Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired SC receives $20,000 grant from Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment
August 13, 2026
Funding supports vision rehabilitation services for adults with vision loss in the Tri-County
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment to provide critical vision rehabilitation services for adults who are blind or low vision in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. The funding supports ABVI’s specialized skills training and support services which help adults maintain independence, safety, and quality of life following vision loss.
For individuals with vision loss who have not had access to skills training, everyday activities such as managing medications, preparing meals, crossing streets, accessing transportation, or navigating unfamiliar environments can become challenging. Moreover, without vision rehabilitation services, vision loss can lead to reduced independence, social isolation, increased fall risk, and declining health.
“With this generous support from the Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment, ABVI can help adults in the Tri-County gain the skills and confidence needed to not only continue living independently despite vision loss, but thrive,” said Courtney Plotner, President & CEO of ABVI. “Our certified instructors provide personalized training that enables people to safely navigate their homes and communities, access essential healthcare services, and remain active and engaged in the lives they value. We are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission.”
As the number of individuals experiencing vision loss continues to rise, so does the need for vision rehabilitation services. ABVI’s comprehensive programs help clients develop new approaches for daily living, learn safe travel and white cane techniques, use assistive technology and low vision devices for communication, and build the confidence needed to participate fully in their communities. By supporting these services, the grant will help improve health outcomes, enhance personal safety, and reduce reliance on caregivers for adults throughout the region.
About Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC
Founded in 1936, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) is celebrating 90 years of empowering 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 the Medical Society of South Carolina
Founded on Christmas Eve in 1789 by a group of Charleston physicians, the Medical Society of South Carolina (MSSC) is the fourth-oldest medical society in the United States. In partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, MSSC directs resources to support charitable programs that improve health, wellness, and access to care throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.
Through the Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment, the MSSC annually awards grants to nonprofit organizations addressing critical community health needs and expanding access to healthcare services for Tri-County residents. MSSC administers its grantmaking programs in partnership with the Coastal Community Foundation, ensuring strategic investment in initiatives that strengthen the health and well-being of the region.
For more information about Coastal Community Foundation, visit www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org
