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Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired

General Information

Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627 0600
asbinfo@asb.org
http://www.asb.org

Brief Description

Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ASB) is the largest non-profit organization in Southeastern Pennsylvania serving people who are blind and visually impaired. With roots dating to 1874, ASB promotes self-determination and independence and provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation and life-skills education, including computer training, gardening, support groups and outreach to special population. ASB also operates a radio reading service 24 hours a day, provides monthly recordings of more than two dozen popular magazines and produces some nine million pages of Braille each year. For more information, call 215-627-0600 or visit ASB online at www.asb.org.

Services Offered

  • Counseling
    • Offers support groups, educational and vocational evaluation, escort service to medical appointments and shopping, volunteer visitors for house-bound persons.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Offers training in computer skills using adaptive aids. Offers vocational evaluation.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Certified rehabilitation teachers instruct program participants in meal preparation, reading and writing braille, keyboard skills, labeling and selecting clothes, and using specially adapted equipment through its Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training (PABT).

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Offers training in the use of assistive technology.

  • Community Outreach Programs
    • Provides information about living with a visual impairment through informational programs at senior centers; speakers for corporate, community, and professional organizations; and distribution of information on eye care, blindness prevention and resources at employer and community health fairs.

  • Reading Services
    • Broadcasts selections from newspapers, selected magazines, and programs especially suited to blind and visually impaired people. Publications include All Philadelphia area newspapers and the New York Times.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • ASB's Mobility Specialist teaches safe and effective travel techniques with the aid of white canes and hand-held telescopes. Clients learn to orient themselves to the community and use public transportation. The result is higher self-esteem and increased independence.

  • Braille/Electronic/Audio/Large Print Production
    • Books, over two dozen magazines on tape by subscription, braille and large print statements, professional journals.

  • Recreation Services
    • ASB's Specialized Services Department includes various recreational programs. Our Hands on Gardening program helps participants who are blind and visually impaired learn adaptive gardening techniques, enjoy educational field trips, and maintain a healthy and active hobby. Other programs include a knitting group, a weekly art class and music appreciation.

  • Support Groups
    • ASB's Specialized Services Department provides various support groups for our clients. Low Vision Support Group, offered in English and Spanish, helps clients deal with the emotional and practical consequences of vision loss. In addition, ASB offers a Diabetes and Information Support Group, a Young Adult Support Group, a Senior Support Group, and ESL and Life Skills Education classes.