Community Partners
At VisionLink, we partner with some of the region’s most noteable organizations spanning from the arts, to wellness, to social services agencies. To be connected to one of VisionLink’s community partners, please contact VisionLink at VisionLinkReferrals@VisionLinkphl.org or (215) 627-0600.
Collaborative Partnerships
Art-Reach
Art-Reach creates, advocates for, and expands accessible opportunities in the arts so the full spectrum of society is served. As an Art-Reach Agency Member, VisionLink is able to provide discounted tickets to a variety of music, dance, museum, and theater events. Art-Reach also provides hands-on workshops, visits, and activities to VisionLink clients.
Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP)
We work with LAMP to provide accessible programs, materials, and services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Through the Culinary Literacy Center’s Cookability Program, individuals who are blind and low vision learn about food and cooking and participate in hands-on cooking classes that incorporate adaptive approaches to buying, growing, and preparing food.
VisionLink is proud to work with LAMP, which serves Pennsylvania residents who are legally blind, deaf-blind, visually impaired, physically impaired, or reading-impaired.
Jefferson Health
VisionLink is fortunate to work with Jefferson Health in many different ways to provide opportunities to the individuals we serve.
Legal Clinic for the Disabled (LCD)
LCD provides free legal services to low-income people with disabilities. They also provide onsite workshops at VisionLink regarding credit recovery, Power of Attorney documents, living wills, and other legal documents.
The Philadelphia Ballet
The Philadelphia Ballet conducts workshops at VisionLink on the physical technique and artistry of ballet and movement. Participants are encouraged to tell their stories through physical art forms, challenging the idea that communication needs to be verbal or visual. Participants also gain an understanding of the physical health benefits that consistent movement has on the body and mind.
Unite Us
VisionLink is a partner with the Unite Us network, Unite Pennsylvania, a coordinated care network of health and social service providers. As a Unite Us partner, VisionLink can quickly and seamlessly identify and access resources and support in Greater Philadelphia, across the state, and around the country for our participants on a variety of issues and topics that fall outside of the education and enrichment services we provide directly.
If you are an VisionLink participant interested in learning more, please contact our Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at lexi.jones@VisionLinkphl.org.
Community Resources
Benefits Data Trust
Benefits Data Trust helps people live healthier, more independent lives by creating smarter ways to access essential benefits and services.
Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services (BBVS)
The Bureau assists Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.
Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center
Located at The Eye Institute at Salus University, the center offers low vision individuals with information, instruction, and access to specialized magnification devices.
Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities
The Mayor’s Commission advances policies and programs for people with disabilities; provides resources for residents with disabilities; educates the community on the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and other laws that impact people with disabilities; and advises and advocates for people with disabilities.
Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging (PCA)
PCA strives to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians or people with disabilities, and to assist them in achieving their maximum levels of health, independence, and productivity. PCA gives special consideration to those with the greatest social, economic, and health needs.
The Scheie Eye Institute of Penn Medicine
The Scheie Eye Institute of Penn Medicine offers complete diagnostic and treatment services in comprehensive ophthalmology, as well as all subspecialty areas. Services range from routine eye examinations to the most advanced ocular surgery.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA)
SEPTA provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to ride all SEPTA transit system services at a discounted rate using a SEPTA Key Reduced Fare Card. In addition, SEPTA’s Customized Community Transportation (CCT) provides paratransit service—CCT Connect—to individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. All details and transit schedules can be found on SEPTA’s screen reader-friendly website.
TechOwl PA
Technology for Our Whole Lives (TechOwl) is part of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. They provide access to an equipment lending library, device demonstrations, used equipment exchanges, and presentations.
Wills Eye Hospital
Wills is committed to clinical care, education, and research in ophthalmology since 1832.
“I have a chance to hear others share their experiences, what they are doing to help themselves. I’ve come to learn that no two people took the same path to where we are.”
National Programs and Organizations
American Council of the Blind
The council strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people.
American Foundation for the Blind
The mission of the foundation is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. They mobilize leaders, advance understanding, and champion impactful policies and practices using research and data.
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans, founded in 1940. Currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
NLS is a free Braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in Braille or audio formats, delivered by postage-free mail or instantly downloadable.
Pennsylvania Council for the Blind
For over 75 years, the Pennsylvania Council for the Blind has worked on behalf of all people with vision loss. They advocate for employment opportunities and promote legislation improving access to information. PCB and affiliate chapters throughout the state continue to encourage and assist all those with vision loss to achieve their fullest potential.
Veteran Affairs (VA) Blind and Low Vision Rehabilitation Services
If you are a veteran or active-duty service member who is blind or has low vision, you may be able to get advanced vision care and rehabilitation services through the VA to help you live an independent life.