UR Vision Resources and UR Hearing Resources
UR Community Cares is aimed at supporting older adults and individuals with low vision and hard of hearing. We are partnering with towns and cities across Connecticut to bring our programs to you!
We are traveling to senior centers, libraries, nonprofits, low vision support groups, etc. to demo devices and educate people what is available to help people remain independent at home. 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.
UR Vision Resources
Almost 20 million Americans, or 8 percent of the U.S. population, have visual impairments. Ranging from low vision to blind, visual impairments are one of the leading causes of loss of independence for people age 65 and older.
In UR Vision Station, at 153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT, we have an extensive inventory of devices. To schedule an appointment with our Executive Director and determine the most suitable device for your needs, please contact us at 860-430-4557.
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 low vision 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 blind? 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 low vision. 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, and Eschenbach Magnifiers. We have a new Juliet embosser so we can print in braille, used CCTV’s that we will loan out to people who need them and much more!
Make an appointment to explore our devices, work with a volunteer. Call 860-430-4557 to discuss your goals.
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:
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.
Training by Dr. Suzanne Ondrus on Sept. 29th
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.
