Educational Center for the Visually Impaired

Every Thursday, our ECVI office becomes a place for community, connection, purpose and a lot of joy.

We love these Thursdays. Members are welcome to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to share stories, build friendships and get support. Laura is always here with phone help and accessibility tips.

Call 217-303-9062 for more information.

Thank you to the King's Daughters Organization! ECVI could not do what we do without your ongoing support!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Kings Daughters Organization Endowment Fund for granting us funds to continue our Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program this Fall! Programs like OMA are only possible through community support, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work with the Kings Daughters Organizations generosity!

Today we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

A group of our students recently enjoyed a visit to the Jacksonville Public Library to hear Laura Keys perform one of her Historical Voices. This time, she brought to life the woman from "The Woman They Could Not Silence." Our Book Club read this book in March.

One student shared, “It was like reading and listening to the book all over again.”

ECVI exists to ensure that those who struggle to see the world around them can keep learning, connecting and enjoying the world in accessible, enriching ways.

We’re grateful for partners and donors who help make that possible.

We’re excited to offer a brand‑new training opportunity at ECVI: hands‑on instruction for using Meta glasses, an incredible tool that’s been a true game changer for people who struggle to see the world around them.

This class is taught by Ann Schonhoff, Personal Vision Coach, with support from Laura Jennings, ECVI Program Coordinator. Together, they’ll guide participants in using Meta glasses with confidence, enabling them to read, navigate, identify objects and experience greater independence in daily life.

If you or someone you know is blind or visually impaired, this is a fantastic chance to learn new skills in a supportive, encouraging environment.

To learn more about this class and other ECVI programs, visit:
www.ecvispringfield.org

Peggy Dyson, our executive director, was recently honored with the Victor Buttram Award from the Illinois Council of the Blind for implementing needed educational programs for people who are visually impaired in Central Illinois.

We recently attended the 4th Annual Minority Health Fair at the downtown YMCA. It's always great to be out and about in the community!

Kat and Katja recently attended our Health & Wellness Workshop and learned something delightful. Katja is the German version of Kathy, which means these two share more than just a seat at the workshop ... they share a name.

By the end of the session, they were laughing, swapping stories and realizing how much they have in common. Moments like these remind us why community matters so much – connection happens in the most unexpected and joyful ways.

We’re grateful they joined us and can’t wait to see this friendship grow.