A ground breaking ceremony was held on Thursday for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired's new Vision Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

The $14.1 million, 23,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will be located adjacent to CABVI’s headquarters on Kent Street in Utica.

In addition to treating more people with vision loss, this project will create over 20 new jobs, many of which will be filled by individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

“Our new facility will allow us to expand our rehabilitation department and treat more individuals who suffer from vision loss,” said Rudy D’Amico, President and CEO of CABVI. “In 2017, we served over 1,600 consumers within our eight county region. Once our new building is complete, it will provide the space we need to dramatically increase the number of individuals we serve.”

The new facility will include residential dorm rooms, low vision suites, a therapy pool and fitness center.

The project is scheduled to be completed by next spring.

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