HKSB News Release
HKSB Opens Fourth Low Vision Center
May 8, 2012, New York —On Tuesday, May 8th, Helen Keller Services for the Blind officially opened its fourth Low Vision Center in New York.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Sands Point, New York on the grounds of Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC), which has been owned and operated by HKSB since 1967.
The new low vision clinic and its state-of-the-art equipment were made possible through a generous grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. “The new clinic answers a well-documented need in the Sands Point area for low vision services that are at once effective, accessible, and affordable,” said Andrew Fisher, Lavelle’s Executive Director. “Helen Keller Services for the Blind has an outstanding 60-year record in delivering low vision services in Downstate New York, and already has strong Nassau County and Queens referral networks.”
HKSB is home to the first low vision service, one that was integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals of all ages. HKSB’s low vision staff have been pioneers in the field of optical and electronic aids for the partially sighted.
In addition to Mr. Fisher, participants in the ribbon cutting included Dan Callahan, the Lavelle Fund’s Board President; John Caffrey, Lavelle’s Board Vice President and Treasurer; Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink (in video below); Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio; Joel Kessler, representing Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano; and HKSB board members Peter M. Boger (Chairman, CEO, Ridgewood Savings Bank); Al Adelman, Esq. (Cullen and Dykman); Diana Nicholson, Esq. (Corner Finn Nicholson & Charles); and Stanley Greenstein. Officiating was Helen Keller’s President & CEO, Thomas J. Edwards.
“In today’s tough times, it takes not just vision but courage for nonprofits to expand their service commitments,” said Mr. Fisher. “My Board and I salute Helen Keller Services for the Blind for extending itself in this way.”
