Computer Center for Visually Impaired People at Baruch College to Close this Summer

April 17, 2019

Dear Baruch Colleagues,

The Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP) will close on June 28, 2019, after 41 years of service to New York City residents. This decision was made after careful consideration of the cost of supporting two positions funded by Baruch for this Center, and critical space needs of several Baruch College programs. The retirement of the two Baruch-funded CCVIP personnel comes at a time when we are rigorously reviewing every professional academic staff position as they are vacated. We must direct all available College resources toward the priorities expressed in our Strategic Plan.

While CCVIP has served as a valuable resource to City residents, the Center does not deliver services to students at Baruch College. Students with disabilities utilize our Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS), which arranges for appropriate accommodations to promote equal access to the College’s programs and services. OSDS also provides assistive technology that empowers students to self-advocate and develop the skills necessary to succeed academically.

CCVIP‘s history of providing programs in assistive technology to visually impaired residents throughout New York City has included: Demo Center Workshops, YouTube videos, webinars, Microsoft Office, Social Media, iPhone/iPad support, braille services, and Internet adaptive training. When CCVIP opened in the late seventies, computer technologies for use by individuals were emerging, and the Center has been effective in responding to changes in these technologies. CCVIP will engage with other organizations that may be able to provide these services to New Yorkers with impaired vision.

The College is grateful for the many years of service of the staff of CCVIP, whose long-time director, Karen Gourgey, PhD, retired at the end of 2018. Please join us in thanking the entire staff of CCVIP for their years of service to New York City.

Sincerely,

David P. Christy
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs