Ensight Skills Center Empowers Coloradans with Vision Loss

Individuals in Colorado living with vision loss now have access to essential support services at the Ensight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center. These centers offer a comprehensive range of resources, from low-vision optometry to occupational therapy and mobility training, all designed to empower individuals to live independently.

Melody Bettenhausen, CEO of the Ensight Skills Center in Fort Collins, emphasized the uniqueness of their approach. “Our program, being comprehensive, is still fairly unique,” she stated. “Our mission is to help people find services and resources to continue to be productive in society and to be independent. Really, that focus is independence.”

Foundation and Growth of Ensight Skills Center

Founded in 2001 by Denny Moyer in partnership with the Fort Collins Lions Club, the Ensight Skills Center emerged to address a significant gap in services for individuals with visual impairments in Northern Colorado. Prior to its establishment, many residents struggled to find adequate support.

Moyer and the Lions Club envisioned a welcoming center where those affected by vision loss could access training and tools necessary for thriving in their daily lives. The vision became a reality, leading to the expansion of services to Greeley when the organization took over the Curtis Strong Center in 2007. Recently, the Curtis Strong Center relocated to the Greeley Medical Clinic at 1900 16th St., Ste. 120, to enhance accessibility for patients. In addition to these main facilities, Ensight operates six satellite locations across the region and a mobile clinic that serves rural communities throughout Colorado.

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

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services

The Ensight Skills Center and Curtis Strong Center focus on low-vision rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of helping individuals live independently with the vision they have. “We only do the rehab,” Bettenhausen clarified. “We can’t cure or fix anything. We’re about finding tools and learning skills. We’re looking at people’s remaining vision, their goals, and helping them navigate daily life.”

Each client benefits from a dedicated rehabilitation team that may include:

– Low-vision optometrists conducting functional vision assessments
– Occupational therapists teaching adaptive daily living skills
– Orientation and mobility specialists enhancing travel safety and confidence
– Assistive technology professionals training clients on devices and tools

Low vision is often caused by conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or traumatic brain injury. The team assesses each individual’s remaining vision and daily challenges to create personalized plans that may involve in-home visits, adaptive strategies for daily tasks, and the exploration of assistive technologies.

For instance, simple adjustments like using large-print labels or practicing safe kitchen skills can significantly enhance independence. “That’s our goal: to help people continue to do the things they have to do and want to do,” Bettenhausen stated.

Orientation, Mobility, and Assistive Technology

Orientation and mobility training is another vital aspect of the services provided by Ensight and Curtis Strong Center. This training encompasses essential skills such as white cane navigation, guide dog readiness assessments, and public transport navigation.

The centers also assist individuals in discovering appropriate assistive technology that suits their personal needs. This can range from handheld magnifiers to smartphone accessibility features and talking devices. Bettenhausen remarked, “We work with people to find the right devices for home, work, and community. Then we provide hands-on training so they know how to use them.”

In the past year, the Ensight Skills Center and Curtis Strong Center supported 830 clients, reflecting the growing demand for low-vision rehabilitation services. The team of 14 trained and certified professionals is committed to expanding their reach and impact as more Coloradans seek assistance.

Community Engagement and Support

Ensight relies heavily on community support to sustain and expand its services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The organization encourages community members to engage in various ways, such as visiting the centers, donating to support low-vision services, or volunteering time. “Just reach out and get a hold of us,” Bettenhausen noted. “We are here to serve our community.”

For more information about the Ensight Skills Center and Curtis Strong Center, interested individuals can visit their website at ensightskills.org or contact the facilities directly at:

– GREELEY: 1900 16th St., Ste. 120, Greeley, CO 80631, Tel: 970.353.9417
– FORT COLLINS: 1101 Oakridge Drive, Ste. C, Fort Collins, CO 80525, Tel: 970.407.9999

Through its dedicated services and community outreach, the Ensight Skills Center continues to play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for Coloradans facing vision loss.