The year 2013 marks Junior Blind's six decades of service, helping children and adults who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled achieve their highest levels of independence.

Junior Blind has begun the journey to achieve national accreditation. Inspired by the agency's mission and in alignment with our 2010-15 strategic plan, it is expected that accreditation by the Council on Accreditation (COA) will be achieved by November 2013—complementing our 60th anniversary celebration.

On Thursday, November 1st, Junior Blind's Insight Symposium, formerly called Professional Development Day, made its debut with its new name.

Highlights from Recent Activities at Junior Blind

Tandem Bicycles Open the Road to Blind Cycling Junior Blind recently launched a tandem cycling program thanks to the generosity of the Women Helping Youth Foundation, who made a grant for us to purchase eight tandem bicycles, sixteen helmets and a storage shed. With the help of a sighted front rider (pilot), our students will be able to partake in this popular pastime and enjoy socialization and recreation through this Paralympic activity.

Junior Blind has merged with The Halten Center in San Pablo, California—combining two of the blindness field's leading adult rehabilitation programs and increasing our outreach in Northern California.

All students are expected to graduate high school with a "core" body of knowledge and aptitude based on subjects like math, language arts, science and history.

Junior Blind’s Special Education School recently launched a vocational/transitional education program, offering students, who have moderate to severe disabilities, a variety of opportunities to learn lifelong skills. This unique program was added to meet the needs of students who require lengthier preparation for adult life.

Junior Blind has been fortunate to have great support in helping our students achieve success. Together with parents, teachers, counselors and referring partners, such as Regional Centers, the Department of Rehabilitation and School Districts, we are changing the lives of thousands of children and adults who are blind, visually impaired, or multi-disabled each year. Below are some of the successes shared in their own words. Thank You!

Residents have started moving into our new group homes and enjoying family-style living with Junior Blind. Each single-family home offers residents round-the-clock care by our professional milieu staff, comprehensive case management and structured programming that includes learning basic life skills and community integration.

Mark your calendar for upcoming Junior Blind events you don't want to miss!