Friends of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Friends) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Friends has been in existence since 2005. Our mission is to assist blind and visually impaired Nebraskans by providing financial support for programs and services not supported by federal or state funding. We strive to sponsor only those training experiences designed to maximize the educational and socioeconomic potential of blind Nebraskans; covering blindness training, accessible equipment, and educational opportunities that prepare them to compete and even to thrive, in the sighted world. This assistance will supplement and complement the efforts of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in carrying out its mission of empowering blind individuals, promoting opportunities and building belief in the blind.
Friends focuses on funding programs for blind Nebraskans who are unable to afford them. Areas of need include but are not limited to:
- Accessible technology for school-aged children when schools and/or families are not able to provide it.
- Necessary blindness-related medical services or medications not covered by insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.
- Support Service Providers (SSPs) for Nebraskans who are deaf-blind. Note: SSPs act as interpreters and assist these individuals to interact effectively with the sighted and hearing world.
- Blindness prevention services, such as glasses, contacts, or corrective surgery.
- Homeless services, which may include emergency food and clothing vouchers, and short-term housing and/or deposits for permanent housing.
- Chore services, home repairs, and other supports allowing older blind people to continue living independently.
Friends is establishing a clearinghouse for blind and visually impaired individuals, including children and their families, throughout all communities in Nebraska. This will serve those who do not qualify for services from State or Federal programs, and who can demonstrate an inability to pay for the services they require.