Coloradans experiencing vision loss can find essential support and resources at the Ensight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center. These organizations offer a comprehensive range of services, including low-vision optometry, occupational therapy, and mobility training, all geared towards helping individuals maintain independence.
A Mission Rooted in Community Need
The Ensight Skills Center was established in 2001 by former CEO Denny Moyer in collaboration with the Fort Collins Lions Club. At that time, Northern Colorado lacked local resources for individuals with visual impairments, leaving many feeling isolated and unsure of where to seek assistance. Moyer’s vision, alongside the Lions Club, led to the creation of a supportive environment where people with vision loss could thrive.
In 2007, the organization expanded by incorporating the Curtis Strong Center in Greeley. Recently, in October 2023, the Curtis Strong Center moved to the Greeley Medical Clinic to enhance accessibility for its patients. The Ensight Skills Center also operates six satellite locations throughout Colorado and a mobile clinic that serves rural communities across the western slope and eastern parts of the state.
Melody Bettenhausen, the current CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to accessibility. “Rural areas don’t have many options for low-vision services, so it’s important that we go to them,” she stated.
Empowering Independence Through Rehabilitation
Both the Ensight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center focus on low-vision rehabilitation. Their approach is not to cure or repair eyesight but to empower individuals to live fulfilling lives with the vision they have. “We only do the rehab,” Bettenhausen explained. “We’re about finding tools and learning skills.”
Each client receives personalized support from a multidisciplinary team that may include a low-vision optometrist, occupational therapist, orientation and mobility specialist, and assistive technology professional. This tailored approach addresses each person’s unique challenges, which often stem from conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or traumatic brain injuries.
Services provided may involve in-home occupational therapy sessions, adaptive living skills training, and guidance on using assistive devices. For instance, clients might learn to navigate their homes more safely or explore magnifiers and electronic devices that enhance their daily activities. “That’s our goal: to help people continue to do the things they have to do and want to do,” Bettenhausen noted.
Orientation and mobility training is another critical component of their services. This includes white cane training, guide dog readiness assessments, and public transportation navigation, all designed to boost clients’ confidence when moving through their communities.
The organization also provides comprehensive training on various assistive technologies, from handheld magnifiers to smartphone accessibility features. “We work with people to find the right devices for home, work, and community,” Bettenhausen said, highlighting the importance of hands-on training.
In the past year alone, the Ensight Skills Center and Curtis Strong Center served 830 clients, a number that continues to rise as awareness of their services grows. The team of 14 dedicated staff members is trained in their specialized roles, ensuring clients receive the best possible support.
“Every year, we find new ways to serve more people,” Bettenhausen added, reflecting the organization’s commitment to expanding its impact in the community.
Community Support and Engagement
The Ensight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center rely heavily on community engagement to sustain their services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Support can take various forms, from visiting their centers and learning more about their offerings at ensightskills.org to donating funds for low-vision services and assistive devices.
The organization is actively seeking to recruit volunteers to help extend its outreach. “Just reach out and get ahold of us,” Bettenhausen encouraged. “We are here to serve our community.”
For those in need, the Ensight Skills Center is located at 1101 Oakridge Drive, Ste. C., Fort Collins, CO, and the Curtis Strong Center is at 1900 16th St., Ste. 120, Greeley, CO. With their continued commitment to helping individuals with vision loss, these centers are playing a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for many Coloradans.