ASB promotes self-esteem and independence in people who are blind or visually impaired. ASB provides support through education, training and outreach, which serves as a voice for the rights of these individuals.
Why do we exist?
ASB is the largest non-profit in the Delaware Valley that serves 20,000 individuals annually who are blind and visually impaired. In 1983, three agencies (Radio Information Center for the Blind, the Nevil Institute for Rehabilitation Services, and Volunteer Services for the Blind) merged to form Associated Services for the Blind, an incorporated non-profit agency. With that merger, a collection of services – beginning in 1874, with the Pennsylvania Working Home for Blind Men – became an effective, stronger, unified organization, providing a broad and growing array of programming for persons who are most in need.
What have you accomplished?
ASB has helped many clients since its inception. Overall the mission of ASB is to promote self-esteem, independence and self-determination and serves as a voice and an advocate for the rights of people who are blind or visually impaired.
ASB provides the following services: rehabilitation with an emphasis on independence in everyday living; one-on-one training in our computer technology center; specialized services tailored to individual client needs including case management, support groups and Latino outreach just to name a few. ASB is one of the five Braille printing houses in the U.S. providing quality braille printing services of all types upon request to people who are blind and visually impaired throughout the U.S.
One client in particular is Odell Darlington from Germantown, PA. At the age of 11 he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. When he was 28, he began losing his sight. Two years later, at 30, his kidneys and pancreas began to fail. He began dialysis and in 2003 he received transplants for these organs. When his health was back on a positive track, he decided to get help for his vision. After two eye surgeries some vision was restored in his left eye. Odell’s doctor recommended ASB for specialized rehabilitation services. In January 2010, Odell began taking classes at ASB.
Currently Odell is taking computer technology classes where he is learning word processing; excel spreadsheets and navigating the internet using adaptive technology for those who are blind or visually impaired. He hopes to re-enter the workforce with the goal to help other people with disabilities overcome their obstacles and accomplish their dreams. “If I can help people who are going through similar situations as me or anyone on the verge of giving up, I’d gladly to it,” said Odell. “I know what it’s like to be there, and I know what it’s like to come back. Anyone can accomplish their goals regardless of disability, disease or circumstance.”
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