Empowering the visually challenged and low vision communities since 1913
The Akron Blind Center offers a wide range of services and support to enrich their lives, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Did you know?
Did you know that over 32,000 people in Summit County are visually challenged, often struggling to find the resources and support they need?
Right in your backyard there are individuals who are visually challenged. Their everyday life is filled with isolation, frustration, and a lack of purpose. They often struggle to find accessible resources, engage in fulfilling activities, and connect with others who understand their unique challenges.
These daily struggles can lead to a sense of being left behind, unable to fully participate in life and achieve their goals. It's a painful reality that no one should have to face alone – and one that you can help change.
We believe that everyone, regardless of their level of vision, deserves the opportunity to engage in a supportive community, pursue their goals, and feel a sense of accomplishment. That's why the Akron Blind Center is dedicated to providing the resources, support, and sense of belonging that visually challenged individuals need to thrive.
We can help
Give the visually challenged community the support and resources they deserve.
As someone who has worked closely with the visually challenged community for decades, I know firsthand the struggles they face every day. The isolation, frustration, and lack of purpose that often come with visual impairments can be overwhelming, leaving many feeling like they'll never be able to fully participate in life or achieve their dreams.
But at the Akron Blind Center, we've been dedicated to changing that reality since 1948. Our wide range of tailored programs, services, and support have helped countless individuals build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. From educational classes and social activities to independent living assistance and outreach programs, we've seen time and time again the transformative impact that the right resources and support can have on the lives of the visually challenged. And with your help, we can continue to empower even more individuals to overcome their challenges and live life to the fullest.
The Perks of Supporting the Akron Blind Center:
How Your Donation Makes a Difference
Empower Lives By supporting our wide range of tailored programs and services, you empower individuals with visual challenges to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive, ultimately helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Foster Belonging
Through your contribution to our social activities and outreach programs, you foster a sense of belonging and connection among the visually challenged community, helping to combat the isolation and loneliness.
Create Impact
With your donation to our unique local programming, such as youth programs, adaptive technology, and scholarships, you make a direct and tangible impact on the lives of individuals with visual challenges in your community, enabling them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
Discover the Life-Changing Programs Your Donation Supports
Wide Range of Classes and Programs:
Your donation supports engaging and enriching activities that help individuals with visual challenges build skills, confidence, and independence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Social Events and Activities:
By contributing to our social events, you create opportunities for people with visual challenges to form meaningful connections and friendships, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation.
Outreach Programs:
Your support allows us to give back to the community through initiatives like our hat knitting and backpack projects, spreading joy and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Adaptive Technology and Devices:
With your help, we can provide essential tools and resources that enable individuals with visual challenges to navigate daily life with greater ease and confidence, promoting independence and self-sufficiency.
Mentor Programs:
Your contribution helps facilitate mentor relationships, where experienced individuals offer guidance, support, and encouragement to those who are younger or recently experiencing sight loss, providing hope and reassurance during challenging times.
Independent Living Assistance:
Your donation empowers individuals with visual challenges to master essential skills like cooking and navigating with a white cane, fostering greater autonomy and self-reliance in their daily lives.
Scholarships for Visually Challenged Students:
By supporting our scholarship program, you help remove financial barriers and create opportunities for visually challenged students to pursue their educational goals and unlock their full potential.
Youth and Young Adult Programs:
Your generosity allows children and young adults with visual challenges to enjoy fun, social experiences and form lasting friendships, creating cherished memories and a sense of normalcy.
Community Partnerships:
By contributing to the Akron Blind Center, you become part of a network of support that includes local organizations, expanding the resources and opportunities available to the visually challenged community.
Our simple mission
To empower and enrich the lives of the visually challenged
At the Akron Blind Center, we deeply understand the challenges faced by individuals who are visually challenged. The feelings of isolation, frustration, and lack of purpose that often accompany sight loss can be overwhelming, making it difficult to navigate daily life and pursue one's goals. We recognize the courage and resilience it takes to confront these obstacles, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
As an organization with a rich history dating back to 1948, we have the experience and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Our wide range of tailored programs, services, and resources have helped countless individuals build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. From educational classes and social activities to independent living assistance and outreach programs, we have a proven track record of empowering people who are visually challenged to lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
We invite you to join us and experience the transformative power of belonging to a community that celebrates your abilities and supports your aspirations. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals and live life to the fullest.
Vision Condition Simulation
Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, separates from the underlying supportive tissue. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, up, or down while the other eye focuses normally. This misalignment can lead to double vision, poor depth perception, and amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early.
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, resulting in distorted or blurred vision at all distances. It often occurs alongside other refractive errors, such as myopia or hyperopia.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness.
Hyperopia is a refractive error where close objects appear blurry, while distant objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It can cause a gradual or sudden loss of central vision, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or perform tasks that require fine visual acuity.
Your Support Means Everything
You hold the power to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairments. By donating to the Akron Blind Center, you directly contribute to life-changing programs, resources, and opportunities that empower our community to thrive.