BlindSA

+27 60 967 0258

ceo@blindsa.org.za

Donate Now

BlindSA Logo
Collage of blind people

 

OUR STORY

“Knowledge is love and light and vision.” – Helen Keller

 

History

What is now Blind SA originally started on 26 October 1946 as the South African Blind Worker’s Organisation with the main purpose of helping people with blindliness find meaningful careers. The organization attained its new name as BlindSA in 2004. While the primary goal of its establishment remains the same, as Blind SA we have grown over the years to provide so much more. Placing our first blind person in their new job, establishing Braille Services, awarding our first bursary, creating a skills development service, successfully lobbying and taking on any matter that concerns the blind.

 

What We Do

We equip blind people with the skills they need to fully and independently participate in society. This includes support in living without assistance, getting about, using technology, reading, working and socialising. All this is made possible through advocacy, our Education Committee, Braille Services, orientation and mobility services and our employment programme. It is through this, and the support of our donors, that we connect South African’s who are blind or visually impaired with the world they live in.

 

Our Governing Structure

Even though most of our members and management are blind, we are so much more than just another “organisation of the blind”. We insist on self-representation and work and speak from the viewpoint of blind people. We stand for equality, advocating the rights of the blind throughout South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, we serve the blind community at large.

 

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to end the cycle of poverty for Blind South Africans, empowering them with knowledge and information through education, braille and developmental services. To break down barriers, provide opportunities and create answers that improve the quality of life for the blind community so that they can live the life they choose.

 

Our Vision

To see an empowered blind community with equal opportunities achieving their full potential.

 

Our Values

Our Values are aligned with the things we provide and uphold above everything else:

  • Valuable service
  • Social responsibility
  • Dignity and independence
  • Equal access to opportunities