Mission

The Association for the Blind seeks to improve the quality of life for the visually impaired through services, programs and advocacy by promoting independence and self-sufficiency, and helping individuals to participate fully in their communities.

What We Do

The Association's flagship program operates under the newly formed Vision Rehabilitation Center.  Living Well with Partial Vision is a Medicare-approved comprehensive in-home vision rehabilitation program that helps those with sight loss to remain independent.  LWWPV is the only program of its kind in South Carolina.

In addition, AFTB provides free computer training to legally blind individuals and, through the Veterans Administration, offers Orientation and Mobility training, computer services and Closed Circuit TV setup for veterans.

Throughout the year, AFTB organizes several social and recreational opportunities for the visually impaired.  Transportation is provided whenever possible and the Association has been an enthusiastic supporter of the ITNCharlestonTrident^TM independent transportation network. 

The Association organizes a biennial Low Vision Fair that offers increased awareness of available resources for visually impaired or blind individuals and their family members. Free eye screenings are also offered for uninsured individuals who live at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Thanks to a generous bequest from Katie Lee Beard, in 2006 the Association began offering care assistance for qualified guide dogs.

Finally, for more than 70 years, the AFTB has employed visually impaired individuals who re-cane furniture in its Cane Studio.