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VIPS Louisville

About VIPS Louisville

Before 1985, children who were blind or had low vision in Kentucky & Southern Indiana had no access to early intervention services for their vision-specific needs. That all changed when a group of concerned citizens, led by Sharon Bensinger, formed the idea to start VIPS. Mrs. Bensinger had no personal connection to anyone who was blind, other than being employed by American Printing House for the Blind Research Department. However, it was in that job that she took countless numbers of phone calls from desperate parents looking for services for their child with blindness

With $20,000 in startup grants from WHAS Crusade for Children and Metro United Way, VIPS was born! Mrs. Bensinger was the first employee and began with a caseload of 14 families. Since that time, VIPS has grown into an impactful agency, serving hundreds of families a year across two states, with office locations in Louisville, Lexington, and Indianapolis. VIPS Louisville operates Kentucky’s only full-time preschool for children with blindness or low vision, a nationally accredited program, and Jefferson County, KY’s first five-star rated child care facility.

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Children outside doing an obstacle course
Child sitting with a teacher. The child has a large lightbox in front of them with a blue shape. The child is holding the shape.

Make a Gift to VIPS to Impact a Child

$25

Provides a child with a
braille book.

$50

Provides a child with a magnification device.

$150

Provides a child with
in-home early intervention.

$250

Provides a child orientation and mobility instruction.

Louisville Wish List

  • Clorox Wipes
  • Lysol Spray
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Face Masks
  • BlueTooth dual pairing Speaker set
  • Cricut Maker Machine
  • Cricut mats
  • Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets, 9" x 12”
  • Astrobrights Cardstock, 8.5" x 11", 65 lb “Vintage" 5-Color Assortment
  • All colors of cardstock especially white and black
  • White construction paper
  • Adhesive Hook and Loop Velcro, Black, 1-Inch x 10-Foot Industrial Grade and Wear and Tear Resistant
  • Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Crayons, 24 Classic Crayola Colors Non-Toxic Art Tools for Kids 3 & Up, Scented Self-Sharpening No Mess Twist-Up Crayons
  • Washable Glue
  • Colored duct tape
  • Elmer’s Jumbo Glue Sticks
  • Dry Erase Markers (black) thick and thin
  • Scented markers
  • Play-doh (small containers)
  • Large paint brushes (large handles)
  • Washable paint
  • Acrylic paint (all colors)

Recently Posted Articles

Doug Voss and team pose for a photo with the golf trophy.

Golf Tournament Raises Money for VIPS Kids

October 6, 2025

The 37th Annual VIPS Golf Tournament, sponsored by Yum!, is a wrap, and we raised about $45,000! The weather was perfect, Wildwood Country Club is beautiful, and everyone had a great time. We want to thank everyone who made this such a great event. Yum! sponsored the event, and Debbie Baldwin and Erica Kiefer were…

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A photo of the official proclamation that October is Blindness and Low Vision Awareness Month in Indiana, signed by Governor Mike Braun.

October Declared Blindness and Low Vision Awareness Month in Indiana

October 2, 2025

October is Blindness and Low Vision Awareness Month in Indiana, as declared by Governor Mike Braun. Over 157,000 Hoosiers who are experiencing blindness or low vision thank you. This recognition is also meaningful to those who work tirelessly to ensure that a whole and fulfilling life is achievable. Thank you, Governor.

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A scan of the official proclamation that October is Blindness and Low Vision Awareness Month in Kentucky. The proclamation is signed by Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael G. Adams.

Gov. Beshear Declares October Blind and Low Vision Awareness Month in Kentucky

October 1, 2025

Governor Andy Beshear has declared October Blindness and Low Vision Awareness Month in Kentucky. Thank you for raising awareness about the more than 160,000 Kentuckians who are experiencing blindness or low vision, and to those who work tirelessly to ensure all may reach their full potential and achieve the success they deserve.

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