WHAT IS ACB-OHIO

The American Council of the Blind of Ohio is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and equality of life for persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Our members include persons who are blind, losing vision, or are parents of a child who is blind or visually impaired. We welcome anyone who wishes to work toward equal rights and full participation in society for everyone with a disability.

We offer information and referral for equipment, talking books, training programs and more. Just call our toll-free information and referral line at 1-800-835-2226.

We work to improve and expand accessible communications through Braille, large print and audio productions, including audio-described performances.

An annual convention is an exciting opportunity to meet people and attend valuable educational workshops. Learn more about technology, products and services, employment and health. Coping workshops given by peers are popular every year.

ACB-Ohio’s Endowment Fund, which is administered by the Columbus Foundation’s Community Foundations, Inc., helps us to offer scholarship opportunities, and also supports programs such as our toll-free information and referral services to visually impaired Ohioans. The endowment also assists ACB-Ohio in its efforts to advocate for visually impaired citizens at the statehouse and in Washington.

We maintain updates on pending state and federal legislation and tell you who to contact so your opinion is heard.

Recreation activities include summer and winter outdoor events.

A National Network

Affiliation with the national American Council of the Blind accesses a network of activities and contacts, which includes attorneys, computer programmers, teachers and parents who are blind or visually impaired. An annual convention is also a major resource and benefit.

ACB-OHIO Purpose

The American Council of the Blind of Ohio is a statewide organization representing persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Our purpose is to support a sense of community and to ensure full participation in all aspects of life for persons who are blind or visually impaired, leading to an increased quality of life. ACB-Ohio will function in a leadership role to:

Provide informational support and education to individuals, groups and the general public.

Provide college scholarships for students with visual impairments.

Facilitate networking between and among persons and groups throughout Ohio for communication.

Support organizations which enhance the education, recreation, and integration of visually impaired children in the community at large.

Serve as a legislative and advocacy link to state, local and federal government entities.

Promote positive public awareness regarding persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Develop mechanisms that support and enhance the needs of the membership and local chapters.

Membership Information

Join ACB-Ohio through a chapter in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Fostoria, Knox County, Marion, Medina County, Stark County, Toledo and Tuscarawas. If there is no chapter in your area, join as a member-at-large. Business and non-profit memberships are also welcome.

Members receive the Ohio Connection quarterly, plus the national organization’s monthly Braille Forum, available in large print, Braille, computer disk, cassette, via e-mail or on their Web site.

How Can You Support ACBO?

ACB-Ohio relies on donations from members and the public to provide these services. No matter how large or small, your tax-deductible gift is important to us.

ACB-Ohio encourages people who value our programs to support us financially! If you would like to make a donation in memory, or in honor of a family member or friend, or if you’d like to include ACB-Ohio in your will, please call Marc Guthrie, our Director of Development and Advocacy at (740) 344-6222.

We would be pleased to discuss any fundraising opportunities with you, which will advance ACB-Ohio’s mission of service to visually impaired Ohioans.

Thank you for your support.