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 to help the blind find meaningful careers. While this remains one of our primary goals, we have grown over the years to be able 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 – taking on any matter that concerns the blind, is what made us who we are today.
Who We Are
In 2004 we became Blind SA. Blind SA is governed by its members who elect the Head Committee. 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.
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 Purpose
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
An empowered blind community with equal opportunities achieving their full potential.
Our Values
These are the things we provide and uphold above everything else:
- Valuable service
- Social responsibility
- Dignity and independence
- Equal access to opportunities