Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Title

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Peer Support Information for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Idaho

Are you a person with declining vision? Have you lost your sight completely?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

There are others just like you...partially sighted or totally blind.

Peer Support for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a peer group made up of people from the community. They provide support to those who are experiencing similar conditions. They also serve as a resource that can provide information on adaptive aids and appliances, low vision, and other alternative techniques to blindness.

The number one goal of a peer group is to educate persons who are visually impaired to become independent by using alternative skills. Group discussions center around attainable goals for blind people. Facilitators can direct you to the appropriate agency or service to which you may be entitled.

The second goal is to educate the general public, especially family members and friends about blindness and partial sight. Family members can be the vital link for a blind person in gaining independence.

There are no sign-up fees or yearly membership dues for attending a peer group. Your participation and input is wanted and needed. Volunteers are welcome, as well as, contributions for transportation, facilities, refreshments, etc.

Please share this information with someone you know who has vision loss of any type. The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired is here to serve you. We are here to help you live the next chapter of your life with more ease and confidence.

If you are interested in becoming a facilitator and starting your own group for peer support, please call Nancy Wise, Peer Support Coordinator at (208) 334-3220 ext. 113 or email to: nwise@icbvi.idaho.gov or call the office nearest you.


Peer Support Groups

The list below are Peer Support Groups located across the state. (list updated Aug 2016)

BLACKFOOT
VEE ANN WILLIAMS
850 Parkway, #17
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 785-6656

BOISE & TWIN FALLS
GEM STATE REGIONAL GROUP OF BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
VALERIE DUFFY (OOVIS)
VA Medical Center
500 West Fort Street
Boise, ID 83702-4598

(208) 422-1228
VA office/Twin Falls - Golden Corral/Nampa

Valley View Retirement/Boise

Pancake House/Boise Family and Friends

BOISE
KATHY SLETTEN
6486 S. Constellation Way
Boise, ID 83709
(208) 866-3641

COEUR D'ALENE
MIKKI OLSON
3857 W. Linneatus Drive
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83815
(208) 930-4602

HEYBURN
LINDA CROFT
335 South 400 West
Heyburn, ID 83336
(208) 679-0229

JEROME
CARLYNE WOOLF
604 East Avenue A
Jerome, ID 83338
(208) 324-6833

MOSCOW
LUELLA FREY
1501 E. 3rd

Moscow, ID 83843
(208) 882-2086


NEW PLYMOUTH
RON BICKMORE
759 N.W. 8th Street #37
Ontario, Oregon  97914
(541) 889-5804

TWIN FALLS
Donalyn Jorgenson
216 Settlers Way W
Jerome, ID  83338
208-
423-5540

WEISER
LES HARMON
913 Haas Road
Weiser, ID 83672
(208) 549-0061

The Idaho Chapter for the National Federation of the Blind also has chapter meetings held once a month around the state - please click here for a list of those meeting times and places.