What We Do

For more than three decades, CAABVI has brought together California agencies serving people who are blind and low vision for collaboration and connection. Now, we are so much more.

 

Our Mission

Members of California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CAABVI) collaborate to provide access to services for all Californians who are blind or visually impaired.

Our Vision

All Californians who are blind or visually impaired flourish.

Our Values

  • Respect – We celebrate the strengths of all members

  • Unity – We come together to be one voice for the good of all members and the people we serve 

  • Integrity – We provide effective and high-quality services and uphold our member Code of Ethics

  • Engagement – We depend on member participation in order to succeed

  • Community – We strengthen members through networking, peer learning, and lifting each other up

Our Strategic Goals

For the next three years:

  • CAABVI members will support and engage with one another

  • CAABVI members will leverage their collective voice to raise awareness of issues facing member agencies and the community we serve

  • CAABVI members will identify and leverage strategic partnerships to advance relevant policy and advocacy efforts

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

— Helen Keller

 

What We’ve Accomplished

Advocacy & Policy Impact

  • Supported the passage of legislation expanding funding for independent living services for adults with vision loss.

  • Advanced federal and state advocacy efforts, including support for Medicare coverage of low vision aids and digital accessibility.

  • Convened a joint advocacy workgroup with partner organizations representing blind and low vision Californians.

Research & Data Leadership

  • Helped fund and promote the Aging and Vision Loss Big Data Project, producing data-driven insights on older Californians experiencing vision loss.

  • Helped fund and promote the Working Aged Adults Project, producing data-driven insights on working aged Californians experiencing vision loss.

Building a Strong Statewide Network

  • Grown into a collaborative network of agencies dedicated to improving services for blind and visually impaired Californians.

  • Expanded leadership and board representation across the state.

  • Created collaboration and connection opportunities for agency staff from service organizations to strengthen statewide service expertise.

Organizational Growth & Sustainability

  • Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, strengthening long-term sustainability.

  • Adopted a multi-year strategic plan and organizational goals focused on advocacy, collaboration, and capacity-building.

  • Appointed CAABVI’s first Executive Director, advancing coordinated statewide leadership.

Member Engagement & Field Leadership

  • Hosted conversations with state leaders, including the Department of Rehabilitation.

  • Formed policy subcommittees focused on aging, children and youth, and advocacy.

  • Provided forums for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and alignment across agencies.