During these uncertain times, how can we help?

As the world leader in volunteerism we feel a responsibility to unite our broader community, and to use this moment to become stronger.

See below to access our COVID-19 Resource Hub, and to explore our growing directory of COVID-19-specific and virtual volunteering opportunities.
COVID-19 RESOURCES | COVID-19 VOLUNTEERING | VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Read More
  • ORGANIZATION PROFILE

  • Blind Service Association Blind Service Association

Causes

  • Interest area icon
  • Interest area icon
  • Interest area icon
  • Interest area icon
  • Interest area icon
(41.88223,-87.62782)
 

Volunteer with us!

VIEW AS
Subscribe Get an RSS feed of these Opportunities
Please wait . . .

Mission Statement

Blind Service Association is a non profit organization dedicated to providing programs and services that enhance the independence and self-sufficiency of blind and visually impaired individuals.

Description

Blind Service Association (BSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing an array of programs and services to people who are blind and visually impaired in the Chicagoland area.

Programs and Services at BSA include:

  • One-to-One Reading where trained volunteers are available to read any type of material presented to clients. This is the heart of what we do and are most well known for!
  • Recording of books or other reading matter that is unavailable from libraries or other agencies that maintain a library.
  • The Vision Connection, a membership club for people 50 years of age and over with age related eye conditions.
  • A Youth Program for blind and visually impaired children aged 11 through 18.
  • Four separate support groups for those seeking assistance and encouragement coping with their eye condition. While the groups are broken down by age and gender, a facilitator will work with you to determine which group is most suitable for your situation.
  • A Guide Dog User's Group which brings together Guide Dog Owner's to share information and advocate for their rights as guide dog owners.
  • A client's weight loss group to help with weight issues that are affecting their health and wellbeing.
  • Computer User's Network, a membership club, where blind and visually impaired users receive an array of technical and computer support through seminars, tutoring and newsletters.
  • A Scholarship program where $30,000 in scholarships are awarded yearly to legally blind students looking to advance their education whether going to college, a university or technical school.
  • Information and Referral, a one-stop shop to get immediate answers for your particular needs.
  • A Speakers Bureau offering information for your group about programs at Blind Service Association.



Website

http://www.blindserviceassociation.org

Report this organization

Reviews

Average Review 6 reviews

Would you recommend Blind Service Association?
Write a review

by william k. (August 20, 2013)
In the final years of my father life he lost his sight and his will but after I found Blind services Association and had him join it gave him something to look forward to and made his last days a little less dark. For that I will allways be greatfull to them
Flag as Inappropriate
by Paul Q. (March 13, 2013)
A sense of helping people in need. The people are very grateful of the service.
Flag as Inappropriate
by Elizabeth A. from Milwaukee, WI (March 9, 2013)
I really enjoy volunteering as a reader with BSA. Each experience reading with the consumers is unique because it is almost always something new that you are reading from novels, mail, to menus and more. The staff, volunteers, and consumers are all friendly and make me feel welcomed. The hours to volunteer are flexible and fit well within my schedule. The location, right off the red line Lake stop is also convenient. I definitely recommend volunteering with this wonderful organization.
Flag as Inappropriate
by Ira W. (March 7, 2013)
The BSA is an amazing organization that will give you an opportunity to change lives every time you step in the building. I've volunteered at other organizations filing, stocking, setting up for events but at the BSA you will actually get to work with people (or consumers as they are called) and help them with everything from reading, helping with homework or just having a great conversation. Every time I leave here I walk out with a great feeling knowing I helped someone. The staff is also great! Each staff member is passionate, caring and are always willing to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. If you are looking for an awesome place to volunteer and help people look no further than the BSA.
Flag as Inappropriate
by Brian O. (March 7, 2013)
Blind Service Association has a variety of volunteers who give a hand to those who are vision impaired. Volunteers come in to help before, during (lunch) or after work for a few hours a week to read or shop with their clients. BSA is conveniently located in the Loop and volunteer times are flexible so even if you are retired they’ll find a time for you to come and help out.
Flag as Inappropriate
View all 6 reviews for Blind Service Association