Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a private, not-for-profit organization with a long and respected tradition of offering comprehensive services to people who are blind or visually impaired. CABVI is not a state or federal agency and does not directly receive tax dollars.
HISTORY
- In 1911, the Cincinnati Society for the Welfare of the Blind was founded to employ and assist people who were blind. By 1913, sixteen men made brooms and mops.
- In 1946, the agency name was changed to Cincinnati Association for the Blind.
- In the 1960s Cincinnati Association for the Blind initiated several rehabilitation services. By 1968, the agency had changed locations several times before moving to its current location to accommodate the growing workshop.
- In the 1980s computer access services and early childhood and youth services were established.
- In January 1998 Radio Reading Services of Greater Cincinnati (RRS) joined Cincinnati Association for the Blind in a combined effort to expand services throughout the Greater Cincinnati area.
- In 1999, Cincinnati Association for the Blind started and completed Building Dreams, our building renovation project that replaced outdated systems, made more efficient use of interior space on all 6 floors, and created new, state-of-the-art broadcast studios for Radio Reading Services.
- In 2001, our base supply center, OFFICE RUNWAY, opened for business on February 15 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This retail supply center provides new distribution channels for blind-made products as well as jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- In 2004, to better represent our mission and the services we provide, the Board of Trustees approved a new name for the agency - Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI).
- In 2005, a new logo was designed to complement our new name. The symbol expresses the energy and more than one part that creates the development of the individual to reach independence.
TODAY
CABVI continues to be a dynamic organization, growing and changing to meet the needs of an increasing number of people in the Greater Cincinnati area. CABVI assists more than 4,000 persons annually, employs between 50 and 60 people who are blind or visually impaired in the Industries Program, and has annual sales of approximately $10 million in Industries Program products.
SERVICES
Persons who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired may choose from a wide range of services to help them live more independently. Our services are provided by qualified, certified instructors and staff with highly specialized skills.
PUBLICATIONS
CABVI publishes a newsletter, Viewpoint, and an Annual Report. These publications are available in print, large print, braille and cassette tape.
MAILING LIST
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please send your name and address to info@cincyblind.org or call 513-221-8558, ext. 248. Your information is kept confidential and is never provided to another organization or company.
TELEPHONE SOLICITATION
Telephone solicitation campaigns claiming to benefit persons who are blind are being conducted in our community by other organizations. Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is not involved in these solicitations, does not condone the methods used, and does not accept money raised through these campaigns
If you have questions about a telephone solicitation call, you may want to contact the Ohio Attorney General at: Charitable Law Section, 101 East Town Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-5148 or by phone at 614-466-3180 or 800-282-0515.
AFFILIATIONS
- Funded by United Way
- Member, National Industries for the Blind
- Accredited Member, National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Visual Impairment
- Member, National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind
- Member, Ohio Association of Radio Reading Services
- Member, International Association of Audio Information Services
- An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider
- An Affirmative Action Employer
- Member, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
