Press release:
Olmsted Center for Sight in Buffalo is now in collaboration with Batavia-based Regional Action Phone, Inc. (RAP), a 24-hour information and referral, and crisis intervention helpline.
This relationship expands Olmsted Center for Sight’s contact center services into a 24-hour operation serving the eight counties of Western New York including 2-1-1 WNY.
The Olmsted Center serves the needs of blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages who reside in Western New York. It's the only organization within that region specifically mandated to provide comprehensive rehabilitation, health-related and human services to this highly specialized population.
Olmsted’s mission is to assist individuals with blindness or visual impairments to achieve their highest possible level of independence in their homes, community and workplace. It has served the community for more than 100 years and current programs include a respected vision clinic; rehabilitation services; an early education preschool; specialized housing properties; light manufacturing; and the Statler Center which is a vocational training program.
Additional services include switchboard operations for regional VA hospitals and an established contact center, which is enhanced by the addition of RAP.
RAP was formed in 1972 by a dedicated group of volunteers and has grown substantially in terms of services, regional coverage and call volume. Their crisis helplines also include MICA services (Mentally Ill and Chemically Addicted) and a Tip Line (set up to report underage drinking) for concerned citizens. RAP currently employs seven professional agents and has access to more than 150 languages and dialects, as well as TTY service for the deaf community.
Dr. Ronald Maier, president of Olmstead Center, said the collaboration strengthens employment opportunities in Olmsted’s call center program while bringing even greater service to the community. He also noted the timeliness of the action as RAP celebrates its 40th anniversary.
