Ezra is holding a shaker tube and smiling.
Ezra is tracking a red light.
Ezra has vision diagnoses of Septo-Optic Dysplasia and Microphthalmia that impact his overall development, particularly in areas related to visual engagement, yet, he is making steady progress. He enjoys observing bright objects and is reaching for and grasping his toys. So excited for you, Ezra!
Thank you, Sponsors! You help make Walking for Dreams a success. From last year's walk, a couple walks past and the woman waves at the camera. Finish Line sponsor Eye Can See logo and the Walking for Dreams logo.
Thank you to our Walking for Dreams Finish Line sponsor, Eye Can See. You've helped reach 50% of our $26,000 goal!
The event is a month away (May 17 in Indy!) and there's a spot for you so we can reach 100%. Sign up today at https://loom.ly/BqeFpaU and we'll see you there.
We would like to recognize one of our Gala sponsors, American Printing House for the Blind. In addition to being a Gala sponsor, APH has been a partner to VIPS for years. Thank you so much for your support.
Two small boys play with toy water animals in a sensory table.
A small boy play with toys cars from the shelf.
A small boy sits on the floor a poses for a photo.
A small boy sitting at a table pauses from drawing to pose for a photo.
It's our first full week after spring break and our friends from the Green Room were happy to be back. They found a sensory table and enjoyed finding familiar toys on the shelf. It was fun catching up with the teachers and just being back in the friendly confines of the preschool! Summer break next!
Four staff members pose for a photo at last year's event.
We're a month away and we have reached 50% of our goal! Very exciting. Sign up or sponsor and you can help us get to 100%. https://loom.ly/BqeFpaU We're looking forward to seeing everyone there. Thank you! Your support helps Indiana families of children who are blind or have low vision.
Screenshot of a magazine page featuring Justine.
We are excited to share that Justine Aycock, our Director of Development, has been included in the News and Tribune's Twenty Under 40 Class of 2026. Congratulations, Justine. We are so proud of you. Check it out here, https://joom.ag/svvd/p8
Volunteers from UWCI paint bases for bead curtains at the FRC.
Volunteers from UPS assemble burgers at the Cookout for the Crusade.
A GE volunteer pulls weeds in the VIPS Henry's Sensory Garden.
Sharon Bensinger reads Hanukkah Bear to students in Kids Town.
April is National Volunteer Month, and we would like to take a moment to thank everyone who donates their time to VIPS. From the cards to the cleanups, the effort is staggering. We couldn't do what we do with you. More volunteer info at https://loom.ly/daiQpK8 Thank you, Volunteers. We love you!
Elise is sitting on the floor and playing with a shape sorter.
Elise is sitting on the floor and putting puzzle pieces on the board.
We are featuring Elise today for Milestone Monday. She is working very hard on hand-eye coordination! Here she is successfully putting together a puzzle and putting shapes into a shape sorter. Yay, Elise! #MilestoneMonday
Thank you, Sponsors! You help make Walking for Dreams a success. From last year's walk, a couple walks past and the woman waves at the camera. Hydration Station sponsor Vivirito Realty logo and the Walking for Dreams logo.
Thank you to one of our Hydration Station sponsors, Vivirito Realty. Walking for Dreams is a success because of sponsors like you. The event is just over a month away (May 17 in Indy!) and there's a spot for you. Sign up today at https://loom.ly/Svi_nkA We'll see you there.
We would like to thank one of our Gala sponsors, KSBCF. In addition to Gala support, they have a been a partner to VIPS for years and are an important part of our success. Thank you!
Kids are writing their names on bags of slime to take home.
A small boy looks at a tiny, toy orca with a magnifying glass.
A parent volunteer helps a small girl with her bowl of squishy, gooshy, mushy stuff.
Two small girls play with trays of Insta Snow.
Last week, our friends from the Kentucky Science Center paid us a visit and brought so much cool stuff to play with. There was a Squishy, Gooshy, Mushy station, tiny little plastic creatures so the kids could practice using a magnifying glass, and of course, homemade slime to take home.
Wells and his family pose for a photo in front of a trailer full of pumpkins.
If you follow our Milestone Monday posts, you may remember Wells. He's an adorable kid in our ECIP and 2's programs. We discovered that he and his family were featured in a book called Seize the Day. We just posted the story to our website. Please go check it out. https://loom.ly/m8sG7_o
Thank you, Sponsors! You help make Walking for Dreams a success. A crowd photo from last year's walk. Hydration Station sponsor MassMutual SpecialCare logo and the Walking for Dreams.
Thank you to one of our Hydration Station sponsors, Gordon Homes. Thank you, Gordon. Walking for Dreams is a success because of sponsors like you. We still have spots for teams and sponsors. Visit https://loom.ly/BqeFpaU and sign up today. The walk is on May 17 from 2 to 4 in Indianapolis.
We would like to thank one of our Gala sponsors, DMLO CPAs. Our sponsors make it possible for us to provide support to families all across Kentucky and Indiana. Thank you!
We only have a few tickets and tables left. We hope to see you there. https://loom.ly/1i1-kgg
A participant attempts to put toothpaste on a toothbrush while wearing simulation goggles.
Flyer with VIISA training details.
VIISA Training Update: We've had a date change for the July training. Sign-ups are still open at https://loom.ly/i7W4cYs Need more info? Visit vips.org/viisa
We would also like to thank Indiana Deaf-Blind Services for their support.
Attendees of the 2025 VIPS Gala stand behind giant letters that spell VIPS.
No April Fools' Day jokes here. Gala tickets and tables are going fast! With dinner, auctions, yard games, bourbon tasting stations, s’mores, cigars, and more, the only thing missing is you. Get your tickets/tables today, and we'll see you at Progress Park on May 16. https://loom.ly/1i1-kgg
A small girl and a volunteer say hello to the Easter Bunny.
A small girl runs up to the Easter Bunny to say hello.
A volunteer helps a small girl place her Easter egg in her bag.
Clovernook staff members pose for a photo with the Easter Bunny.
We had a wonderful time at the Beeping Egg Hunt thanks to Clovernook Center of the Blind & Visually Impaired and ISBVI. Chilly weather moved the egg hunt to the gym, but we still had a great time. All exchanged their eggs for goodie bags from Clovernook. Thanks to everyone who made this a success.
Wells is sitting at his desk and using blocks on a board that says Home and School.
We're back with another Milestone Monday, and today we are celebrating Wells. During his morning routine at school, he initiated using both hands! Using both hands is an important skill for body and tactile awareness. We are so proud of you, Wells. #MilestoneMonday
Thank you, Sponsors! You help make Walking for Dreams a success. A crowd photo from last year's walk. Hydration Station sponsor The IndyBighams logo and the Walking for Dreams.
Thank you to one of our Hydration Station sponsors, The IndyBighams. Year after year, Walking for Dreams is a success because of sponsors like you. Interested in becoming a sponsor or putting together a team? Visit https://loom.ly/BqeFpaU and sign up today. The walk is on May 17 from 2 to 4 in Indy.
We would like to thank one of our Gala sponsors, LG&E and KU Foundation. Sponsors like them make it possible for us to provide support to families all across Kentucky and Indiana. Thank you!
Tickets are still available at https://loom.ly/1i1-kgg
Graphic of promotion details.
People lined up at the service window of The Clubhouse.
Indianapolis friends, families, and supporters, need something to do tonight? Head to The Clubhouse from 4–8 pm and let them know you’re with us. They’ll donate 15% of their net sales during that time to support VIPS. And wear your VIPS gear too!
📍 Address: 1049 E 54th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
A participant tries to eat pudding while blindfolded and is guided by another participant.
A participant attempts to put toothpaste on a toothbrush while wearing simulation goggles.
A participant attempts to open a pudding package while wearing simulation goggles.
Registration is open for VIISA training that runs from June through October. We have a mix of virtual and in-person sessions happening monthly. In-person trainings will be held in Indianapolis and Louisville. To sign up, visit https://loom.ly/qUllNz0
We look forward to seeing you!
Jannell plays a drum for kids in the classroom.
The kids get to touch the fiddle and plucks it's strings.
Jannell plays the fiddle for kids in the classroom.
Jannell plays guitar for kids in the classroom.
You might remember that last month we had a visit from the Louisville Folk School as part of a HeARTS Day grant from Fund for the Arts. Last week, they paid us another visit and this time Jannell brought a drum, a guitar, and a fiddle. So much fun! Thank you, LFS.
Photo of boy in a triceratops costume and his father with the VIPS logo and "Join Our Team! Indianapolis, Development Coordinator and Louisville, AP/AR Specialist"
VIPS is seeking a Development Coordinator for our Indy office and an AP/AR Specialist for our Louisville office. You can find the details on our Careers page at https://loom.ly/ihCvpKg Join our team you and make a difference in the lives of children who are blind or have low vision!
Three Delta Gammas make braille card inserts at the FRC.
Delta Gammas sit around the conference table in the FRC and make cards.
Thank You cards made by the Delta Gammas are stacked on the credenza.
All the Delta Gammas pose for a group photo along with the cards they made.
Last week, 31 Delta Gammas visited the FRC to volunteer their time and take a tour. The group made cards and took turns on the braille machines. Before their visit, they purchased items from our Amazon Wish list. So kind and thoughtful. Thank you all for visiting. We loved spending time with you.
A small girl washes her hands while a female physician assistant student demonstrates.
A small girl is about to place her "germ" in the UV light box with the help of two female physician assistant students.
A small boy plays with his new "germ" toy before placing it in the UV light box with two female physician assistant students watching.
A small girl holds a giant toothbrush in one hand and her "germ" toy in another while standing in front of a giant set of teeth.
Yesterday, students from UofL's Future Physician Assistants of Kentucky (FPAK) visited Kids Town to talk about the importance of good hand washing habits. Everyone had a turn at the sink and to see their hands under a UV light. The kids even got to take home free "germs." Thank you, FPAK.
Megan smiles at a small boy, held by his mother, as he tries on a new pair of frames.
Megan and a small girl sit on the floor with a tray of sample frames. The girl admires the new frames in a phone screen.
A small girl tries on a pair of green frames.
A small girl sits in Ms. Ashley's lap while Megan measures her eyes.
On Friday, our friends at PDS Optical held another free fitting event in Kids Town. Any VIPS family that signed up received a fitting for a free pair of prescription glasses. Many of our kids have prescriptions that change frequently, out grow them, or just lose or break their frames. Thank you!
We posted the wrong date in the graphic. It's May 17! Chalk it up to Daylight Saving Time fog.
A group of people walking from last year's event, along with the event and VIPS logo.
Grab your friends and join us for Walking for Dreams on May 17 in Indianapolis! All funds raised at the event will help VIPS continue to provide early intervention services to Indiana's children with blindness/low vision and support to their families! https://loom.ly/bhJSoHg #walkingfordreams
Today, we celebrate Roxanne and her puzzle-solving skills! We would also like to recognize Roxanne's mom, Dakota (heard in the audio). She is Roxanne's first and best teacher, as she encourages and prompts Roxanne to problem solve for herself! Way to go, Roxanne. #MilestoneMonday
