Public Awareness & Education
Our highest priority is to ensure that every person facing blindness and low vision is aware of and can access all of the services they need to live safely, confidently, and independently.
Through public awareness and education initiatives we seeks to reframe the national discourse on vision loss, raise awareness of vision rehabilitation and other support services, and connect people with blindness and low vision with life-changing services.
The committee has initiated the “Reframing Vision Loss in the US” project in partnership with the Ad Council, including foundational research to more fully understand the national discourse about blindness and low vision. A national marketing campaign will follow to maximize awareness of Vision Rehabilitation Services and connect people with these life-changing programs.
In collaboration with with key partners, including the National Council on Aging (NCOA), NIH National Eye Institute, American Society on Aging (ASA), USA Today, and more – we have published an extensive range of articles and educational content on various vision-related topics and vision rehabilitation programs and services. Enjoy some of these recent articles.
We established Vision Rehabilitation Week, a national holiday that galvanized the BVI community, providing vital awareness and education. Learn more about Vision Rehabilitation Week and get involved in the holiday for 2025!
Public Awareness Focus Areas
Public Relations
We research and create media advisories and releases about key activities to disseminate at the national and state level. We also forge national media partnerships to raise awareness of services available for people with blindness and low vision.
Campaign Dissemination
We disseminate the Big Data Project and other vital toolkits for local and state organizations to disseminate at the state agency level to support advocacy and education efforts.
Conferences & Events
We host presentations at national, regional, and state conferences and other high-visibility events to address key issues and opportunities, and provide important information and resources for our field.
Public Awareness
three-Year Plan Goals
- Develop a messaging framework to help reframe the critical issue of blindness and low vision
- Generate awareness among key audiences about vision loss and its profound impact and prevalence in the US
- Educate stakeholders affected by vision and aging about crucial issues and VisionServe initiatives
- Educate stakeholders about the scope of vision rehabilitation services and the positive outcomes of receiving those services.
- Redefine the continuum of care among eyecare and other professionals to include vision rehabilitation and to make appropriate referrals routinely.
RecenAccomplishments
- Partnered with the American Society on Aging (ASA), National Council on Aging (NCOA), the National Eye Institute (NEI), and more – to provide vital education about Vision Rehabilitation, and increase public awareness of these life-changing services.
- Formalized a collaboration with the Ad Council and completed Phase I of a five-phase Ad Council research project to reframe blindness and low vision
- Completed Big Data Project national and state-level promotions and conference presentations
- Created a three-year Public Awareness Plan
Public Awareness Committee
three-year plan
Our other Aging & Vision Loss Initiatives
about VisionServe Alliance
Join us in this Vital Work!
We need you. . Talented leaders and volunteers are needed to advance our vital work. It’s an ideal opportunity to volunteer personally or nominate someone from your team as an essential professional development and visibility opportunity.
Volunteer to make a difference in the lives of people with blindness and low vision. Contact Helen Chapman to learn more.