
CEMIPRE
CEMIPRE began as a ministry in 2003, became a Chilean foundation in 2013, and currently serves over 60 individuals with vision impairment (low vision or blindness). While the average age of a participant is 50, this year CEMIPRE added occupational therapy services for children ages 5–16. Every service—occupational, speech, and language therapy; Braille instruction; and computer literacy training—is bathed in the gospel. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis or a disability, the ministry highlights each participant’s value and dignity.
CEMIPRE involves family and friends as much as possible to educate and encourage program participants. A devoted group of local pastors and church members teach beneficiaries 30-minute devotionals twice a week. Local church involvement has increased over the years; a change from rejecting people with disabilities to welcoming them into their fellowships.