The Envisioning Youth Empowerment Retreat was born after passage of the North Carolina Disability History and Awareness Month Act.  This legislation mandated that public schools teach disability history, famous people with disabilities, and disability characteristics.  Specifically, the legislation suggested that individuals with disabilities be utilized to provide some of the instruction.  Our founder, Dr. Alan Chase, was involved in advocating for passage of the legislation and supported curriculum development for implementation in the public schools. Thus, the EYE Retreat was born in 2008.

Why us?  First and foremost, 100% of our leaders and mentors have visual impairments.  Our leaders and mentors are successful adults who are either gainfully employed or attending post secondary institutions.  Second, our philosophy focuses on the power of peer mentoring.  Our mentors help students to develop a toolbox of skills and resources by leading courses on a variety of topics, such as self-advocacy, transitioning to college life, career exploration, and soft skills for employment, that will support them in their future pathways  Finally, our mentors guide students in bridging theory into practice by facilitating real world application of skills in the community, such as riding public transportation, navigating a college campus, and visiting local businesses.