activities · 14
what they do
direct service · 13
- Blindness Rehabilitation Training CentersOperates two NBPCB Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers in Tucson and Phoenix, offering non-visual skills training to individuals of all ages to support independent living and employment.
- Blindness Rehabilitation Training CentersOperates blindness rehabilitation training centers in Tucson and Phoenix, certified as Structured Discovery centers, offering non-visual skills training to individuals of all ages, including comprehensive day programs for adults and statewide services for blind children, adults, and seniors.
- Independent Living Skills Classes Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesOffers free weekly classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including in-person and select virtual options, with tools and learning materials provided, and childcare and English interpretation available upon request.
- Independent Living Skills Classes for Adults Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesOffers free weekly in-person and select virtual classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including home and personal management, computer and mobile device training, and orientation and mobility.
- Senior Vision Loss Programs Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesProvides basic skills training, personalized health and wellness plans, technology training, home management instruction, orientation and mobility training, and Braille instruction to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence. Also hosts weekly social activities and a Senior LIFE Retreat.
- Senior Vision Loss ProgramsProvides basic skills training, personalized health and wellness plans, Braille instruction, and social activities (Freedom Fridays, Saavi Senior LIFE Retreat) to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence and connect with peers.
- Senior Vision Loss Support and Training Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesProvides basic skills training to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence at home, including cane skills, kitchen safety, home modifications, personalized health and wellness plans, computer and mobile device training, home and personal management skills, orientation and mobility training, Braille instruction, and social activities through weekly ASK classes and Freedom Fridays.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Program ServicesProvides free services to participants enrolled in the Department of Economic Security's Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
- Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesProvides free services to participants enrolled in the Department of Economic Security's Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
- Weekly Independent Living Classes Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesOffers free weekly in-person and select virtual classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including access to tools and learning materials, with childcare and English interpretation available upon request.
- Youth and Transition Services Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesOffers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to provide tools, training, and confidence for blind children, and prepares blind students for employment, post-secondary education, vocational certification, or GED.
- Youth and Transition Services Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesOffers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to provide tools, training, and confidence for blind children and students, preparing them for employment and supporting post-secondary education or vocational certification.
- Youth and Transition Services Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesOffers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to provide tools, training, and confidence for blind children and students to support higher levels of success and prepare for employment or post-secondary education.
capacity building · 1
- Employee Immersion Training Blindness and Deafblind Rehabilitation ServicesProvides basic immersion training to all employees to develop nonvisual skills and a positive philosophy of blindness.
strategies · 17
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Age-Specific Independent Living Training for Older Adults age_specific_independent_livingProvides tailored independent living skills training for adults aged 55+ who are not employment-focused, using home-based support and retreat models to promote safety, organization, and autonomy in daily life.
- Community Education and Engagement community_engagementThe organization educates and engages the community about its services and the impact for people who are blind through various channels, including a bi-monthly newsletter and video content that demonstrates independence strategies and models skills.
- Community Engagement and Inclusive Education community_engagement_and_inclusive_educationThe organization engages the community and educates the public about blindness techniques and best practices through various channels, including newsletters and video content. This inclusive approach also welcomes sighted individuals to learn, aiming to raise awareness and model skills for individuals who are blind.
- Community and Public Education Through Media and Inclusion community_engagement_through_newsletterEngages and educates the broader community using newsletters, video modeling, and inclusive classes that welcome sighted participants, promoting public understanding and modeling blindness skills.
- Comprehensive Independent Living Skills Training independent_living_modelThe organization provides comprehensive skills training focused on fostering independence, skill development, and confidence for individuals adjusting to vision loss. This includes training in transportation, cooking, technology, employment, and daily living skills, often delivered through class-based, home-based, or retreat-based models, and tailored to different age groups and goals.
- Comprehensive Independent Living Skills Training independent_living_modelThe organization provides comprehensive skills training focused on fostering independence, skill development, and confidence through a positive philosophy of blindness. This includes training in transportation, cooking, technology, employment, and Orientation and Mobility, tailored to different age groups and life stages, to enable personal choice, autonomy, and productive living.
- Comprehensive Skills Education for Independence education_for_independenceDelivers structured, class-based education in core independence skills—including orientation and mobility, technology, cooking, and employment readiness—to support personal autonomy and successful adjustment to vision loss.
- Comprehensive Skills Training for Independent Living independent_living_trainingThe organization provides comprehensive skills training across various domains (transportation, cooking, technology, employment, orientation and mobility) to foster independence, skill development, and confidence. This training is offered to blind adults of all ages, including age-specific programs for seniors, to enable productive and independent living, personal choice, and autonomy.
- High Expectations Model for Independence and Achievement high-expectations modelGrounds training in a philosophy of high expectations to empower blind individuals, promoting achievement in education, employment, and independent living by emphasizing capability over limitation.
- Inclusive Education Approach inclusive_educationThe organization adopts an inclusive education approach that welcomes sighted individuals to learn about blindness techniques and best practices, fostering a broader understanding and acceptance of non-visual methods.
- Retreat-Based Training for Seniors retreat_based_trainingThe organization employs a retreat-based model specifically for seniors with vision loss, focusing on foundational nonvisual skills, community engagement, and peer support to promote independent living.
- Role Modeling Through Staff Immersion and Daily Practice role_modeling_through_employee_immersionRequires staff to undergo immersion training in blindness skills and to model nonvisual techniques in daily work, reinforcing a positive philosophy of blindness and enhancing student learning through lived example.
- Role Modeling and Staff Immersion role_modeling_through_employee_immersionThe organization employs role modeling as a core component of its training by requiring all employees to complete basic immersion training in blindness skills. This ensures staff can perform tasks they ask students to do, reinforcing a positive philosophy of blindness and supporting student learning through direct demonstration of nonvisual skills.
- Role Modeling and Staff Immersion in Non-Visual Skills role_modeling_through_employee_immersionThe organization uses role modeling as a core component of training by requiring all employees to complete basic immersion training in blindness skills. Staff are expected to model non-visual skills in their daily responsibilities, ensuring they can perform tasks they ask students to do, which supports student learning and reinforces a positive philosophy of blindness.
- Role Modeling and Staff Immersion in Non-Visual Skills role_modelingThe organization integrates role modeling as a core component of training by requiring all employees to complete basic immersion training in blindness skills. Staff are expected to model non-visual skills in their daily responsibilities, ensuring they can perform tasks they ask students to do, which reinforces a positive philosophy of blindness and supports student learning.
- Structured Discovery Methodology with High Expectations structured_discoveryThe organization utilizes the Structured Discovery approach, which emphasizes non-visual techniques and experiential training using learning shades to remove reliance on vision. This methodology is coupled with a philosophy of high expectations to promote achievement, independence, and prepare individuals for higher education, employment, and independent living.
- Structured Discovery Methodology with Nonvisual Training structured_discovery_methodologyUses the Structured Discovery approach—centered on experiential, non-visual techniques and learning shades—to teach independent living skills by removing reliance on vision and fostering self-efficacy through real-world practice.
named programs · 6
what they call their work
Ability Builds Confidence (ABC)
Free weekly classes in Phoenix and Tucson for individuals new to vision loss, covering foundational topics such as braille, assistive technology, white cane use, disability benefits, and community connection
Comprehensive Day Program
Structured training program for adults to develop nonvisual skills for independence, employment, and personal goals, using Structured Discovery methodology and learning shades
Comprehensive Day Program (CDP)
An intensive program providing skills training for blind individuals to achieve personal and professional goals, including returning to the workforce or starting a business.
Elevate, Transform, Succeed
Program for blind and low-vision individuals seeking to gain or retain employment, focusing on workforce readiness and career development
Saavi Senior LIFE Retreat
Retreat program offering foundational nonvisual skills training in assistive technology, braille, cane travel, and independent living, with social activities and overnight options in Flagstaff and Mohave County
Silver Canes
Senior-focused adult training program for individuals aged 55+ experiencing vision loss, providing skills in independent living, health and wellness, access technology, braille, orientation & mobility, and social engagement
relationships · 11
who they work with
- AZ Department of Economic Security Partner — Collaborates with guest speakers from the AZ Department of Economic Security to educate participants on vocational rehabilitation services.
- AZ Gives Day Partner — Participates in AZ Gives Day as a fundraising partner.
- Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration Government — Partner agency through which participants must enroll to access SAAVI's Comprehensive Day Program and Older Independent Living Blind Program.
- Felicia Vazquez Partner — Silver Senior LIFE Retreat contact person responsible for intake forms and program information.
- Melanie Melady Partner — Manager of Senior Services - Silver Canes program, primary contact for senior services.
- National Blindness Professional Certification Board Network — Collaborates with the National Blindness Professional Certification Board as a certified Structured Discovery Training Center.
- National Federation of the Blind Partner — Introduces participants to the National Federation of the Blind as a resource for mentorship and advocacy.
- National Federation of the Blind Partner — Partners with the National Federation of the Blind to advocate and influence legislative and lawful practices relevant to the blind community.
- National Federation of the Blind of Arizona Partner — Referral partner for self-advocacy support and resources.
- Social Security Administration Partner — Hosts guest speakers from the Social Security Administration to provide information on disability benefits.
- Structured Discovery Network — Certified Structured Discovery centers providing non-visual skills training.