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Alphapointe

General Information

Alphapointe
7501 Prospect Ave
Kansas City, MO 64132
816-421-5848
cberry@alphapointe.org
http://www.alphapointe.org

Brief Description

Vision loss doesn't have to mean a loss of independence! Alphapointe was founded in 1911, incorporated in 1916 and received 501c3 status in 1941. In 1918, the visually impaired started manufacturing brooms, mats and other hand-made goods. The 1950s started manufacturing pens. The 1950s also helped establish the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. In 1985, it began serving seniors. In 1993, KC Association for the Blind changed its name to Alphapointe Association for the Blind. In 1995, it began manufacturing plastic products. In 2000, it further expanded its services by implementing the area-only Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation Center. In 2010, it opened Low Vision Clinic. In 2012, the Association for the Blind was removed from the Alphapointe name. In 2014, it merged with the NY City Industries for the Blind to expand manufacturing efforts and job placement. Today we are the 25th largest manufacturer in KC and the 3rd largest employer of individuals who are legally blind in America (223). In 2016, we directly served 1,808 individuals and, through community outreach, educated 5,648 individuals. For more than 100 years, Alphapointe has provided employment, education and rehabilitation services to the visually impaired.

Services Offered

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services concentrate on individual training and are administered by professionally certified and licensed staff. All services are focused on client needs for immediate community employment. Services include adjustment to blindness and counseling needs; independence in orientation, mobility and daily living skills; academic, written and vocational skills; computer aptitudes and interests. Educational services include school-to-work and college prep.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Provides training in activities of daily living, communication (braille and computer instruction) skills and vocational rehabilitation.

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Offers training in the use of assistive technology.

  • Library Services
    • Provides braille transcription and cassette tapes.

  • Information and Referral
    • Provides referrals to other agencies.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Provides orientation and mobility training.

  • In-Home Services
    • Provides in-home assistance for seniors.

  • Assistive Products
    • Sells assistive products.

  • Health
    • Offers diabetes education.

  • Braille and Reading Instruction
    • Braille instruction is targeted toward the goal of providing students with an alternative to print for daily use at home, school, and workplace.

  • Counseling
    • Offers counseling.

  • Low Vision Services
    • Offers low vision services.

  • Reading Services
    • Offers reading services.

  • Recreation Services
    • Offers recreation activities for seniors.