making a difference and learning about others in the process and having Vista's support while doing so has been an absolute pleasure. In fact, I don't think I've work with such a well run non-profit in my life (and I've volunteered quite extensively over my life).

Amazing and have given us hope to adapt . Vista center has provided opportunities to learn about the accessibility and has shown great path to help the community

My experience with Vista Center is as a volunteer. Every week I take my friend, Sandy, grocery shopping. It’s been over a year and we both really look forward to it. She is 83 and I am 48 and we have become good friends and learned so much from each other. I feel like she is a part of my family now. Keep up the good work, Vista!!

I volunteer at the Vista Center in San Jose. What they do for their clients is amazing. I have seen people come in without a clue as to how the Vista Center can help them lead normal productive lives. They have learned how to use a cane, read using braille and communicate their concerns about everyday obstacles.
There are classes in ceramics, sewing, ukulele, yoga and tai chi. It is great to be a part of a wonderful organization as the Vista Center in San Jose.

Vista Center quickly adjusted their services to fit the current needs of COVID-19. I don't know anyone else who did it better.

The organization is very active and offer variety of programs that are extremely helpful to the in need children.

My son receives services from and participates in amazing events organized by the Vista Center, allowing him to explore and learn new things with appropriate supports for his visual disability. He has participated in goal setting workshops, dressing for success (interviews), recreational events such as amusement parks, game days, movies with audio description, and holiday parties. I truly appreciate all of the progress he has been able to make with their support. His current level of achievement and success has been made possible in great part due to the learning and experiences made possible by the Vista Center.

We have been receiving services for my son from the Vista Center since before he started Elementary School, he is currently a High School Student.

The Vista Center provides educational workshops for clients and their families that have proven very useful for us as my son has grown and matured.

The Vista Center also provides fun activities for their clients to improve their Social Skills as well as their Independence.

I have encouraged and will continue to encourage Visually Impaired adults and families with Visually Impaired children to reach out to the Vista Center for support, services and education as they have made a difference in how my son has matured in his confidence and independence with their support and encouragement over the years.

Vista Center is a fantastic place that has helped so many people who are blind or visually impaired. I have learned so much about the community we serve, and I look forward to learning more as I continue to volunteer. Everyone is so friendly, and the services are top-notch and affordable.

This nonprofit serves blind community members as well as people with new diagnosis - after they visit a doctor and are told their vision is declining.

I am a donor, because I believe in lifting all community members who suffer trauma of any kind. People with visually impairment can live a full life with dignity and joy, and can make positive contributions to our community. The organization provides quality, compassionate services and is a wonderful nonprofit to work for.

How will one maintain an independent life?
Read mail? Get to work? Cook a favorite meal?
++ Vista Center has workshops, classes and social workers to teach people how to do these daily living skills with limited vision.

Depression is common for people suffering from the trauma of vision loss.
++ Vista Center provides social and emotional support with one-on-one counseling, peer-to-peer support groups, and social/recreational activities to manage the distress of these health challenges.

How can technology help? Are there voice/audio tools for visually impairment?
++Vision Center provides a breadth of technology assistance and training for people of all ages and technical abilities to assist with a variety of life tasks.

This is a GREAT NONPROFIT!

I volunteer for Vista Blind Center and working with my clients is such a honor as my clients teach me things each visit.
The best feeling after leaving is knowing I helped my client get something so simple to us done for them that has been hard for them to accomplish. I enjoy every visit with my client and would recommend everyone to volunteer and take time out of their busy schedule to stop and help someone and let them know they are not forgotten. m know they are not forgotten.

I have always volunteered and because I had a friend who had vision problems I decided to check into agencies which helped people who were visually impaired. I found VISTA Center and I was so impressed with their communication and efforts to introduce me to a client close by my home. I met this wonderful lady from Russia and although she may be a "client" of the agency I consider her a dear friend. She is such a strong woman and never gives up trying to learn new things. She has taught me so much and I enjoy our conversations over coffee and sushi! Thank you Vista Center for allowing me the privilege of having this fine lady in my life.

I have always had a great compassion for people with visual difficulties, well before my father and sister were diagnosed with macular degeneration. I recorded with "Recordings for the Blind" for 20 years and then lost my contact with the visually impaired. Then about 5 or 6 years ago I discovered Visa and thought I would give it a try. Since then I have had very rewarding and satisfying experiences with 3 different "clients". I put clients in quotations because I considered them to be friends for whom I could provide some aid. All 3 were very kind women who really appreciated the assistance I could provide. With one I helped her for a number of months doing a personal computer problem that required sight, for another I had the privilege of bringing her grocery shopping every other week for several years until she passed away, the last is a delightful woman who is isolated because of circumstances and I visit and read to/with her weekly. I have found each of my volunteer roles very meaningful.

Several years ago, I developed a medical condition that makes it difficult for me to read print. The staff at Vista Center taught me how to use my computer and phone non visually, which has allowed me to feel much more independent. I now put those skills to use as a volunteer editor for the Vista Center research updates, which they use to keep clients informed about the latest research on the most common eye conditions. I am really grateful that I can now use my scientific background to help people.