At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a diversified program for training graduate level students in visual impairments involves state agencies in the training. Based on needs assessment data, the program was established using community resources as training sites and specialists as course instructors. Facilities participating include the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Public Schools, the Chauncey Sparks Center for Developmental Disorders, the Eye Foundation Hospital, the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the School of Optometry-Low Vision Clinic, and the Veterans' Administration Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center. The agencies provide information, training sites, and state-of-the-art equipment for use within the vision program. The program provides quality training on a restricted budget. (CL)