The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired of southeastern Washington.
In 1988, the founders of The Edith Bishel Center realized that there were no adequate services in the region being offered to people age 55 and over who were blind and visually impaired. This growing, at-risk population was left with few or no resources to help them better function in their daily lives. Individuals who are visually impaired or blind often suffer from feelings of isolation and insignificance, frequently resulting in depression. Founded in 1988 and officially incorporated in 1994, the center has been serving our community for 29 years. After her death, the land and funds to build the center were bequeathed by Edith L. Bishel. Today, the center offers programs and services to all ages.
The Edith Bishel Center currently serves six southeastern Washington counties including Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Yakima, and Klickitat. We are proud to offer the following services to these communities:
- Optometric low-vision examinations
- Independent living and low-vision aids
- Personalized in-home independent living skills training
- Customized computer training and education services
- Social activities for adults
- Social events for children with vision loss, including a beeping Easter egg hunt
- Support groups
- Workshops for family members of those with vision loss
- Low-vision iPhone/iPad training
- Community links to low-vision services and resources
- Reading assistance program
- Educational outreach program for medical professionals, schools, and the community
- Video magnifier loner program
We value helping those who use our services to create a safe living enviorment as well as learn to do normal daily tasks in the safest possible way.
