Tuesday, June 24, 2025
80 ° Clear
80 ° Clear
The Bucks County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BCABVI), located in Newtown, marked a significant milestone on May 2 with a dual celebration: its 80th anniversary and the awarding of a $25,000 state grant to enhance its Low Vision Clinic. Local leaders, clients, and community members gathered for the special event, featuring speeches, technology demonstrations, and a commemorative tree planting.
The celebration welcomed Pennsylvania Senator Steve Santarsiero and Representative Perry Warren, who played a pivotal role in securing the grant funding.
“We have two legislators here with us today to help celebrate our 80th anniversary and also to thank them for being instrumental in assisting us with $25,000,” said Anne Marie Hyer, Executive Director of BCABVI. “We want to make sure that we recognize you both for your support.”
Representative Perry Warren, a longtime Newtown resident, recalled how the initiative began. “This stems from two phone calls that were made to my office and Senator Santarsiero’s office that advised us of the need,” he said. “We were fortunately able to go back to our respective appropriations committees to get the funds to help with your programs here, and today we’re seeing how it works.”
Senator Santarsiero echoed that sentiment: “Perry and I both agreed this should be a priority for us. We’re very happy we had the ability to do that,” he said. “To show our appreciation for the important work you do, we brought with us a flag that was flown over the Capitol and a citation to commemorate your 80th anniversary.”
To honor their efforts, BCABVI presented both Senator Santarsiero and Representative Warren with plaques recognizing their support and commitment to the organization. “You have such a good reputation across the community for being responsive and always willing to help out,” said Anne Marie Hyer during the presentation. “This is just one way we can say thank you.”
The $25,000 grant allowed BCABVI to purchase several advanced low vision devices that were showcased by clients who now rely on them to navigate daily life. Each demonstration served as a compelling example of how adaptive technology can restore independence.
Karen Brookins of Morrisville demonstrated the LyriQ Assistive Reader, a device that uses AI to scan and read printed text aloud. “This works wonderfully for me because I’m totally blind,” she said. “It reads documents like my electric bill, summarizes the charges, and skips over unnecessary details. It’s changed the way I handle paperwork.”
A Newtown client demonstrated the Visolux, a magnifier for books, recipes, and menus. “I’ve had a passion for reading all my life. This tool is vital to me now that I can’t read independently,” she said. She is participating in BCABVI’s loaner program, another initiative supported by the grant, allowing clients to try equipment before purchasing.
Michele Fekete from Levittown, who lives with macular degeneration, showed the Clover 10, a portable magnifier. “When I first came here, I thought I was going to be unable to continue working,” she said. “This device is a godsend. I use it every day to reconcile credit card statements and receipts at my job. It’s helped me stay employed and independent.”
Leahana Stabilito of Southampton introduced the Optaro, a compact video magnifier made for smartphones. “This is great for reading price tags, menus, and receipts on the go,” she said. “It’s smaller than the other devices and doesn’t attract attention, which I like.”
The final demonstration came from BCABVI’s Occupational Therapist and Low Vision Specialist Erin Kramer who showcased the latest innovation: the eSight Go, a pair of electronic eyeglasses. “It’s not virtual reality; it’s real life,” she said with a smile. “This eyewear helps people with central vision loss due to macular degeneration. It magnifies and enhances what’s directly in front of them. It’s sleek, adjustable, and life-changing.”
The event concluded with an outdoor tree-planting ceremony to honor BCABVI’s 80 years of service. Attendees posed for photos near the commemorative tree, which now stands as a living tribute to the organization's impact in Bucks County.
Senator Santarsiero summed up the sentiment shared by many: “A lot of times we help secure grants, but we don’t always get to see the result. Seeing how these devices change lives in such tangible ways makes it that much more meaningful.”
As BCABVI looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to empower individuals with visual impairments to lead full, independent lives, with the help of technology, community, and compassion.
