Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta: What It Is, Where It Is, and How It Helps

If you or someone you care about is blind or has low vision in Atlanta, the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI) is one of the best-known resources in the city. It’s a long-established, Atlanta-based nonprofit that focuses on helping people of all ages adapt, stay independent, and stay connected to daily life.

This guide walks through what CVI is, what it offers, how to reach it, and what to expect if you’re seeking services in Atlanta, Georgia.

Where Is the Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta?

The Center for the Visually Impaired – Atlanta is located in Midtown, close to public transit and major streets:

Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI)
739 West Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone (main line): 404‑875‑9011

This Midtown location makes it reasonably accessible from many parts of metro Atlanta, including Downtown, Buckhead, the Westside, and Decatur. Many people use MARTA or paratransit to get there.

What the Center for the Visually Impaired Does

CVI focuses on one central goal: helping people with vision loss live as independently and fully as possible.

In Atlanta, people typically turn to CVI for:

• Skills training for daily living with low or no vision
• Orientation and mobility (learning to travel safely with a cane, on sidewalks, and on public transit)
• Assistive technology training (screen readers, magnification software, accessible smartphones and tablets)
• Support for children and families
• Support groups and counseling related to vision loss
• Low vision rehabilitation and adaptive strategies

While specific programs can change over time, CVI generally serves:

• Adults who are losing vision or have been blind for years
• Seniors whose vision is changing due to age-related eye conditions
• Children and teens who are blind or visually impaired
• Parents, caregivers, and family members seeking support and education

Key Program Areas at CVI in Atlanta

Program details can shift, but the Center for the Visually Impaired usually organizes services into several main areas. When you contact them, you can ask which of these are currently available and how to get started.

1. Services for Adults and Seniors

Many Atlanta residents come to CVI after a new diagnosis, a major change in vision, or when daily tasks start feeling overwhelming.

Common services include:

• Independent living skills training

  • Cooking and kitchen safety with low or no vision
  • Organizing medications safely
  • Labeling and organizing clothing, appliances, and household items
  • Managing mail, papers, and important documents

• Orientation and mobility (O&M)

  • Cane training for indoor and outdoor travel
  • Navigating sidewalks, crossings, malls, and office buildings in Atlanta
  • Using MARTA buses, trains, and paratransit more confidently
  • Route planning between home, work, and common destinations

• Low vision strategies

  • Using magnifiers, lighting, contrast, and positioning
  • Adjusting environments at home or work to reduce accidents and strain
  • Practical tricks for reading mail, labels, and menus

These services can help someone in Atlanta keep doing everyday tasks: shopping, cooking, going to appointments, visiting friends, or getting to work.

2. Assistive Technology and Computer Training

CVI is a central place in Atlanta to learn about technology for people who are blind or visually impaired, such as:

• Screen readers (for example, built into Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android)
• Screen magnification tools
• Braille displays and note-takers
• Voice assistants and smart speakers
• Accessible email, web browsing, and document editing
• Accessibility settings on smartphones and tablets

Training usually focuses on what you need to do day-to-day—for instance:

• Reading and responding to email
• Accessing online banking and bill pay
• Using apps for rides, food delivery, or navigation
• Working with office software if you’re employed or seeking a job

For many in Atlanta, this kind of training is what makes it possible to keep working or return to work after vision changes.

3. Children’s and Family Programs

For families in metro Atlanta with a child who is blind or has low vision, CVI is often a first major contact point.

Typical children’s and youth services may include:

• Early intervention for infants and toddlers with vision impairments
• Skills development for preschool and school-age children
• Support with transition planning for teens heading toward college, vocational training, or work
• Guidance for parents on advocating at school, working with local districts, and understanding special education processes

Families often appreciate that CVI staff are familiar with Atlanta-area schools, districts, and public resources, which can help when coordinating services.

4. Emotional Support and Adjustment to Vision Loss

Vision loss often involves more than physical changes. Many Atlantans seek help with:

• Coping with new limitations
• Adjusting to using a cane or adaptive devices in public
• Processing grief, anxiety, or frustration related to vision changes
• Talking with family members about what to expect

CVI may offer:

• Support groups (in-person or virtual)
• Individual or family counseling related to adjustment
• Education sessions for spouses, adult children, or caregivers

These services can make a major difference in how comfortable and confident someone feels getting around Atlanta and engaging in social or community activities.

How to Get Started With the Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and think CVI might be helpful, the usual path looks like this:

Step 1: Contact the Center

You can reach out to CVI directly:

• Phone (main): 404‑875‑9011
• Location: 739 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

When you call, be prepared to:

• Briefly describe your vision situation or diagnosis (if known)
• Say whether the services are for you, a family member, or someone you care for
• Mention your age or the age of the person needing services (child, adult, senior)
• Note whether you live inside the City of Atlanta, in a nearby suburb, or elsewhere in Georgia

Staff can explain which programs might fit and how to schedule an intake or evaluation.

Step 2: Ask About Eligibility and Costs

CVI is a nonprofit, and programs may be funded in different ways. Depending on your situation, you might hear about:

• Sliding-scale fees
• Public program funding or state agency referrals
• Private pay options
• Potential support through Georgia agencies for people with disabilities

When you speak with CVI staff, you can ask:

• Which services you might qualify for based on age, vision status, and location
• What documentation, if any, you should bring (for example, an eye doctor’s report)
• How billing or funding typically works for your situation

Step 3: Plan for Transportation

Think ahead about how you’ll get to Midtown Atlanta:

• MARTA rail: The North Avenue Station and Midtown Station are the closest rail stops to West Peachtree Street NW.
• Bus routes: Several MARTA bus routes serve the Midtown area.
• Paratransit: If you qualify, MARTA Mobility or other paratransit options may be available.
• Rideshare or taxi: Many people use rideshare to and from appointments.

CVI staff can often give practical suggestions for planning your route, especially if you’re new to the area or new to traveling with vision loss.

CVI vs. Other Vision Resources in Atlanta

Atlanta has several types of organizations involved in vision support. The Center for the Visually Impaired is one part of a broader local network.

Here is a simple overview:

In practical terms, someone in Atlanta might:

• See an eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment
• Work with CVI to learn daily living skills and use technology
• Connect with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for employment goals
• Join a local support group or social club for community and connection

Who Usually Uses the Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta?

People in very different situations find their way to CVI, including:

• Adults whose vision has recently worsened and who feel overwhelmed by daily tasks
• Seniors in Atlanta neighborhoods like East Point, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Marietta who want to stay in their homes safely
• Parents of children with congenital or early-onset visual impairments looking for guidance beyond what the school system provides
• College students and working adults who need technology and mobility training to succeed academically or professionally
• Family caregivers who want to better understand how to support a loved one

You do not need to be fully blind to benefit. Many people with partial sight or low vision use CVI to learn strategies that extend their independence and comfort.

Practical Tips Before Your First Visit

To make your experience smoother, consider:

• 📝 Write down your questions. For example:

  • “Can you help me learn to use my smartphone with voice output?”
  • “How can I travel independently from my home in [your neighborhood] to my doctor’s office?”
  • “What support is there for my child at school and at home?”

• 📄 Gather relevant information. This might include:

  • An eye doctor’s report (if available)
  • A list of medications or other health conditions
  • Any paperwork you’ve received from schools or state agencies

• 🕒 Allow extra travel time. Atlanta traffic and transit delays are common, so it can help to leave earlier than you think you need to, especially on your first trip to Midtown.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Consider bringing a support person. A family member, friend, or caregiver can help remember information, assist with forms, and share what they observe at home.

Other Atlanta-Area Contacts That Often Connect With CVI

If you’re not sure where to start, some Atlanta-area entities that frequently intersect with services like CVI include:

• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) – for employment-related support for people with disabilities
• Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County senior services offices – for older adults exploring in-home support and local programs
• Local public schools and special education departments – if your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for vision
• Atlanta-area hospitals and eye clinics – which sometimes refer patients to CVI after diagnosis or treatment

If you reach one of these first, you can ask directly, “Can you connect me with the Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta?” or “Is CVI an option for the kind of support I need?”

Is the Center for the Visually Impaired Right for You?

For many people in Atlanta and the surrounding metro area, the Center for the Visually Impaired is a primary resource when:

• Vision changes are affecting day-to-day tasks
• You want to stay active and independent in the city
• You need help using technology, getting around, or managing at home
• You or your child need more specialized, blindness-specific training or support than you’re currently receiving

If you live in or near Atlanta and are dealing with blindness or low vision, calling 404‑875‑9011 or visiting the center at 739 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 is a clear, practical next step to learn what support, training, and resources are available to you locally.