Chantel Buck first became involved with New Vision for Independence Inc. in 2009 by serendipity.
Today, as the president and CEO of the nonprofit that has provided services to people who are blind or experiencing vision loss for 20 years, Buck said she fell in love with changing lives.
“I love I have the privilege to see over and over the transformation from depression, fear and hopelessness to going back to college or back to work,” Buck said. “Vision loss can happen at any time. We want to share there is still hope. It’s an honor to contribute to something bigger than me. Twenty years is an huge milestone and we grow every year.”
The organization, partly sponsored by the State of Florida Division of Blind Services, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages in Lake and Sumter counties and The Villages.
After two decades of helping the community, the organization will be celebrating its 20th birthday with cupcakes and a catered meal from Carrabba’s Italian Grill at 10:30 a.m. July 18 at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg.
Buck said New Vision’s mission is based on four pillars: vision rehabilitation, support services, community education and advocacy.
Christine “Christy” Delmonico has taught independent living skills to blind and visually impaired people for five years.
“I get great joy from getting to bring the light to people whose world has been dark,” said the of the Village of Newell resident, “I tell my clients the only thing they can’t do is drive a car or a plane. It’s mind over matter.”
Buck said the “fear and misunderstanding” about vision loss can prevent progress.
“Fear gets in the way of accessibility and inclusion because we don’t want to think about it,” Buck said. “It easier to say, ‘blind people they aren’t my audience,’ so you don’t make your website accessible for people with vision loss.”
The organization also works to educate the public to decrease stigma, create understanding and increase accessibility and inclusivity.
Two key annual events the organization uses to educate the community include Dining in the Dark, a fundraising dinner during which attendees eat in the dark while being served by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, and the Sensational Egg Hunt, an Easter egg hunt where children with vision loss can search for eggs that can be found using senses other than sight.
In a two-fold effort to educate the community and highlight businesses that have adequate inclusion, New Vision has hosted the annual Axy Award since 2016. Short for accessible, the winners of the award are chosen by community votes for best blind-friendly businesses from fitness centers to clothing stores.
“It’s about great costumer service or having steps to increase accessibility,” Buck said. “Treating blind folks with dignity doesn’t mean going the extra mile if it was already a part of the company’s culture.”
The award highlights the inclusivity of local businesses, including AMC Lake Square 12 movie theater and Genesis Health Club in Brownwood and Spanish Springs.
“It’s about treating people with respect and dignity, not pity,” Buck said.
As New Vision continues with its mission, Buck said the future for the nonprofit is “exciting, unknown and timeless.”
“If you asked me five years ago what we would have looked like, I wouldn’t have said we would be in a new building or have had an explosion on services, or be completely fine after the pandemic. It’s unknown but we are always open to the new opportunities,” she said.
Those interested in hosting a presentation for New Vision can reach out to Buck to book a speaker or fill out the form on the organization’s website at newvisionfl.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
