A look into the work at Vision Resources
Story and photos by Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
noah.lopez@mymail.centralpenn.edu
Did you know that, according to a 2022 National Health Interview Survey, over 50 million American adults age 18 and older experience vision problems?
With such a large number of people affected, it is important to have organizations that provide essential support and resources. That’s where Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania comes in. If you’re unfamiliar with it, let me introduce you to this remarkable organization.
Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization located at 1130 S. 19th St. in Harrisburg. Its mission is to help people who are visually impaired or disabled by providing services that improve their lives and give them independence. Vision Resources does this through various programs, including helping people find jobs and offering educational support.
While volunteering at Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania, I worked in the audio services department. Here, I record audiobooks and other audio projects that allow people with vision impairments to enjoy books, articles and advertisements. This work is crucial because it helps people who might not be able to read on their own still have access to the same stories and information as everyone else.
When I first visited Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania, I was amazed by everything they do for the visually impaired and the Harrisburg community. The building might look small from the outside, but so much is happening inside. The organization offers technology help, print materials in Braille and even provide jobs for people who need them.
One of the things that really stood out to me is how Viions Resources offers work opportunities offered to visually impaired individuals who need to complete community service. These jobs, like assembling pens or packaging products, might seem simple, but they bring a lot of pride and happiness to the people doing them.
Another thing that surprised me about Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania is how they support themselves. For example, they print playbills and pamphlets, which help bring in money to keep their programs running. You would not expect it from an organization focused on helping the visually impaired. Still, it shows how creative and resourceful they are in finding ways to keep serving the community.
The most important part of my work at Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania is knowing I’m making a difference in someone’s life. This isn’t just about volunteering for a school project; it’s about using my voice to help people enjoy the world around them. Working in a professional studio with high-quality equipment has been a fantastic experience. It’s teaching me skills that will be useful in the future, whether I go into broadcasting or any other job that involves voice work.
What makes this experience so unique is knowing that my recordings are helping people who might otherwise feel left out. Every time I finish recording a book or an article, I know I’m helping someone stay connected to the world, even if they can’t see it. That feeling of making a difference is something I want to carry with me into whatever I do next.
Volunteering at Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve learned a lot about working with audio and seen firsthand how much impact one can have by giving their time and skills. This experience has strengthened my commitment to using my voice to help others, and I look forward to continuing this work in the future.
In the end, Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania is a place that brings hope and independence to those who need it most. My time there has shown me the true power of volunteering and how even small actions can make a big difference. This experience has shaped my goals and made me more determined to use my talents to improve the world.
Editor’s note: This is the third in a series about Central Penn College students participating in philanthropic initiatives in the region during the summer term as part of the COM420 Projects in Corporate Communication course.
