A CVI Success Story

Ask Corey Bigby to tell you about his job and a smile spreads across the sixteen-year-old's face. "I scoop ice cream and make waffle cones, milkshakes and smoothies. I do everything," Corey proudly says of his summer job at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. "Work is fun for me. I can't wait to go back this summer!"

For teens with visual impairments like Corey, finding a summer job is more often a dream than a reality. Fortunately for Corey, the STARS (Social, Therapeutic and Recreational Services) program at the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI) provides him with the skills necessary to excel at Ben & Jerry's and in life.

The STARS program helps students ages six to 21 who are blind or visually impaired learn to approach life without using blindness as an excuse for failure. Year-round enrichment activities and educational opportunities provide STARS students with the skills and self confidence they need to pursue and accomplish whatever they dream they can do.

Through STARS activities of daily living classes, Corey has learned about food preparation and kitchen organization, readying him for work in the food service industry. Despite his limited vision, Corey is able to read labels that identify each flavor of ice cream. He uses listening skills acquired in STARS social skills class to take accurate orders from customers. Each day, he navigates the MARTA bus and rail system to travel independently to and from work.

For Corey, his summer job means much more than a paycheck. It is proof that he is becoming a self-reliant young man and that his limited vision will not limit his achievements in life. Corey has big plans. After high school he wants to attend college and become a forensic scientist. For now, he is looking forward to attending STARS Summer Enrichment Camp and getting back to work.

By making a gift to CVI, you can ensure that programs like STARS continue to provide essential services to help teens like Corey achieve their personal goals for independence. Corey's story is just one CVI success story. With your help, the more than 4,000 people CVI serves each year can celebrate achieving independence with dignity.

Click here to make a secure online gift to CVI or call Lauren Coffey, Annual Campaign and Events Manager, at 404-875-9011 ext. 4276.