Program areas at Via
Light manufacturing & warehousing: we operate a market competitive social enterprise for the purpose of providing training and employment for people who are blind in a community and market-competitive setting. Through these efforts we sell, warehouse and distribute merchandise to government and commercial consumers that are produced, assembled or packaged by people who are blind or Visually Impaired. All employees are provided with market competitive wages and benefits and have opportunities for upward mobility.
Vision rehabilitation, vocational training and education programs: agency programs provide vision rehabilitation and educational services throughout the 8 counties in western new york. We provide comprehensive rehabilitation services from birth to the elderly that focus on early intervention, preschool and school-aged programs and services; independent living skills in the home, school and community; orientation and mobility (white cane travel); social work and adjustment to vision loss counseling; vocational training and job placement programs that focus on employment; low vision exams and instruction in the use of adaptive technology that assist with maximizing independence. We serve approximately 1500 clients annually.
Switchboards & contact center: we operate a market competitive social enterprise for the purpose of providing training and employment for people who are blind. Through these efforts we operate contact center and switchboard service for numerous federal, state, municipal and commercial customers providing services 24 hours, 7 days per week. Services include 211, the health and human service information referral help line and resource database for the 8 counties of western new york; niagara county 311 service; switchboard operations at the va medical centers in buffalo, ny and erie, pa; university at buffalo switchboard services; intake for emergency rent assistance programs for counties and municipalities; housing placement for people who are homeless; and many other community service offerings. Over 75% of the staff is blind or physically disabled and compensated with competitive wages and benefits.
Rental activities: operations of rental properties for low-income, blind and Visually Impaired and disabled persons in buffalo, new york.
Work force development - a nationally recognized vocational training center that offers job training and job placement for individuals who are blind, Visually Impaired and physically disabled. Our center offers curriculums in preparation for employment, to upgrade or acquire new skills, and assists in the job search process. The center provides training in the latest technology and software programs and upon completion of the training, assists students find competitive placement.
Other programs that employ individuals who are blind or Visually Impaired. The organization also provides education about prevention of blindness.