Lavelle fund for the blind
A Commitment to Dignity
Providing tools and resources for blind and visually impaired people to live independent, productive lives.
About the Lavelle Fund
Photo courtesy of Helen Keller International
Funding Areas
Medical Eye Care
Making ophthalmic and optometric services available through training, treatment, vision screenings, and eyecare systems strengthening.
Photos courtesy of Helen Keller International
Vision Rehabilitation & Resources
Providing individuals who are blind or visually impaired with access to adaptive training, low-vision support, assistive technology training, recreation and vocational services.
Photos courtesy of VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and Lighthouse Guild
Education Support Services
Educational services for students who are blind or visually impaired and training for professionals who serve and support them.
Photos courtesy of FUNDAL, Perkins School for the Blind, and Adaptive Design Association, Inc.
The Lavelle — Brother Kearney Scholarship Program
Scholarships for eligible blind and visually impaired undergraduate and graduate students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, attending select schools in the Tri-State NY area.
“In college, you have to be self-motivated. They have the same expectations of you as other students, and it’s up to you to figure out how to meet those expectations.”
“I took advantage of many programs and internships because I was aware of the challenges I’d face as a person with a disability, and I wanted to diminish those as much as I could.”
“Students need to be equipped with an advocacy voice...so that they can walk into a disability services office with their head held high and say, ‘Let’s create this accommodation package for me that’s going to help me be successful in my college experience.”
“In terms of socializing, just be yourself. If people ask you about [your disability] then if you’re comfortable, share. Don’t feel timid or afraid to put yourself out there because of your disability.”