We just concluded the 2025-2026 cycle of Silver Bells. We are currently planning for the next cycle, but if you are interested in being notified when the next application cycle starts, please contact Silver Bells Coordinator Rachel Schreiman at the contact information provided below.
Are you at least 55 years old? A Virginia resident? Experiencing vision loss?
Vision loss doesn't have to limit your independence or what's possible. Silver Bells can help you discover new skills, build confidence, and continue living life on your terms.
Meet the Free Program Empowering Blind and
Low-Vision Seniors Like Yourself!
Silver Bells teaches practical skills you can use every day to live confidently and independently. Whether you're working in the kitchen, organizing your home, "reading" your mail, or keeping up with technology, you'll discover new ways to do the things that matter to you.
Benefits of Participating
If getting away for a free weekend retreat is not enough of an incentive, then here are some other benefits you may find worth considering.
We meet you where you are. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to living with vision loss. Silver Bells helps you build on the skills you already have while discovering new strategies that work for you.
After you register, we'll complete an intake process to learn more about your current skills, confidence, and goals. We encourage you to be open about what's working well and where you may be struggling—the more we understand, the better we can support you.
We'll introduce you to skills and strategies that open new possibilities.
One weekend can't teach you everything—and it doesn't have to. Silver Bells gives you a strong start with practical skills and strategies you can use every day, then connects you with resources to continue learning and building your independence.
Learn from people who know firsthand what's possible.
Our instructors are blind or low vision themselves and are experienced in the skills they teach. Drawing on diverse professional backgrounds and lived experience, they'll help you build practical skills, confidence, and independence.
Backed by more than 75 years of experience and success.
Silver Bells didn't happen overnight. It builds on decades of experience within the National Federation of the Blind developing and sharing practical approaches to living confidently and independently with vision loss. NFB membership is not required to participate.
The program is free of charge for you and a family member or companion thanks to the support of our sponsors and generous donors.
Here's what we cover:
- Hotel room
- Meals
- Cost of materials you can take home to practice your skills
- Transportation assistance to and from the retreat, when needed and arranged on a case-by-case basis. Participants and accompanying family members are encouraged to provide their own transportation whenever possible.
This may not be a vacation, but we think you'll be glad you came. Be prepared to work, learn, and try things that may be outside your comfort zone. In return, you'll leave with new skills, greater confidence, and a better sense of what's possible. Best of all, you'll be surrounded by people who understand that none of us gets there alone.
Read What Past Participants Have to Say
Seniors just like you have attended a Silver Bells retreat and have found great value from it. Check out some of these testimonials.
"I got a great deal out of the Silver Bells program—in ways I never dreamed possible. I now understand that visual impairment is a door, not a wall. I understand the technology that can enable me to live a full, useful life and not be a burden to those I love. I understand the tools and techniques that will help me sustain relationships through positive and purposeful communication of my needs. More practically, I look forward to cooking for my family while not burning myself or ruining a meal. Most of all, I look forward to surmounting the challenges that vision loss brings, knowing I have a kind, good-hearted community behind me." - Jan, 2026 participant
"Thank you. One thing I realized and learned is that I was very much in denial; and that has been shed because of all of you and it made it easy to give it up because of our support, safety in numbers, and being part of a community. I'm inspired. I take hats off to the volunteers because they had infinite patience and kindness, and I'm forever grateful. I appreciate all of you." - Lois, 2026 participant
"This has been incredible. I can't think of a time when I've been surrounded by the openness, generosity of spirit from organizers, family members, participants. People have been generous and that's a game changer." - Laura, 2026 family member
"It was very, very, very refreshing to be able to be around others who understand your condition. Family and friends are helpful, nice, but they can't get it. Everybody here is different. The range of vision is unique but there are common things that only someone in a similar predicament can relate to. When it gets dark, shadows around, what that experience is, is not a good one. All my sighted friends can't get that. Hearing shared experiences that we can relate to each other." - Chris, 2024 participant
"Encouragement. Friendships. I've been four years with no contact with anyone that is blind or has vision issues and it just means so much to me to know I'm not alone any more. This has meant the world to me getting to know people and the possibilities." - Maggie, 2024 participant
Have Questions?
If you have questions about the program, or wish to learn how to make a financial contribution, please contact:
Rachel Schreiman, Program Coordinator
Phone: 571-419-0512
Email: silverbells@nfbv.org
Thank You!
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Virginia Board for the Blind and Visually Impaired for their financial support of this initiative. Their endorsement was a critical first step in meeting the needs of this under-served community, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership in this shared mission.
Are you interested in helping blind and low vision seniors reclaim their confidence and independence? Please consider making a contribution! Please designate Silver Bells when you make the donation.