The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Assemblywoman Buttenschon designated CABVI Champion; volunteer presented with Appreciation of Service
UTICA, N.Y. » The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) presented its third CABVI Champion Award to Marianne Buttenschon, State Assembly Member District 119, at CABVI’S Vision Health & Wellness Center, 408 Elizabeth St., Utica.
CABVI’S Public Policy Team chose Buttenshon for her persistent dedication to CABVI’S mission, along with the fulfillment of the CABVI Champion criteria.
CABVI Champions are New York State legislators “who support opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind,” said James B. Turnbull, IV, Chairperson of CABVI’S Board of Directors. “CABVI Champions are elected policymakers who have demonstrated support of nonprofit agencies serving people who are blind, in their district, through legislative actions.”
Added Edward P. Welsh, CABVI President & CEO, “Assemblywoman Buttenschon is dedicated to our common mission — to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest levels of independence.”
While accepting the CABVI Champion Award, Assemblywoman Buttenschon recognized longtime volunteer Eilene ‘Pie’ Edwards of the Mohawk Valley Transcribers with an Appreciation of Service Resolution from the New York State Assembly in acknowledgement of her 90th birthday.
A CABVI Champion must achieve four criteria:
“I’m honored to have been named a CABVI Champion this year. The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired does so much important work for New Yorkers who are blind or deal with low vision,” Buttenschon said.
“From their work helping people find meaningful employment, or accessing services so they can live safely at home, CABVI plays an important role allowing those with blindness or visual impairments to achieve their highest level of independence. I ran for office to make life better for my neighbors. When my neighbors who are blind or deal with visual impairments need assistance, I am ready to help. I want to thank CABVI for this important honor,” she added.
About CABVI
The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a not-for-profit agency that serves people who are blind or visually impaired, from newborns to the elderly, generally free of charge. The staff offers comprehensive vision rehabilitation, employment, and technology services personally tailored to meet an individual’s needs.
CABVI’S vision rehabilitation programs provide for more than 1,500 people who are blind or visually impaired in an eightcounty area of upstate New York (Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Fulton, Lewis, Montgomery, Jefferson and northern Otsego counties).
CABVI offers low vision examinations, vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility, instruction in the use of assistive technology applications, employment training, adaptive recreation and sports, and social work.