Mission & History

Therapist helping young boy identify different objects - imageVision Forward provides a continuum of services, from birth through adulthood, to people with visual impairments, helping them achieve important developmental milestones as well as educational, personal and professional goals. All our programs and services are provided regardless of a person’s or family’s ability to pay.

At Vision Forward, we focus on ability, not disability, because we know that what people can do is far more important than what they can’t do.  For this reason, we work to empower and educate individuals and families not only about vision issues, but also about the social and emotional aspects of vision loss.

We invite you to watch our virtual tour of Vision Forward to see firsthand the impact of your support.  Contact Jacci Borchardt, Chief Executive Officer, at 414-615-0121 or jborchardt@vision-forward.org with any questions.  We look forward to seeing you in person when it is safe.

Our History

2019 marked Vision Forward Association’s centennial year of providing services to the diverse community of individuals who are blind or visually impaired and their families.

What began in 1919 as an advocate group for the blind has evolved into an organization that offers comprehensive services to individuals experiencing all stages of vision loss.  Through the decades of services, one thing has been constant; people experiencing blindness or visual impairment want the same opportunities as their sighted peers.  Individuals have turned to our organization for help in overcoming the challenges vision loss presents and have found a community of support and information available throughout their lives.  Today at Vision Forward, we carry-on this important work daily and commit to the continued empowerment of people who are blind or visually impaired to have full, independent lives.

We invite everyone to join our journey, adopt our mission to “empower, educate and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions”, and celebrate our 100 year history by helping us continue serving our community well into the future!

Our Mission

Empower, educate, and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions.

Our Vision

All individuals with vision loss have reached their full potential to lead active, independent lives.

Our Values