UR Vision Resources and UR Hearing Resources
UR Community Cares is aimed at supporting older adults and individuals with vision and hearing impairments. We are partnering with towns and cities across Connecticut to bring our programs to you! We offer a variety of supports to connect people with valuable resources, put on community events and provide technology training to enhance their independence and quality of life. Together, we can make a difference!
In our UR Community Tech Center at 153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT, we have an extensive inventory of devices. To schedule an appointment with a volunteer and determine the most suitable device for your needs, please contact us at 860-430-4557.
UR Vision Resources
Almost 20 million Americans, or 8 percent of the U.S. population, have visual impairments. Ranging from poor vision to blindness, visual impairments are one of the leading causes of loss of independence for people age 65 and older.
Upcoming UR Vision Resources Events Around Connecticut – All are Welcome to Attend!
Human Guide Training – Come learn how to better support people who are Blind and DeafBlind
Join us for a Free Human Guide Training led by the Helen Keller National Center,
Hosted at CT State Community College Manchester.
This hands-on training will help participants learn how to safely and respectfully guide individuals who are DeafBlind.
Event Details: Register to attend by clicking here.
Human Guide Training
Presentation 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
| Presentation by Helen Keller National Center | Limited to 90 registered participants |
| Free Community Event | Learn essential skills to support individuals who are Blind and DeafBlind through guided techniques. |
Free Lunch 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Available to those registered for the morning training.
Afternoon Workshops
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
| Interactive Workshops | Space limited to 40 participants |
| Real life Senerios | Hands-on sessions focused on accessibility, communication tools, and inclusive practices. |
Resource Fair & Vendor Tabling 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Connect with healthcare professionals, explore assistive technologies, and gather valuable resources.
Become a Sponsor by clicking here.
In January we had a Manchester Eye Health Fair, in June we had a New Britain Eye Health Fair and in August we had a Norwalk Eye Health Fair, watch the recap here:
Directory of Blind/Vision Impaired Services and Organizations – Get a free copy of our 2025 Directory
We have compiled resources in Connecticut, nationwide and advanced technology options globally for blind and vision impaired people.
In 2023, we developed the Directory of Blind and Vision Impaired Services and Organizations, which is available in several formats: a large print edition in Spanish or English, an online version, or on a flash drive.
We are deeply thankful for the grant from the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, which will enable us to update our directory in 2025 and acquire assistive technology devices. This support allows us to demonstrate and train individuals in New Haven County on how to effectively use these devices, fostering greater independence and accessibility. We will visit libraries, senior centers and low vision groups in 2025 to present new information about the organizations featured in our directory and apps that are available.
Join Us for Manchester’s Blind and Low Vision Support Group Meeting
Are you blind or experiencing low vision or blindness? Join us for a supportive and engaging meeting where we can share resources, experiences, and build a social circle. Caregivers and people from any town are welcome to attend.
Date: Every month on 1st Tuesday of the month
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT
For more information and Zoom link for meeting, call 860-430-4557. We look forward to seeing you there!
Watch an interview with Kristen Dockendorff who co-facilitates our meetings:
UR Vision Station in Manchester
In January 2025, UR Community Cares launched UR Vision Station to support residents who are blind or vision-impaired. This free service is funded by AARP Connecticut’s Livable Communities, Manchester ARPA, and Dime Bank Foundation grants.
We are grateful for the grant funding we received from the John E. Blair Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Please read more about it here: https://www.hfpg.org/what-we-do/new-and-noteworthy/hartford-foundation-awards-nearly-240000-in-grants-to-assist-individuals-with-visual-impairments
UR Vision Station serves as a hub for assistive technology and training. Our dedicated volunteers provide hands-on assistance to help participants achieve their goals and lead independent lives.
Our technology investments feature a range of popular assistive devices. To learn more about these products, please use the provided links: Vision Table, Ruby XL HD Video Magnifier, Laptop with NVDA, UR Community Cares free large print Blind/Low Vision Resource Directories, Eschenbach Magnifiers and much more!
Make an appointment to explore our devices, work with a volunteer. Call 860-430-4557 to discuss your goals.
Manchester Eye Health Fair
New Britain Eye Health Fair
Norwalk Eye Health Fair
UR Hearing Resources
Hard of Hearing Programs
UR Community Cares is developing a new program dedicated to supporting individuals who are hard of hearing and those who live, work, and interact with them every day. Our goal is to provide resources, education, and practical tools that improve communication, reduce isolation, and foster understanding.
By empowering both individuals and communities with knowledge and strategies, we aim to create more inclusive environments where everyone can connect with confidence and clarity.
Stay tuned as we build this important program, together, we can break down barriers and strengthen connections.
Human Guide Training – Helen Keller National Center – October 1st 10am-3pm
