Valley Center for the Blind

Valley Center for the Blind Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Valley Center for the Blind, Disability service, 3417 W Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA.

Valley Center for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to help people experiencing vision loss in California's Central Valley live a life of independence and opportunity.

Did you know eligible students in grades 1–12 can receive up to $1,500 from CalKIDS for college or career training? That...
03/01/2026

Did you know eligible students in grades 1–12 can receive up to $1,500 from CalKIDS for college or career training? That is free money that can help students in their career paths. Newborns (born on or after July 1,2022) can receive up to $175. Foster youth and homeless students may receive additional funds! Valley Center for the Blind helps families claim these benefits for all students. please help share this information and call us now to apply or check eligibility at 888-468-9115. Easy and fast to do!

Image Description:
two students sitting in a classroom wearing a cap and gown. text: Did you know? CalKIDS could make college a reality for your child? Call 888-468-9115. VCB logo, California Community Resource Guide.

We want to give thanks to Camarillo Educational Consulting and Services for supporting this year's Central California Br...
02/24/2026

We want to give thanks to Camarillo Educational Consulting and Services for supporting this year's Central California Braille Challenge as a Gold Sponsor. We are truly grateful for her ongoing efforts in ensuring students who are blind or have low vision across the Central Valley have access to empowering opportunities like these. Thank you for being by our side for this year's Central California Braille Challenge!

Image: Two students wearing Braille Challenge T shirts, earbuds, and typing at their braille writers. Text: Central California Braille Challenge presented by Valley Center for the Blind. Thank you! Gold Sponsor. Camarillo Educational Consulting and Services.

We are grateful to have The Foundation at FCOE  for supporting Valley Center for the Blind as a Gold Sponsor for our Cen...
02/20/2026

We are grateful to have The Foundation at FCOE for supporting Valley Center for the Blind as a Gold Sponsor for our Central California Regional Braille Challenge. We thank you for ensuring that these opportunities continue to be available to students who are blind or have low vision.
Image: Two students wearing Braille Challenge T-shirts, earbuds, and typing at their braille writers. Text: Central California Braille Challenge presented by Valley Center for the Blind. Thank you! Gold Sponsor. The Foundation at FCOE logo and Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher, publicly elected Fresno County Superintendent of Schools logo.

In honor of Presidents’ Day, Valley Center for the Blind celebrates the leadership and history that shape our nation. Ou...
02/16/2026

In honor of Presidents’ Day, Valley Center for the Blind celebrates the leadership and history that shape our nation. Our offices are closed today, Monday, February 16th, and will reopen tomorrow. Wishing everyone a Happy Presidents’ Day!

Image Description: Patriotic graphic featuring the American flag, VCB logo, and a “Sorry! We’re Closed” sign. Text reads: “We will be closed on Monday, February 16th. Happy Presidents Day.”

Today we’re celebrating love, kindness, and the amazing community that surrounds VCB. We are so grateful for every conne...
02/14/2026

Today we’re celebrating love, kindness, and the amazing community that surrounds VCB. We are so grateful for every connection, every smile, and every act of support that helps us grow stronger together—wishing you all a beautiful Valentine’s Day filled with love and friendship. We would also like to give a huge thank you to PINC (Philanthropy Inspired by the Needs of our Community) for the thoughtful Valentine’s Day cards for VCB. Your kindness has made the day extra special!

Image Description: Many Valentine's cards are scattered around. Some of them say love, sweet, cutie pie. Happy Valentine's Day. The cards have dots that read out the words in Braille.

Registration is open for the Central California Braille Challenge, hosted at the Valley Center for the Blind. This event...
02/13/2026

Registration is open for the Central California Braille Challenge, hosted at the Valley Center for the Blind. This event celebrates braille literacy and skill development for students throughout Central California. The date is approaching, so please register as soon as possible.
The challenge will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at 3417 West Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711.

Register here: https://myvcb.org/braille-challenge/



Image Description: Two students wearing orange and white Braille Challenge T-shirts, each typing on their blue Perkins Braille writers. Braille Challenge Braille Institute colorful braille cell logo. Text: Test your braille skills at this year's Central California Regional Braille Challenge. February 21 from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Location: Valley Center for the Blind. 3417 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722. Sign up today at myvcb.org/ braille-challenge. Presented by Valley Center for the Blind.

Join us on March 6 at Luigi’s Warehouse in Bakersfield for Dining in the Dark, an unforgettable evening that will challe...
02/12/2026

Join us on March 6 at Luigi’s Warehouse in Bakersfield for Dining in the Dark, an unforgettable evening that will challenge your senses and open your perspective.

This year’s special guest speaker is Gabriella Alexis Bigler, a 17-year-old nationally ranked adaptive rower and accomplished visual artist. Gabriella is legally blind, yet her talent, grit, and creativity have taken her to the national stage.

Hear her inspiring story, raise essential funds for VCB, and experience what it’s like to dine blindfolded. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

Donate, sponsor, or purchase tickets at https://vcb.redpodium.com/dining-in-the-dark-bakersfield-2026

Image Description:
Picture of Gabriella Alexis Bigler behind a table displaying her framed artwork.

February is a time to raise awareness about low vision and the millions of people who experience vision loss that cannot...
02/10/2026

February is a time to raise awareness about low vision and the millions of people who experience vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. At the Valley Center for the Blind, we support individuals with low vision by providing resources, training, and programs that promote independence, confidence, and connection. Together, we can increase understanding, reduce barriers, and ensure our community is more accessible for everyone.

Image text: February is AMD/low Vision Month. VCB logo, Valley Center for the Blind.

We have some exciting events happening in February. Each one offers great opportunities to connect, learn, and get invol...
02/04/2026

We have some exciting events happening in February. Each one offers great opportunities to connect, learn, and get involved. If you’re interested in joining us or need additional information, give us a call at 559.222.4447!



Image Text Description: We have some exciting events happening in February. Each one offers great opportunities to connect, learn, and get involved. Make sure to give us a call at 559-222-4447 if you are interested in attending or would like more information.

FEBRUARY 4 - 9 AM to 11 AM - Welcome Wednesday
FEBRUARY 5 - 1 PM to 3 PM - Young Adult Group
FEBRUARY 9 - 11:30 AM to 1 PM - Lunch Bunch, Fresno
FEBRUARY 11 - 8 AM to 9 AM - Coffee with Alvin
FEBRUARY 11 - 9 AM to 11 AM - Welcome Wednesday
FEBRUARY 12 - 11:30 AM to 1 PM - Lunch Bunch, Bakersfield
FEBRUARY 18 - 9 AM to 11 AM- Welcome Wednesday
FEBRUARY 20 - 7 PM to 8 PM - Book Club
FEBRUARY 23 - 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Tea Time Talk
FEBRUARY 25 - 9 AM to 11 AM- Welcome Wednesday
FEBRUARY 27 - 10 AM to 11 AM - Parenting Group
FEBRUARY 27 - 6:30 PM to 8 PM - Game Night

Join us for the 3rd Annual Central California Braille Challenge! Saturday, February 21 9:00 AM–4:30 PM Valley Center for...
01/30/2026

Join us for the 3rd Annual Central California Braille Challenge!
Saturday, February 21
9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Valley Center for the Blind
3417 W. Shaw Ave, Fresno
Braille learners who are blind or have low vision in grades 1–12 are invited to showcase their skills, compete with students from across the Central Valley, and possibly qualify for Finals in Los Angeles!
Competition levels range from: Foundational to Apprentice, Freshman to Varsity, and Rookie.
Breakfast and lunch provided
Non-competing attendees are welcome to attend presentations

Register here: https://myvcb.org/braille-challenge/



Image Description: Two students wearing orange and white Braille Challenge T-shirts, each typing on their blue Perkins Braille writers. Braille Challenge Braille Institute colorful braille cell logo. Text: Test your braille skills at this year's Central California Regional Braille Challenge. February 21 from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Location: Valley Center for the Blind. 3417 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722. Sign up today at myvcb.org/ braille-challenge. Presented by Valley Center for the Blind.

Join VCB for Trivia this Friday night at 6:30 PM! To attend our upcoming virtual Game Night, give us a call at 559222444...
01/28/2026

Join VCB for Trivia this Friday night at
6:30 PM! To attend our upcoming virtual Game Night, give us a call at 5592224447 to request the meeting link.
Image: VCB eye logo. Text: Game Night. Last Friday of every month from 6:30 to 8 PM. Call VCB for the virtual link at 5592224447.

Our Dining in the Dark fundraiser in Bakersfield is such a fun night with our community that it has become one of our fa...
01/23/2026

Our Dining in the Dark fundraiser in Bakersfield is such a fun night with our community that it has become one of our favorite nights of the year. This year, you’re invited to be part of it. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with meaningful moments, great food, and an experience you won’t forget. Purchase your tickets today and don't miss out on a dinner that makes a difference! To secure your spot, please click on the following link: https://vcb.redpodium.com/dining-in-the-dark-bakersfield-2026


Photo: Four people sitting at a candle-lit table and wearing their blindfolds that say “You look great to me! Valley Center for the Blind.”

Address

3417 W Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA
93711

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Our Story

Valley Center for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for people with visual impairments in the Central Valley. Founded in 1973, the organization continues to offer critical job training, education and life skills development programs for people experiencing vision loss in the region.

Ever year, VCB helps hundreds of people who are experiencing vision loss live a life of opportunity and independence. Vision loss can be a devastating experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. The effect is real and life-changing. Losing sight can occur for many reasons, to different degrees, and at any stage of life.

There are an estimated 60,480 people in California's Central Valley with visual impairments. Valley Center for the Blind serves the counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera and Tulare.

At VCB, we help people cope with their loss and regain their confidence, emotional wellness, and ability to perform daily activities and meet their individual goals. Through our transformative programs and services, we're able to meet the growing needs of real people right here in the Central Valley.