Welcome to the 2026 HAVIN Insight Expo

Presented by the Houston Area Visually Impaired Network

 

“United by Vision, Strengthened by Community for 15 Years”

 

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Sponsored by the University of Houston College of Optometry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Insight Expo Schedule

 

Date of Expo:     Saturday, April 11, 2026

**All presentations will be made in Room 203**

 

9:00                   Program begins

9:00–9:05          Welcome/opening remarks

9:05–9:10          National anthem  –

9:10–9:25          UH College of Optometry overview

9:25–9:45          Keynote Speaker:

Dr. P. Bertrand “Bert” Phillips

9:50–10:20        Community Creates Confidence

10:20–10:50      Low Vision Teamwork

10:55 –11:55      The Future is Here: AI and You

11:55–12:00      Closing Remarks

12:00–1:00        Lunch is served

12:00–2:00        Exhibit Hall opens

2:00                  Event ends

 

 

 

Session Descriptions

 

Session 1 – Community Creates Confidence

Presenter: HAVIN Board of Directors

 

Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Tasca

 

 

Session 2 – Low Vision Teamwork

Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Tasca; Grace Chang, OTD, OTR/L; Foster Brown; Cherlyn Kelly

 

Moderator: Dr. Swati C. Modi

 

 

Session 3 – The Future is Here: AI and You

Presenter: Ava Carruth and Raul Gallegos

 

Moderator: Dr. Swati C. Modi

 

 

 

 

Keynote Speaker Biography

 

Dr. P. Bertrand Phillips, “Bert”

Ninety-three year old P. Bertrand Phillips, “Bert,” is a proud member of  VIPSET (Visually Impaired People of South East, Texas). He believes deeply in people, and their power to shape a world that works for all, and that future generations inherit a more just, compassionate, inclusive tomorrow.

 

Bert celebrates and thanks God for his family,  Judith, his beloved wife of 65 years, whose love, grace, strength, and steadfast partnership has been his guiding light. His children, Stirling, Dale, and Juju, and his grandchildren, Dana, Niani, Nathan, Noelani, and Maya, who continue to contribute to and support his activities, deepening the joy and purpose of his life.

 

Bert founded the 3Ts Movement formed by three pillars (TICAC, the Tuskegee Institute Community Action Corp, TISEP, the Tuskegee Institute Summer Education Program, and TICEP, the Tuskegee Institute Community Education Program), when he was dean of students and professor of education and psychology at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, during the transformative 1960s.

 

Bert and his wife Judith have written a book about this experience and are in the process of publishing it. “Brighten Corners and Widen Circles: College Student Advocacy in the Sixties from Tuskegee Institute.”

 

He is a respected educator and facilitator of organizational renewal and development.   For more than seven decades, Dr. Phillips has advised leaders across grassroots and community groups, educational institutions,  government agencies, the military, corporations, and public service agencies.

 

A graduate of San Francisco State University with a B.A. and M.A. in Education and Psychology, and Teachers College, Columbia University with an EdD in Higher Education Administration and Guidance and Counseling.

 

His innovative, community‑centered work, including the 3Ts Movement won him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from St. Olaf College. He is also recognized and honored as a Living Legend by the Friends of the Civil Rights Movement of Lowndes County, Alabama.

 

 

Speaker Biographies

 

Foster Roland Brown
Mr. Brown is the current treasurer of both HAVIN and the Houston Council of the Blind. He has worked in the Blind community since 2005. His most memorable accomplishment came in 2008 where he attended a legislative seminar and lobbied on behalf of American Council of the Blind in Washington D.C.

He has earned a BA in Mathematics from CSU San Bernardino. He has been employed with the US federal government for over 15 years. He enjoys audiobooks. Lastly, Foster is a cell phone aficionado.

 

Ava Carruth
Ava Carruth has spent more than 32 years dedicating her personal and professional experience to helping individuals overcome the challenges associated with visual impairment and blindness. As someone who has been legally blind for over 35 years, Ava understands firsthand how vision loss can affect every area of life—not only for the individual experiencing it, but also for their family and support network. Her lived experience, combined with decades of professional service, allows her to provide compassionate guidance, practical training, and meaningful support to those navigating sight loss.

 

Throughout her career, Ava has focused on helping clients develop essential activities of daily living skills, while also providing assistive technology training for adults and encouragement for families caring for loved ones who are adjusting to vision loss. She believes there is no single approach that works for everyone. Because of this, she continuously educates herself on emerging technologies, innovative devices, and evolving training methods. Her expertise in Blind Rehabilitation and assistive technology enables her to deliver individualized, comprehensive training tailored to each client’s unique needs.

 

Ava’s educational background reflects her deep commitment to service and professional excellence. She earned a Double Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Rehabilitation Counseling (with an emphasis in Marriage and Family) and Rehabilitation Teaching with an emphasis in Blindness. She also holds a double bachelor’s degree in business management and Purchasing & Materials Management from the University of Houston–Downtown, as well as an associate degree in Fashion Management from Lee College in Baytown, Texas.

 

Beyond her professional career, Ava is an enthusiastic advocate for empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to pursue their goals and live full, independent lives. She is an active member of the Houston Council of the Blind and the Visually Impaired Advocates – Houston. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her recognition, including being featured in Who’s Who for Professional Women and receiving the DKM Leadership Award from the American Council of the Blind of Texas.

 

Now retired as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist in Houston, Texas, Ava continues to serve the community in several leadership roles. She is the Second Vice President and Fundraising Chair for the Houston Council of the Blind, as well as their Office Manager and Technology Specialist. She also serves as the Zoom Chairperson and the Advocacy Chair for Visually Impaired

 

Speaker Biographies

 

Ava Carruth continued

Advocates – Houston, where she continues to champion accessibility, empowerment, and inclusion.

Through advocacy, leadership, and decades of service, Ava remains deeply committed to helping individuals with visual impairments build confidence, independence, and fulfilling lives.

Connect with Ava:
Email: avacarruth3@outlook.com

 

 

Grace Chang
Grace Chang, OTD, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist at UTHealth Houston’s low vision clinic, the Dan Arnold Center for Vision Rehabilitation. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 2018 and her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2022. Grace is passionate about advocating for and supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision, and she is dedicated to serving the Houston community through vision rehabilitation.

 

Raul Gallegos
Raul Gallegos is an experienced assistive technology trainer and consultant with over two decades of experience in the field. Originally from Denver, Colorado, he now resides in Houston, Texas, where he and his wife, Stacie, own and operate RGA Tech Solutions. Their small business specializes in providing individualized assistive technology training for blind and low-vision individuals, as well as specialized instruction for deaf-blind participants in the I Can Connect program.

Beyond his professional work, Raul is a dedicated leader within the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). He currently serves as the First Vice President of the NFB of Texas and as President of the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU). Through these roles, he works to secure full integration, equality, and independence for all blind Americans.

In his leisure time, Raul is an avid reader of epic fantasy and science fiction, a devoted fan of the Star Trek universe, and an enthusiastic traveler.

 

Cherlyn Kelly
Cherlyn Kelly is an international speaker, advocate, and voice of unshakeable purpose. Over two decades on the platform, she has faced the progressive advance of Glaucoma with the same resolve that marks every stage she graces — not with denial, but with a different kind of defiance. Rather than retreat into silence, Cherlyn has stepped more fully into her calling.

As a passionate champion for those navigating life with low vision, she brings both lived experience and luminous hope to every platform. Her advocacy is not merely personal — it is prophetic, reminding the visually impaired community that limitations do not equal a loss of destiny. She is living proof of her own conviction: you don’t need perfect sight to speak life.

“You don’t need perfect sight to speak life.”

 

Speaker Biographies

 

Dr. Jennifer Tasca, O.D., FAAO
Center for Sight Enhancement,
University of Houston College of Optometry
Dr. Tasca graduated from NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She then completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation at the Feinbloom Center at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, followed by an additional year of residency in Ocular Disease at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami.  Upon completion of the residency, she served on staff at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, specializing in Low Vision Rehabilitation.  In addition, she was an Adjunct Professor at NOVA College of Optometry.   She then moved to Anchorage, Alaska to serve the Native Alaskan population for three years.  In 1999, she joined a private practice in Colorado, providing primary care and low vision rehabilitative services.  In 2011, after relocating to the Houston area, she returned to her love of teaching at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Karen Eitel
I started playing piano at the age of three. I was a very small child and had to reach up to tinker with the keyboard. My parents took note of my fascination with the sound. I was born blind through having Rubella during my mom’s pregnancy.

I am past President of The Braille Revival League of Texas, an Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT). I am the alternate representative on the HAVIN board for the VIPSET support group.

 

Dianna Herrada
Dianna worked for fiesta Mart in the bakery as a tortilla packer and a public announcer. Then she went on to work for The Lighthouse of Houston as a switchboard operator and receptionist. After the reduction in work force, she volunteered for Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church as a telephone receptionist. Dianna is a member of several organizations in the Blind community. Her hobbies are singing, playing the piano and reading audiobooks. She also enjoys being in the company of others receiving and sharing resources as well as networking with others. At this time, Dianna is a member of the Lighthouse Of Houston Choir under the direction of Dr. Daniel  Kramlich.

 

Shante Hines
Mrs. Shante Hines has an extensive background in sales management and customer service stemming back over twenty years with ISO Moved Easy Transport Inc. ISO sells, rents, and transports storage containers for corporate or personal use. Shante led the sales team and achieved top sales within the company. She also has experience in investment sales strategy with Daisy-Endotech and BG Wealth Sharing that has allowed her to aid the midpoint community with investing for their future through crypto currency.

Shante thoroughly enjoys singing, dancing, and traveling with her family. Her other passions include volunteering with Blind/visually impaired organizations and serving her church community. Shante and her husband; Kelvin, are avid servants in their church and regularly Volunteer with marriage counseling, hospitality, and mission outreach.

 

 

HAVIN Planning Committee

 

Foster Brown, Houston Council of the Blind

Grace Chang, Dan Arnold Center for Vision Rehabilitation, UTHealth Houston

Karen Eitel, Visually Impaired People of South East Texas

Cynthia Fobbs, Blind Professionals Network

Sara Freeman Smith, iBUG Today

Stacie Gallegos, National Federation of the Blind of Texas, Houston Chapter

Raul Gallegos, RGA Tech Solutions

Mendy Graham, Visually Impaired People of South East Texas

Ron Graham, Visually Impaired People of South East Texas

Victoria Hillard, Blind Professionals Network

Monique Mason, Visually Impaired Equality of Life

Swati C. Modi, OD, Center for Sight Enhancement, UH College of Optometry

Naomi Panarella, Foundation Fighting Blindness

Jennifer Tasca, OD, Center for Sight Enhancement, UH College of Optometry

Talana Townsend, Visually Impaired Advocates Houston

 

 

Acknowledgement

 

HAVIN would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Center for Sight Enhancement, University Eye Institute within the University of Houston College of Optometry.  Since our inception, the guidance and support from the staff of the CSE have been vital to the HAVIN mission of bringing unity to the visually impaired community. And their support over the years has helped HAVIN grow and evolve so that we can be here doing this today. We are proud of their continuing sponsorship of the HAVIN Insight Expo. They have been instrumental to HAVIN achieving our goal of bringing unity to the community.

 

Center for Sight Enhancement

Phone: 713-743-0799 or 713-743-2020

Fax: 713-743-0190

Email: CSEinfo@central.uh.edu

Web site: https://eyecare.opt.uh.edu/

 

 

 

Platinum Level Exhibitor

 

HAVIN would like to thank Christal Vision for supporting our program and choosing to be a Platinum Level Exhibitor at the 2026 HAVIN Insight Expo.

 

Christal Vision Inc.

106 Evans Oak Ln

San Antonio, TX 78260

Phone: 800-299-0700 or 210-666-0700

sales@christal-vision.com

Web site: https://www.christal-vision.com/

 

 

 

Platinum Level Exhibitor

 

HAVIN would like to thank Vanda Pharmaceuticals for supporting our program and choosing to be a Platinum Level Exhibitor at the 2026 HAVIN Insight Expo.

 

 

VISIT US ONLINE AT http://www.Non-24.com.

 

Vanda Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to raising awareness of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) and supporting the blindness community. Non-24 is a rare circadian rhythm disorder affecting up to 70% of people who are totally blind. People living with Non-24 experience excessive daytime sleepiness and nighttime sleeplessness, which leads to impaired social and occupational functioning. This is due to the misalignment between the internal master body clock and the 24-hour day.

 

COME VISIT US AT OUR BOOTH TO LEARN ABOUT NON-24 AND SIGN UP FOR

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!

 

CALL A HEALTH EDUCATOR TOLL-FREE AT 1-855-856-2424 | 24 HOURS A DAY, EVERY DAY

 

To learn more about Non-24, please contact:

Shauna Jatho, RN Clinical Nurse Educator   202-538-0396

 

 

Gold Level Exhibitor

 

HAVIN would like to thank the following companies and organizations for supporting our program and choosing to be a Gold Level Exhibitor at the 2026 HAVIN Insight Expo.

 

Dan Arnold Center for Vision Rehabilitation, UTHealth Houston

We offer one of the most comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs in the country, featuring expert staff, state-of-the-art technology, and wonderful learning facilities with adaptive technology and a full kitchen. We provide care for individuals with low vision due to conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, stroke, or other medical conditions. We even provide home visits to ensure safety and successful integration of the recommended low vision adaptations. In addition to low vision care, our center features driving programs, support groups, occupational therapy, to help patients perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists will work with individuals in the center and at your home to help you read, cook, and use adaptive equipment with low vision.

 

Contact: Bhavani R. Iyer, OD, FAAO, Low Vision Diplomate

Address: 6400 Fannin, Suite 1800, Houston, TX 77030

Phone: (713) 486-9408

Email: LowVision@uth.tmc.edu

Website: http://www.cizikeye.org/low-vision-visual-rehabilitation/

 

iBUG Today

Our mission is to promote the individual independence, social integration, and educational development of the blind and visually impaired community through accessible technology training.

Visit our website to learn more about our free group and individual training programs and social events.

Contact:  Michael McCulloch, President

Email:  ibugtoday@gmail.com

Phone:  (832) 453-7139

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/groups/ibugtoday/

Twitter:  @ibugtoday

http://www.ibugtoday.org

 

 

Exhibitors

HAVIN would like to thank the following companies and organizations for supporting our program and choosing to be an exhibitor at the 2026 HAVIN Insight Expo.

 

Blind Professionals Network (BPN)

Braille Revival League of Texas

Christal Vision, Inc.

Dr. P. Bertrand Phillips

DREAMS Elite Social

Foundation Fighting Blindness

Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)

iBUG Today

Justin Dart  Junior, Student Accessibility Center, University of Houston

Leader Dogs for the Blind

The Lighthouse of Houston

METRO Houston

NFBTX Houston/ NFB-NEWSLINE Texas

Non-24 Disorder/Vanda Pharmaceuticals

Talking Book Program – Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas workforce commission-Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center

Texas Workforce Commission OIB program

Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation

The Seeing Eye

UH College of Optometry, Center for Sight Enhancement

UTHealth Neurosciences Dan Arnold Center for Vision Rehabilitation Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science

VisualEyes Access

Visually Impaired Advocates Houston (VIA)

Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET)

 

 

 

Thank You

 

HAVIN would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their support in making this a successful event.

 

Business Donors

4Imprint

Blind Professionals Network  (BPN)

Braille Revival League of Texas

Christal Vision

Delta Gamma Foundation

DREAMS Elite Social

Foundation Fighting Blindness

Hooky Entertainment center, Baytown

Houston Council of the Blind

Houston Grand Opera

Houston Rockets

Houston Texans

iBUG Today

Kendra Scott

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Mark and Gayla Mathews

NFB of Texas Houston Chapter

RGA Tech Solutions

Texas workforce commission-Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center

The Gent’s Place

The Lighthouse of Houston

The Seeing Eye

Theatre Under The Stars

Total Wine and More

UH College of Optometry, Center for Sight Enhancement

UTHealth Houston Dan Arnold Center

VisualEyes Access

Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA)

Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET)

 

 

Thank You

Entertainment

Karen Eitel

Dianna Herrada

Shante Hines

 

Accessibility – A special thank you from HAVIN for assisting us in providing inclusive programming.

Spanish Translation

Ana Marquez

Jose Marquez

 

University of Houston Professional Relations Team

Amanda Johnson, Executive Director of Professional Relations

Cristian Loayza

Michele Luman

Lorellye Macomber

Daniel Miller

Porter Johnson

 

University of Houston Office of Communications

Pearl Cajoles, Executive Director of Communications

 

University of Houston Clinical Operations

Chaminga Lorensuhewa, Associate Director of External Eye Clinics

 

University of Houston Center for Sight Enhancement Team

Dr. Cassie Greene

Dr. Marilyn Johnson

Dr. Nikkie Keeya

Dr. Swati C. Modi

Dr. Jennifer Tasca

 

 

Volunteers

We rely on a corps of dedicated volunteers to deliver our annual program and we are ever thankful for this committed group of people.

 

Noor Abudayyeh                                                      Rexanne Laudato

Lamiek Ainimariam                                                  Rachael Le

Erik Arizpe                                                                 Lisa Loh

Ashley Bacon                                                           Andrew McIntyre

Garrett Brown                                                           Sarah Mitchell

Madison Dean                                                          Sophia Nagera

Valeria Farciert                                                         Mallorie Newman

Eliza Garcia                                                               Jospeh Nguyne

Hana Gebremariam                                                 Micaela Nguyen

Alyssa Ginther                                                          Austin Petz

Anthony Hines                                                         Mary Pratt

Rachel Hulder                                                          Jeleny Solorzano

Peter Huynh                                                             Addison Squires

Vivian Huynh                                                             Darcie Thai

Anjali Jacob                                                              Kim Tran

Anjali Jacob                                                              Liza Tsoi

Diana Jasso                                                              Sandy Vo

Ashley Kim                                                                Mindy Vu

Jolina Langaman                                                     Bailey Westbrook

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You

 

And, finally, we at HAVIN would like to say thank you to each of you as our attendees. You are the reason we are here. Our goal is to bring unity to our community, and you are that community. We hope you leave here today with more than you came here with, and that you make plans to join us for next year’s Insight Expo. We’ll see you then!

 

 

Check our web page www.havintx.org regularly for details and news, or follow us @havintx on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Formerly Twitter).

 

 

HAVIN About Us

 

Blind Professionals Network (BPN)

Uniting to break barriers and achieve professional Success!

Empowering blind and visually impaired professionals across all industries and career stages by providing essential trainings, professional development, resources, mentorship, and a dynamic network that transforms employment challenges into catalysts for growth.

Crucially, all BPN programs and services are provided free of charge, ensuring that financial burdens are never a barrier to professional success and equal opportunity.

View our full schedule of workshops and networking opportunities by visiting the

BPN Events Calendar

Explore our full suite of free programs and services online or reach out to our team directly.

  • Website: www.BlindProNet.org
  • Phone: (800) 699-8238
  • Email: info@BlindProNet.org

 

Blinded Veterans Association Greater Houston regional group

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is the only national Veterans Service Organization (VSO) chartered by the United States Congress and exclusively dedicated to assisting America’s blinded veterans and their families. Approximately 100 war-blinded soldiers from World War II founded BVA on March 28, 1945. The BVA Congressional charter designates the organization as the official advocate and representative for all blinded veterans before the executive and legislative branches of government. Throughout the 77 years of its existence, BVA has successfully carried out this important function while at the same time contributing meaningfully to making life better for thousands of individual blinded veterans from across the country.

Since the organization’s’ early beginning, BVA has worked tirelessly with the now Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assure top-quality, comprehensive medical and rehabilitative services/benefits for blinded veterans.

 

Prior to the pandemic, we met at the Michael E DeBakey medical center. Since then, 90% of our meetings are via telephone. Currently we meet, every other month on the first Saturday. Our meetings are restricted to Blind Veterans who are members of the Blinded Veterans Association. Membership dues are, $20 for life.

 

 

HAVIN About Us

 

Blinded Veterans Association   

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is the only national Veterans Service Organization (VSO) chartered by the United States Congress and exclusively dedicated to assisting America’s blinded veterans and their families. Approximately 100 war-blinded soldiers from World War II founded BVA on March 28, 1945. The BVA Congressional charter designates the organization as the official advocate and representative for all blinded veterans before the executive and legislative branches of government. Throughout the 77 years of its existence, BVA has successfully carried out this important function while at the same time contributing meaningfully to making life better for thousands of individual blinded veterans from across the country.

 

Since the organization’s early beginning, BVA has worked tirelessly with the now Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assure top-quality, comprehensive medical and rehabilitative services/benefits for blinded veterans.

 

Contact BVA President Paul Williams
Email: pmwilliamssr@gmail.com
Phone: 832-933-9800. (If no answer, please leave a message. )
Web site: https://txbva.org/ 

 

 

 

HAVIN About Us

Dan Arnold Center for Vision Rehabilitation, UT Health Houston

We offer one of the most comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs in the country, featuring expert staff, state-of-the-art technology, and wonderful learning facilities with adaptive technology and a full kitchen. We provide care for individuals with low vision due to conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, stroke, or other medical conditions. We even provide home visits to ensure safety and successful integration of the recommended low vision adaptations. In addition to low vision care, our center features driving programs, support groups, occupational therapy, to help patients perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists will work with individuals in the center and at your home to help you read, cook, and use adaptive equipment with low vision.

R.I.S.E. at UTHealth – Low Vision Support Group

When: Second Friday of each month

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Varies by month. Please contact the clinic for the most up-to-date location information.

Contact: Grace Chang, Occupational Therapist

Email: LowVision@uth.tmc.edu or Grace.S.Chang@uth.tmc.edu

Phone: (713) 486-9408

Website: http://www.cizikeye.org/low-vision-visual-rehabilitation/

 

Foundation Fighting Blindness Houston Chapter

Meets once a month at 6pm via conference call

Web site http://www.blindness.org/local-chapters/houston-tx

Contact person: Morgan Ilika, Community Manager, Texas

Email:  milika@fightingblindness.org

 

 

HAVIN About Us

Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)

HCB meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month (except for holidays)

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

1475 W. Gray,

Houston, TX 77019

Contact:   Peggy Garrett, President

E-mail:  prcgarrett@sbcglobal.net

Phone:  832-242-4941

HAVIN About Us

iBUG Today (iBlind Users Group)

Our mission is to promote the individual independence, social integration, and educational development of the blind and visually impaired community through accessible technology training.
Visit our website to learn more about our free group and individual training programs and social events.

Contact:  Michael McCulloch, President
Email:  ibugtoday@gmail.com
Phone:  (832) 453-7139
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/groups/ibugtoday/
Twitter:  @ibugtoday
http://www.ibugtoday.org

 

HAVIN About Us

The Lighthouse of Houston

We Serve All Ages and All Stages of Vision Loss. Our mission is to enable and empower people who are blind or low vision to realize their full potential.

Location: 3602 W Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

www.HoustonLighthouse.org

Contact: Edward Powers
Email: epowers@houstonlighthouse.org
Phone: 225-588-9632

 

HAVIN About Us

National Federation of the Blind of Texas – Houston (NFBT-Hou)

Meets:  1st Saturday of the month

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location:  Metropolitan Multi-Service Center

1475 W. Gray St.

Houston, Texas  77019

Contact:   Stacie Gallegos, President

E-mail:  sgallegos@nfbtx.org

Phone:  (346) 704-0190

 

 

HAVIN About Us

VIEOL Visually Impaired Equality of Life
And “NEWS YOU CAN USE!” 

A Community Outreach Resource Information Organization

Our mission focuses on the Visually Impaired Blind and Low Vision Community Obtaining Equal Opportunities To Experience And Enjoy Life Independently. The Ability To Obtain Accessibility, To Achieve and To Accomplish Everyday Goals. We service the greater Houston and surrounding areas.

Blindness Skills Offered:

Introduction To “News You Can Use!” A Community Outreach Resource Information Organization

Fundamentals Of Basic Keyboarding

Fundamentals Of Basic Braille

Introduction To Simple Gardening

Contact:  Monique Mason

Email: vieol.htx@gmail.com

Phone: 281-891-3602

HAVIN About Us

Visually Impaired Advocates – Houston (V.I.A.)

The Visually Impaired Advocates – Houston is a 503(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired in Houston.

Weekly Support Group Meets both in person and on Zoom every 1st, 2nd, 3rd, And fifth  (Only if it applies)  Thursday of the month

Time: 10:30 AM CT 11:30 AM CT;  Sometimes The meetings last till 12:00 PM CT

Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center 1475 W. Gray St., Houston, TX  77019

Monthly Zoom call every 4th Thursday of the month:

Let’s talk about it

Time: 7:00 PM CT to 8:00 PM CT

For additional info and Zoom details, Contact:   Talana Townsend, President

E-mail:  Talana.Townsend@gmail.com

Phone:  832-867-0140

Website:  viaadvocates.org

 

 

 

HAVIN About Us

 

Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET)

Meets: 3rd Tuesday of the month

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location:  Kingwood Methodist Church, Room K103

1799 Woodland Hills Dr.

Kingwood, TX  77339

Contact:  Ron Graham, President

Email:  rongraham80@gmail.com

Phone:  713-825-9108