During the summer I had a lot of time to think about what I should write for this edition. I finally decided to write about my aunt and the program she works for when I heard about her contribution to the group. My aunt has been working for SAAVI (Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired). As quoted from their website www.saavi.us “Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired has been working with blind and visually impaired people since 1964 and serves over 2,000 blind and visually impaired clients per year. SAAVI was formed by two sisters for visually impaired individuals and has made innovative changes in the past 45 years with a goal to provide dynamic and progressive programs and services to meet the needs of people with a vision loss.” My aunt is visually impaired. Over the years it has gotten progressively worse but she has come out stronger and with more knowledge of how to help and thrive in the community. My aunt has worked for the group for many years. She is a translator and travels with the group helping translate and aide the participants while also attending meetings. Her actual title is Community Relations Coordinator (based in Tucson). The program works all over the state of Arizona but primarily Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma.

The program provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program for blind and visually impaired people throughout Arizona to include counseling and support groups and home management training. The children and youth group team aims to teach new skills, and realize the potential of each student. They encourage independence, and techniques to help with travelling.

For the visually impaired, Central Arizona College allows guide dogs, along with the ability to access interpreters, note takers and other ways of helping people thrive here at the school. The information you need to receive help from SAVVI is on their website www.saavi.us and to find more information about what CAC offers, consult our website under student academics and disabilities resources. Or contact the disabilities office and coordinator using the information offered below.

Disability Resource Services Coordinator

Signal Peak Campus

Students Services Building

520-494-5409

FAX (520) 494-6017

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