Blind Service Association

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.

Here are some of the things we do:

• 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 what we are most well known for! • Recording of books or other reading matter that is unavailable from libraries or other agencies that maintain a library. • Offer support through a membership club called the Vision Connection for people 50 years of age and over with age related eye conditions. • Year round Mentoring and Computer Training for blind and visually impaired youth. We also have a six week summer program for blind and visually impaired youth between 11 and 18 years of age. • Provide support through five separate self-help groups to those seeking assistance and encouragement coping with their eye condition. Groups are broken down by age and gender. • Empower Guide Dog Owners through our Guide Dog User’s Group. They share information and advocate for their rights as guide dog owners. Assistance is also available for medical or other types of emergencies for their dogs. • Encourage clients to take an active role in their health and well being. The weight loss group, walking club and yoga classes are just some of the ways for them to get involved. • Present monthly computer seminars either on-line or at the BSA office through Computer User’s Network, a membership club, where blind and visually impaired users receive an array of technical and computer support. Computer tutoring and a quarterly newsletter on the latest in adaptive computer technology is also available. • Distribute $30,000 in scholarships yearly to legally blind students who are looking to advance their education whether going to college, a university or technical school. • Give answers to immediate and urgent questions. Our Information and Referral Service is a one-stop shop for clients and their families looking for the right answers for their particular needs. • Share our knowledge through our Speakers Bureau to your group about programs at Blind Service Association.