May 15, 1976 is a date that Gary Gaynor, president of The Visually Impaired Information Center, will never forget. The diagnosis was retinitis pigmentosa; the prognosis was total blindness in three years. He dealt with denial, anger, depression, doubt, fear, and in 1979, acceptance. In combination with these emotional conflicts, were haunting questions of what to do, how to do it, and where to turn. He had no answers and knew of no where to get them.

Over time, he began to discover resources that helped him answer his questions. Through friends and associates he found out about closed circuit TV. This wonderful invention would help him continue to be able to read and take care of his personal business. He went to rehabilitation, which was key to his maintaining an independent lifestyle. He learned of watches and calculators that talked. And, being an athlete, he was especially excited to be able to downhill ski again. He found out about Optical Illusions, a ski club for blind skiers and joined immediately.

Although legally blind, twenty-six years after being diagnosed Gary still has some useable vision. He is managing an independent lifestyle extremely well and considers himself blessed for finding out about the many different resources that help the visually impaired. Unfortunately, it has been his experience that many other people in the same situation do not know of the hundreds of organizations, services, and activities that have been created to enhance their lives. It is because of this that The Directory of Visually Impaired Services is being published and distributed.

It is our goal to reach not only the blind and visually impaired, but their families, friends and the vision professionals who work with the VI as well. In doing so, we hope to provide valuable information regarding the various options and opportunities that are available. The Directory of Visually Impaired Services is a one-of-a-kind reference guide. Whether it be a professional, technical, educational, or recreational source that is needed, we feel confident that the directory will provide the necessary information.

The Directory of Visually Impaired Services has been a labor of love. We hope that all who become involved with it will feel as we do, that their quality of life has been enriched.