Mission

The Association for the Blind serves and supports people with visual needs.

What We Do

The Association for the Blind is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that 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.

The Association's flagship program operates under its 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 retain or regain independence.  LWWPV employs specially trained Occupational Therapists who teach adaptive techniques and assistive device use.  Its lead OT is the only Certified Low Vision Therapist in South Carolina.

ReFocus is the Association for the Blind's newest program offering outreach vision services to the underserved.  ReFocus collaborates with outreach agencies and local eye doctors to provide complete mobile eye exams including refraction and prescription eye glasses, eye disease education, prevention, and diagnosis to medically underserved indigent children, families and homeless/uninsured adults. 

In addition, AFTB provides free Computer Training to legally blind individuals and, through the Veterans Administration, offers computer services and Closed Circuit TV setup for blinded 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 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 offers Dog Guide Care Assistance for qualified service dogs.  This program assists owners with veterinary and grooming expenses.