Mission Statement: K A B V I was founded in 1920 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Comprised totally of volunteers, all activities are conducted by individuals contributing their own time and resources. Programs are made possible by much appreciated contributions. K A B V I strives to increase the independence, opportunity and quality of life for blind and visually impaired Kansans, and to assist us in taking our rightful place as equals among our sighted peers.
KABVI 2012 Officers
back to top KABVI Board Members
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back to top Advocacy K A B V I members serve on advisory councils and committees, including those addressing issues such as: In order to ensure that blind and visually impaired persons throughout the state are aware of important events and happenings that may have direct impact upon them, K A B V I provides information about statewide events to local affiliates. The organization advocates for guide dog users and their right to public access. It also provides support and technical consultation to Kansas Specialty Dog Service. K A B V I' s annual convention each fall brings together consumers, professionals, and interested parties to discuss issues of importance which impact Kansans who are blind or visually impaired. The K A B V I legislative committee informs public officials regarding how proposed legislation would affect blind Kansans, and has introduced legislation such as clarification for non-drivers license as a legal form of identification. In 1999 and more recently in 2004, KABVI successfully lobbied to save funding for KS Services for the Blond and Visually Impaired. KABVI, in conjunction with other service animal training programs and advocates, helped to do a major re-write of the Kansas White Cane Law to clarify guide and service dog access rights. In 2006, KABVI worked with the State Library to garner funds from the legislature to raise salaries at sub regional Libraries which provide Talking Books throughout the state. These workers had not had a raise since 1998 and their programs were threatened with closure due to lack of funds. In 2007, KABVI assisted the State Library to acquire a 76,500 allocation to do an extensive out-reach program for Talking Books. We will go to the legislature this year to make this an ongoing budget item, rather than a one time only budget enhancement. During the 1930s, K A B V I introduced and fostered passage of the first legislation ever to result in blind adult Kansas residents receiving rehabilitation services from the State. K A B V I continues to work with government officials for more efficient and effective services for blind citizens back to top Affiliations K A B V I is an affiliated organization of the American Council of the Blind, an advocacy organization that provides access to a nation-wide network of people who are blind or visually impaired. We are also affiliated with the following organizations. Northwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired, Inc.Robert Chaffin, President 1105 Centennial Boulevard Hays, KS 67601 Phone: 785-628-2873 meeting: second Saturday of the month Topeka Association for the Visually Impaired Service Nancy Johnson, President 714 S.W. Wayne Avenue Topeka Kansas 66606-1753 Phone: 785-234-8449 meeting: second Friday of the month Southwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired Gordon Gary, President PO Box 111 Dodge City KS 67801-0111 Phone: 316-225-5274 meeting: third Sunday of the month Wichita Association for the Visually Handicapped Sanford Alexander, President 3030 N. Rock Road Suite 100, Unit 4 Wichita, KS 67226 meeting: second Friday of the month Central Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired Paul Berscheidt, President 2536 McBride Pkwy. Great Bend Ks 67530 Phone: 316-793-5645 meeting: fourth Sunday of the month back to top KABVI Membership Information: KABVI Membership is open to anyone who is interested. Membership is not required for receipt of KABVI NEWS. A membership application form , on which you can indicate your newsletter preferences, can be obtained by clicking on the link below. You may complete the form on your computer, then print it, or you may print the form and then fill it in manually. Please send your completed application and your 10.00 annual dues to:
Click here to go to Application Form |