Support Groups
VIPS (Visually Impaired People)
The Center for the Visually Impaired sponsors self-help groups called VIPS (Visually Impaired People) who are adjusting to their limited sight in four counties. VIPS provides the visually impaired person and their families an opportunity to get together for social, educational and recreational purposes on a monthly basis. For more information on VIPS, contact the Center at any location listed below..
VOLUSIA COUTY VIPS
East Volusia VIPS
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Where: |
Bishop’s Glen |
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When: |
2nd Wednesday of the month |
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Contact: |
Allen Bornstein |
West Volusia VIPS
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Where: |
Deltona Community Center |
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When: |
1st Friday of the month |
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Contact: |
Cindy Justice |
FLAGLER COUNTY VIPS
Flagler/Palm Coast VIP
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Where: |
St. Thomas Episcopal Church |
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When: |
2nd Tuesday of the month |
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Contact: |
Pat Jones |
PUTNAM COUNTY VIPS
Putnam VIPS
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Where: |
Cherry Tree Community Center |
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When: |
2nd Thursday of the month |
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Contact: |
President Richard Johnson |
BREVARD COUNTY VIPS
TITUSVILLE
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When: |
1st Friday of the month |
COCOA - COCOA BEACH
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When: |
2nd Friday of the month |
MELBOURNE
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When: |
3rd Friday of the month |
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Contact: |
Sherie Aston-Shell For all events, meeting locations and times in Brevard please call the Brevard office above. |
SIP-N-TEA
The Sip-n-Tea Counseling Group meets as follows:
Monday and Thursday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Daytona Beach Campus
Wednesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Cocoa Office
Thursdays from 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. at the Deltona Office
The program has a series of eight topics for discussion. The group is led by a Rehabilitation Counselor and Rehabilitation Instructor. Tea and goodies are served. There is no cost, but you must provide your own transportation or schedule with Votran.
FRIENDS OF CVI
Friends of CVI is CVI's own main support group whose purpose is to assist the agency with community outreach, financial and in-kind contributions, provide volunteer services and serve as an advisory council for the agency programs. The Friends group meets quarterly at various restaurants in Volusia & Brevard Counties. Call CVI in Volusia County (386) 253-8879 ask for Stephanie Katz or Debbie Ryan. For Brevard County ( 321) 631-9791 and ask for Sherie Aston-Shell. For more information on how you can join us by becoming a member of the Friends of CVI, check out the luncheon dates in our EVENT section.
Other Community Resources
(Not directly affiliated with CVI)
HALIFAX COUNCIL of the BLIND
CHAPTER of FLORIDA COUNCIL of the BLIND
AFFILIATE of AMERICAN COUNCIL of the BLIND
The council is an advocacy, support and blindness informational resource group. The majority of its members are blind. Dues include a bi-monthly subscription to the White Cane Bulletin and a monthly subscription to the Braille Forum.
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Where: |
Orientation and Adjustment Center |
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When: |
2nd Thursday of the month |
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Dues: |
$10.00/yr |
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Contact: |
President: Mary Ellen Ottman |
HAVOC: HANDICAP ADULTS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY
HAVOC is a county group that advocates for all groups that are handicapped. For example, every October they hold a white cane demonstration to make the public aware of those that use the white cane and laws related to its use. They have been a chartered group for 28 years. HAVOC also hold social events. They have a covered dish dinner every 4th meeting. There is also an annual beach party picnic in the fall.
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Where: |
Votran Headquarters |
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When: |
1st Wednesday of the month |
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Dues: |
$5.00/year |
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Contact: |
President: David Dixon |
BLIND BOWLERS
The bowlers play three games at each meeting and have a banquet at the end of the season. They give both individual and team awards. They do several fundraisers, such as candy sales and raffles to go to the Nationals.
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Where: |
Belair Lanes |
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When: |
Every Saturday |
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Dues: |
$9.00 is required for membership |
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Contact: |
President Mary Tyson |
OPEN ARMS OUTREACH
Open Arms Outreach is a support group for the blind and visually impaired of all ages. They serve a free meal and have occasional guest speakers.
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Where: |
Holy Cross Lutheran Church |
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When: |
2nd Saturday of the month |
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Contact: |
David Jollymore |
SIGHT SEEKERS
Sight Seekers is a support group for the blind and visually impaired. Guest speakers are provided, as well as trips such as the Riverboat in Sanford. They also go out to lunch occasionally along with an annual Christmas party.
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Where: |
Coronado Community United Methodist Church |
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When: |
2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month |
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Contact: |
President, Inez Hooks |
GREATER DAYTONA BEACH CHAPTER of the NATIONAL FEDERATION of the BLIND
is an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. The objective of the group is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. It is support, advocacy and blindness informational resource group. Dues include a subscription to the NFBF Focus and a monthly to the Braille Monitor.
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Where: |
Piccadilly Cafeteria |
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When: |
4th Saturday of the month |
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Dues: |
$10.00/yr |
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Contact: |
President: Kathy Davis |
Center for Independent Living
The purpose of this group is to advocate for people with various disabilities in the areas of housing, transportation, health care, voting, employment, education and any other area that may be of concern.
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Where: |
Disability Solutions for Independent Living |
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Contact: |
(386) 671-1960 |