Jim La May reflects on 30 years at ACBVI and his upcoming retirement

by Jim La May, President/CEO

Later this year, I will retire from ACBVI. When I look back at my 30 years here, I’m amazed at the amount of change that has occurred.

In fact, the one constant has been change – with some being easy and some difficult like the season we’re in now with COVID-19. 

But all of it has been necessary. 

Rehabilitation pioneers

Our team always has placed great emphasis on rehabilitation services. In fact, we were one of the first nonprofits in Arizona to offer a complete menu of programs to better meet the diverse needs of the people whom we serve. 

And with social distancing in place, we are continuing to offer many those services to our clients via phone and web conference. 

Technology expands opportunities

Technology certainly has changed what’s possible in our field. Today, our clients have even more opportunities to reach their goals with new assistive technology and clinical low vision services. We’ve developed services for people who are deafblind and those who possess combined vision and hearing loss.  

And within the last year, we’ve rolled out a certification program that helps our clients get jobs in the information technology sector. It’s one of only two programs like it in the United States.

As our programs have grown and changed, our facility has become more modern and welcoming. While our hallways are quiet right now, we look forward to a time soon in which we’ll hear our clients and staff laughing, learning and growing together. 

Your investment in our future

President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”

Thank you for standing by our side in the past and through this uncertain time. Your faithful support keeps us focused on what matters most – serving the needs of our community.  

And with your help, ACBVI will continue to change and adapt to insure our services are inclusive and prepare our clients to reach their full potential.