Akron Blind Center

The Akron Blind Center, Inc. is a non-profit (34-0742708) membership-based organization (youngest currently is 6 years old, oldest 98 years old) that promotes resources, classes and enrichment for the visually challenged. We offer a sense of worth, accomplishment and purpose to our members.

We have classes throughout the week which include braille education, computer classes (with adaptive technology), crafting, educational, wellness, mind-body-spirit, practical solutions to everyday challenges, social events and a focus group.

We have a mentor program (for younger or newly impaired), a volunteer and outreach program, in which we do enlightenment and presentations to spread awareness of the adaptability and contributions of these incredible folks.

We also knit hats for children, and donated over 1500 hats to younger children last year. We also donate hats for cancer victims.

We have many community contribution programs. We provide awareness and educational programs for community organizations. There is also a scholarship and a backpack program for visually impaired youngsters.

We function through donations, trusts and fundraising events. If individual program costs would be helpful in making a determination, they will be made readily available.

We have an annual White Cane Walk (a white cane is a device used for navigation), which is our signature fundraising event (http://white-cane-walk.nfshost.com/) It is an awareness campaign to broadcast the challenges these gifted people encounter and overcome.

This year, our annual White Cane Walk will be held on October 8, 2016 at Akron Rubber Duck professional baseball stadium! We are excited to hold it at this venue, as it is an opportunity to showcase special people and our supporters right in the center of Akron.

There will be tables set up for fun, food, awareness, screening, challenges and giveaways. The feature event is the actual White Cane Walk, where people are blindfolded and have the opportunity to temporarily experience challenges of maneuvering without sight. A pilot dog demonstration will occur, fun events will be going on, and participants will have an opportunity to meet some of our wonderful members, partners and corporate sponsors.