Celebrating 34 Years of Service

Rehabilitation Center Opens to Answer a Critical Need

Everyday tasks can seem impossible for those experiencing vision losses.  Without the right training, they are hard pressed to fulfill their personal, educational and vocational dreams.  The opening of the Rehabilitation Center some 34 years ago, provided Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation to such individuals.

Before December 1973 just a small group of Itinerant Rehabilitation Teachers (instructors who travel to clients’ homes to serve them) were available to train adult residents of Indiana who were visually impaired.  Some Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training was offered but these services did not provide the comprehensive daily skill building training needed for many people. 

To answer the state’s needs, the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind opened on December 10, 1973. The offices were in a doublewide mobile home located in Indianapolis and sat adjacent to an industrial workshop known as the Board of Industrial Aid for the Blind. 

Back in 1973 the staff mostly worried about how to pay for supplies and cope with vandalism.  A maximum of only four clients at a time were served and training was just offered in Communications, Personal Management, and O&M.  The staff was consisted of a Director/instructor, two full-time instructors, and a part-time secretary. 

The Rehabilitation Center grew and on February 13, 1984, was dedicated as the “Charles E. Bosma Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired” and the industrial workshop was named “Charles E. Bosma Industries for the Blind”.  Both were named in honor of Senator Charles E. Bosma, who served in the State Legislature for 18 years, and was a strong supporter of issues that served the interests of people with disabilities.

Initially the Rehabilitation Center and the industrial workshop were both governed by the State of Indiana.  In 1988, Bosma Industries became a private, not-for-profit agency but Bosma Rehabilitation Center remained a state agency until July 1, 2006 when it joined with and became a part of Bosma Enterprises.

In February 2007 Bosma Rehabilitation Center moved to its current home at Bosma Enterprises.  A spacious, strategically designed area was created specifically for the Rehabilitation Center by Bosma Enterprises.

Over the years other skill areas were added to the curriculum, the staff has grown tremendously, and as many as 11 clients have been served at the same time.  The Rehabilitation Center now proudly serves individuals throughout Indiana.

As a result of services provided by Bosma Rehabilitation Center, hundreds of people have learned that individuals experiencing vision loss can enjoy a happy and fulfilling lives.  Staff at the Center greets each day with enthusiasm, looking forward to making a positive impact on the lives of Hoosiers who are visually impaired.