Ensight Skills Center Empowers Coloradans Facing Vision Loss

Individuals in Colorado facing vision loss can find essential support and resources at the Ensight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center. These organizations provide comprehensive services, including low-vision optometry, occupational therapy, and mobility training, all designed to empower individuals to live independently and productively.

Melody Bettenhausen, CEO of Ensight Skills Center, stated, “Our program, being comprehensive, is still fairly unique. Our mission is to help people find services and resources to continue to be productive in society and to be independent.” This mission stems from a pressing community need, as many residents previously struggled to access specialized services.

Origins of Ensight Skills Center

Founded in 2001 by former CEO Denny Moyer in collaboration with the Fort Collins Lions Club, the Ensight Skills Center emerged to address the lack of local services for individuals with visual impairments in Northern Colorado. Many people were left isolated and unaware of the assistance available to them.

Moyer and the Lions Club aimed to create a welcoming space where individuals facing vision loss could access training and support to thrive at home, school, and work. Over the years, Ensight expanded its reach, taking over the Curtis Strong Center in 2007 and relocating it to a more accessible facility in Greeley. The new location at 1900 16th St., Ste. 120 allows for better service to patients. In addition to its main centers, Ensight operates six satellite locations across a wide area, as well as a mobile clinic that serves rural communities.

“We try to make our services as accessible as possible,” Bettenhausen emphasized. “Rural areas don’t have many options for low-vision services, so it’s important that we go to them.”

Comprehensive Support for Individuals with Low Vision

The Ensight Skills Center and Curtis Strong Center specialize in low-vision rehabilitation, focusing on empowering individuals to navigate daily life rather than attempting to cure or repair eyesight. “We only do the rehab. We can’t cure or fix anything. We’re about finding tools and learning skills,” Bettenhausen explained.

Each client receives support from a dedicated low-vision rehabilitation team, which may include a low-vision optometrist, occupational therapist, orientation and mobility specialist, and assistive technology professional. Together, they assess each individual’s remaining vision and the challenges they face to develop personalized plans.

These plans may include in-home occupational therapy visits, learning adaptive daily living skills, using large-print labels, and practicing safe kitchen skills. Simple adjustments, such as marking appliances and utilizing high-contrast cutting boards, can significantly enhance daily living.

“Our goal is to help people continue to do the things they have to do and want to do,” Bettenhausen said, highlighting the focus on maintaining independence.

Orientation and mobility training are also key components of the program. This training includes white cane usage, guide dog readiness assessments, and navigation skills for public transportation and community spaces. The centers assist clients in exploring various assistive technologies, from handheld magnifiers to smartphone accessibility features.

Growing Demand and Community Support

In the past year, Ensight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center served 830 clients, a number that continues to rise as more individuals seek help after receiving diagnoses. With a dedicated team of 14 trained staff members, the centers are committed to expanding their reach and raising awareness about the resources available.

Bettenhausen noted, “Every year, we find new ways to serve more people.” Ensight relies on community engagement to sustain its operations, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Support can come in various forms, including donations for low-vision services, volunteering time, or simply visiting the centers to learn more.

Individuals interested in supporting Ensight can reach out or visit their websites for more information. “Just reach out and get a hold of us,” Bettenhausen encouraged. “We are here to serve our community.”

For those in need of assistance, the Ensight Skills Center is located at 1101 Oakridge Drive, Ste. C., Fort Collins, CO 80525, while the Curtis Strong Center is at their Greeley location. Both centers exemplify a commitment to helping Coloradans live independently despite vision loss.