The Milwaukee-based Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired recently merged with Milwaukee-based Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.
The merger will create one comprehensive, full-service vision resource organization expanding opportunities for children, adults, and families living with vision problems.
“Our hope was that these efforts would lead to a synergy of programs dedicated to enhancing quality of life and increasing opportunities for independence among children and adults who are living with vision loss within the Greater Milwaukee community,” said Terri Davis, associate director, past executive director of The Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.
The Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired estimates that as many as 200,000 Wisconsin residents are blind or severely visually impaired. The state also estimates that approximately 3,000 people with potentially blinding eye diseases (diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.) are examined in Wisconsin each week.
Patrick Brown, executive director of the merged organization, said the merger was a partnership that emerged from, “both organizations’ board of directors believing that a complete merger would best further the missions of serving individuals of all ages with visual impairments and maximize efficient use of community resources.”
