Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired receives $25,000 grant from Greenville Women Giving
May 26, 2026
Providing vision rehabilitation skills training to adults with vision loss in Greenville County
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) was awarded $25,000 by Greenville Women Giving to provide up to 250 hours of vision rehabilitation skills training to adults experiencing blindness or low vision in Greenville County. Support from Greenville Women Giving will enable ABVI to expand resources and access to vital skills training that helps adults with vision loss learn new ways to perform daily tasks and travel safely without relying on their vision.
With rates of vision loss surging, the need for vision rehabilitation training is growing exponentially. Vision loss can make common activities increasingly difficult including navigating stairs and sidewalks, preparing food, communicating with others, managing medications, and more. As routine tasks pose greater challenges, it can lead to a decline in independence, safety, and confidence. This grant will enable ABVI to empower more than 35 adults in Greenville County with essential life skills needed to regain their independence and live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.
“With this generous grant funding from the Greenville Women Giving, ABVI is building a comprehensive vision rehabilitation program for adults who are blind or low vision in the Upstate,” said Courtney Plotner, President & CEO of ABVI. “ABVI’s comprehensive skills training and support services not only help people gain the tools they need to live safely with vision loss but help improve their overall health and quality of life. We are so incredibly grateful to Greenville Women Giving for this investment in our mission and services.”
Greenville Women Giving announced the grants during its annual meeting at The Annex at Judson Mill during its 20th Anniversary Annual Meeting. Each year, Greenville Women Giving receives funding through member donations and awards grants in five focus areas – arts, education, environment, health and human services.
By expanding access to ABVI’s vision rehabilitation services, adults with blindness and low vision can experience improved physical and mental health, greater safety, and increased independence, contributing to a healthier community overall.
For more information about Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC, visit www.abvisc.org.
About Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC
Founded in 1936, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) empowers individuals who are blind or low vision to live fulfilling, purpose driven lives. ABVI’s Adult Services support adults across South Carolina as they adjust to vision loss, learn new approaches to daily living, develop technology skills, build community, and gain safe travel skills. ABVI’s Children’s Services support children and young adults (ages 0–21) through three core programs focused on accessibility training: Early Intervention, School Age Services, and Transition Services. Across all programs, ABVI’s certified instructors provide essential independence training for individuals experiencing blindness or low vision.
About Greenville Women Giving
Greenville Women Giving is a local philanthropic women’s collective giving organization with more than 500 members. Since its founding in 2006, GWG has awarded 166 grants totaling over $9.5 million to 97 Greenville County nonprofit organizations. Greenville Women Giving is a special initiative of the Community Foundation of Greenville and a member of Philanos, a national women’s giving circle network.
