Vision Rehabilitation Week falls in June, a time to spotlight the millions of Americans navigating vision loss and the powerful services that help them live fuller, more independent lives. At Outlook, we witness every day how the right tools, training, and opportunities can transform lives. Vision loss may alter how someone experiences the world, but it doesn’t have to limit their independence, confidence, or sense of purpose.
Together, Outlook Nebraska and Outlook Enrichment offer a full spectrum of programs designed to employ, educate, and empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We’re on a mission to redefine what’s possible.
Understanding the Need for Vision Rehabilitation
More than 12 million Americans age 40 and older live with some form of vision impairment, a number expected to double by 2050 (JAMA Ophthalmol, 2016). Despite these growing numbers, awareness of vision rehabilitation remains low, with less than 5% of those who could benefit from these services receiving them (VisionServe Alliance, 2025).
Vision loss can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from emotional health and mobility to employment, independence, and social connections. Without proper support, individuals often face higher risks of depression, isolation, and unemployment. 28.9% of working-age people with vision impairment report being unable to work compared to just 6.3% of those without vision impairment (VisionServe Alliance, 2023). These numbers highlight a significant gap in services and a compelling opportunity to make a meaningful difference. With the right support systems, individuals can regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Vision rehabilitation refers to a comprehensive range of services that help individuals with vision loss adapt to daily life, maintain their independence, and continue to participate in the activities they love. These services are essential for reducing dependence on others, improving overall well-being, and increasing employability and financial independence.
Building Confidence Through Community & Skills Learning
At Outlook Enrichment, we’re committed to helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired realize they can do more than they ever imagined. Our six core programs — adaptive technology, independent living, recreation, arts and culture, work readiness, and health and wellness — are designed to support individuals at every stage of their vision loss journey. They are essential components of vision rehabilitation.
One of the things that makes Outlook Enrichment special is that our trainers are blind or visually impaired themselves. They bring empathy and experience to their work, showing participants what’s possible and creating a welcoming, judgment-free space. Whether someone is learning to navigate a new smartphone, preparing a meal safely at home, staying active with adaptive fitness, or finding joy through art and music, our services help restore confidence and create connections. Every program is designed to empower individuals with practical tools and a strong community, ensuring they not only adapt but also thrive.
Most of our programs are offered free of charge, made possible by the generous support of donations and grants. The only exceptions are recreation and arts and cultural activities, which may include a small fee to help cover materials or admission costs. We rely on the support of our community to sustain these life-changing services and to help raise awareness so that more people know these resources are here when they need them.
“Outlook has become family for me. The support has given me the confidence to accept what’s going on and to be able to be like this out in the world,” says client Samantha Randall.
Creating Fulfilling Career Paths for People With Vision Loss
While Outlook Enrichment equips individuals with essential life and career skills, Outlook Nebraska provides rewarding employment opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired. Employment is a crucial, often overlooked aspect of the rehabilitation journey, providing individuals with structure, income, and purpose after experiencing vision loss. There’s pride in earning a paycheck, contributing, and being a part of a supportive community of peers who share similar experiences.
That’s why Outlook Nebraska is proud to be a part of the AbilityOne Program. This federal initiative creates job opportunities for people who are legally blind or have other significant disabilities through the sale of products and services. Outlook Nebraska produces SKILCRAFT and Spartan products, including toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaners and disinfectants, which are purchased by the U.S. Government, including the military, federal prisons, national parks, and other agencies.
What makes Outlook Nebraska truly unique is its fully accessible facility, purposefully designed to support its associates. On the manufacturing floor, tools such as audio-equipped machines, 70-inch Human-Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreens, color-coded and textured flooring, and nonvisual box labeling systems help employees navigate and operate machinery with confidence. These features empower more than 75% of our direct labor force, who are blind or visually impaired, to perform their roles effectively and safely. In administrative roles, associates utilize adaptive technology, such as screen readers and closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), which are popular tools selected based on personal preference.
“Outlook is the reason I get up in the morning,” says associate Josh Scarborough, a U.S. military veteran who has been with the organization since 2011. “This organization provides you with all the opportunities to succeed if you take them.”
Vision Rehabilitation Week is about more than raising awareness. It’s about taking action. It’s a reminder that vision loss doesn’t have to mean losing independence, opportunity, or connection. Through the life-changing programs at Outlook Enrichment and the meaningful employment opportunities at Outlook Nebraska, we’re empowering individuals to live fuller, more confident lives.
If you or someone you know is facing vision loss, know that support is available, and it works. Request more information about our programs or submit a General Employment Interest Application.
References
Varma, R., Vajaranant, T.S., Burkemper, B., Wu, S., Torres, M., Hsu, C., Choudhury, F. and McKean-Cowdin, R. (2016). Visual impairment and blindness in adults in the United States: demographic and geographic variations from 2015 to 2050. JAMA Ophthalmology, 134(7), pp.802-809.
VisionServe Alliance. (2025). Vision Rehabilitation Week 2025.https://visionservealliance.org/visionrehabilitationweek2025/
VisionServe Alliance (2023). The Prevalence and Characteristics of People Aged 18 to 64 Years with Blindness and Low Vision, United States, 2019, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, St. Louis.
