The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children

The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children has been in operation since 1972. Up to 20 children, ages seven through fifteen, reside in the home for a one week period. The Home operates for 8 weeks during the summer months from mid June to mid August.

According to our mission statement, the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children is dedicated to providing a seashore vacation experience for visually impaired children with supervision from experienced and certified counselors and administrators. Economic support for all programs is achieved through charitable donations and volunteerism. The Home is committed to standards of excellence, which meet or exceed applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

Our goal at the Home is for children to experience a seaside vacation, have fun and make lasting friendships. For many of these children, it is their first shore vacation. Many others return summer after summer to rekindle friendships and experience the pleasures of the New Jersey seashore. The staff, who also return for more than one summer, plan many fun-filled activities and excursions, including trips to the Cape May County Park and Zoo, amusement rides and water park on the boardwalk at Morey’s Pier, bike rides through Avalon in a six passenger surrey donated by Hollywood Bikes, Sun Fish sailing at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club, a music appreciation program provided by members of the Bay Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and dining outings to local pizza shops, ice cream parlors and delicatessens. The children also enjoy speedboat rides, crabbing, rides on a paddle wheeler, and of course, the sand and surf provided by the New Jersey shore. Back at the Home, the children can participate in karaoke, talent night, piano and sing-alongs.