VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement client Rose Carpenter came to VIA with Macular Degeneration and uncertainty about her next career step.

With help from VIA’s employment specialist, Rose started a Work Experience with nationally renowned Jamestown, New York’s National Comedy Center (home of Lucille Ball). Rose was thrilled to start at National Comedy Center and regain her independence!

“It was a perfect fit,” Employment Specialist Elizabeth Roby, Ph.D. said. “It’s close to where she lives so that she can walk to her job; we worked out a schedule with the National Comedy Center that allows Rose to continue working for her GED in the evenings, and the job itself involves a variety of tasks and a great degree of independence.”

As her work experience ends, Rose is working to obtain a guide dog with the Chautauqua Blind Association and find a long-term job that works with her new guide animal. Elizabeth says she is excited for Rose’s future and her can-do attitude!

VIA offers the opportunity to develop skills in a real-life employment setting that benefits employees and employers. To learn more about VIA’s Workforce Development program, go to viawny.org/services/workforce.

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About VIA – There is no denying a diagnosis with vision changes or visual loss can present challenges. However, it does not change who you are, what you believe or, what you want to accomplish.

For over 100 years, VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement has provided rehabilitation and social services to individuals in Western New York who are visually impaired. We pride ourselves on being a comprehensive resource for people experiencing vision loss or who are legally blind to help them adapt to new ways of independence. Our team of vision professionals will customize services to help you manage vision loss at any age.

To learn more, visit viawny.org.