Visually Impaired Veterans of America

South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter

South Carolina Low Country Chapter | Mission, Goals & Vision
Schedule of Events | Links | Application Form |

Encouraging Story | ACB of SC Page |

A word to our friends and fellow visually impaired veterans.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our newly formed organization to you. We are the South Carolina Low Country Chapter of the Visually Impaired Veterans of America. Our group was formed in July 2000. We are from every area of the community and are as varied in age and vocation as you might gather from the word in our name, "Veterans". The idea of a group came from thoughts of how we could serve the veterans population and to establish activities to keep away the desolation and isolation that vision loss can bring.

The South Carolina Low Country Chapter is the first state chapter in this national veterans group. There will be "a lot of first" for us! We already have begun to think ahead and plan for long-term goals.

Our long-range plans include those without a home or much hope as well. Plans are being established to distribute some basic needs for the homeless veterans during the year. Approximately thirty per cent of the homeless men are veterans. Those who fought beside us during some of the worst campaigns of war, conflict or world strife cannot be forgotten. Our Low Country Chapter will make sure of that!

Our organization continues efforts to set up a volunteer office in the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Assistance and advice will be offered to anyone that may need it and especially to those dealing with vision loss. Also the Visual Impairment Specialist will receive any help that may be needed. Visits are planned for the inpatients of the medical center as well.

Education is a big deal in today's hope for the future. There are some in our group who feel that blind and visually impaired students do not get what they need to be competitive in today's workplace. One of our long-range goals is to do what we can to ensure that accessable technology is available for those students and veterans with vision loss. Further, if training is needed, then our assistance may be to help either the student/veteran or the teacher.

Short-term accomplishments are very important also and bear much thought and planning. We always have an end-of-year celebration in the form of a Christmas party. The "Toys-for-Tots" and the United States Marines are a big part of it. A blind child will be selected this year and we will do our part to make sure that this child has a good Christmas.

Our group is affiliated with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), both nationally and on a state level. This means that not only are we working with the veterans in our area, but also are involved in the many good works of our neighbors and friends that do not share our military experiences.

Summer fun and fellowship have included a tour of Charleston Air Force Base and a picnic. Also, a trip to Joseph P. Riley Stadium and the experience of a "Riverdogs" baseball game! At the baseball game, the blind and visually impaired participated by putting on a two-inning "beeper-ball" demonstration. All experienced great fun. We have also toured the H.L. Hunley Conservation Facility and a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Issues that affect us are also considered for support and action. For instance, the lack of public transportation in areas other than Charleston and Charleston County is a tremendous drawback to the person with vision loss. There are committees who work to involve the counties and the current transportation systems in dialogues to remedy this issue. Some of us support this and some are directly involved in it.

There is a place for you standing shoulder- to- shoulder in work or play and fun in fellowship. I guess what I am trying to say is simply,"Won't you come and be a part of a new group of veterans with vision loss who enjoy life and get out and do things?" Be a part of trying to give back to those who gave!

Our meetings are held at C & W Cafeteria, 6159 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC (next to Sam's Wholesale Club). Meetings start at 9:30 AM on the second Saturday of each month. Come and see what it's all about.

Contact Us:
Phone: (843) 821 - 0251
Email: vetsline@bellsouth.net
S.C. Low Country Chapter
125 Honeysuckle Lane
Summerville, South Carolina

South Carolina Low Country Chapter | Mission, Goals & Vision
Schedule of Events | Links | Application Form