Every year Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRT) Appreciation Week is observed the week of April 14 to commemorate Anne Sullivan's birth date on April 14, 1866. Anne Sullivan, a pioneer of the vision rehabilitation profession, was the teacher who worked closely with Helen Keller, to develop the skills Keller would later use as an international lecturer and advocate for individuals with vision and hearing loss. 

Our Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRTs) have 125 years of combined experience, ranging from 2 years to 45 years, and we have three Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Assistants (VRTA's) who are on their way to becoming CVRTs.

VRTs instruct persons with vision impairments in using compensatory skills and assistive technology enabling them to live safe, productive, and interdependent lives. VRTs work in areas that enhance vocational opportunities, independent living, and the educational development of persons with vision loss.

Our staff work with a wide range of clients and collaboratively create and staff varying programs with counterparts at the Maine Department of Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) and Catholic Charities of Maine (CCM.)

We are so very proud of these folks and all of the Rehabilitation Services staff at The Iris Network. They are the backbone of what we do at The Iris Network and are responsible for the successful outcomes that empower our Maine neighbors and friends from beyond.

We express our deepest appreciation and celebrate these amazing staff members!

The FY'22 Annual Report is now available. If you have not had an opportunity to read the Annual Report, please do!

PTGDU April Newsletter



Read about dog handling tips & tricks, advocacy news, favorite gear & toys, guide dog school updates, great-tasting recipes, and more in the PTGDU monthly newsletter.

April Hadley Discussion Groups

Call-in groups give you a chance to connect and learn from Hadley and others who share your interests. Join by phone or computer. Listen in. Chime in. It's up to you!

NFB of Maine Basket Raffle

NFB of Maine is hosting a basket raffle. The basket is valued at $250 and is filled with the following items:

• $50 L.L. Bean gift card
• $50 Gritty McDuff’s gift card
• $25 Susan’s Fish & Chips gift card
• $25 dollar Coffee by Design gift card 
• 3 Portland Sea Dogs tickets to the July 21st game
• Several Summer items such as beach towels, sunscreen, a Portland Sea Dogs hat, a water bottle, and snacks from Trader Joe’s and the local farmers market.

Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10 and can be purchased by calling Randy at 207-212-8613 or emailing rbellavancenfbme@gmail.com. The drawing will be on June 14.

This year's Annual White Cane Walk will be held on October 14th!

We hope you will join The Iris Network, ACB of Maine, PTGDU, NFB of Maine, area businesses, friends, and volunteers as we spread awareness of the White Cane Law and celebrate independence! More info to come about this event and how you can get involved soon!