ABVI-Goodwill's history dates back to the early 1900s when a group of graduates of the New York State School for the Blind had a dream that all people who are blind or visually impaired could lead full, productive lives. In 1911, these pioneers made the decision to form an agency to serve the local blind population and in 1913 the Association for the Blind was incorporated.
Throughout the years, the Association for the Blind provided for a dramatically increased demand for services, education and training which emphasized the capabilities and contributions of people who are blind or visually impaired.
In 1994, ABVI became a member of Goodwill Industries International, an affiliation that has enhanced our ability to offer employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired while also generating vital resources to help fund our mission. Goodwill was established in 1902 to improve quality of life for people with disabilities and other disadvantages such as welfare dependency, barriers to employment, or lack of work experience.
Today, ABVI-Goodwill has evolved into one of the most dynamic not-for-profit organizations in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region with a service area that extends to nine counties, including Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Steuben, Yates, Seneca, Schulyer and Chemung. |
