About Us
Throughout BSC’s 100-year history, its mission has been to inspire and empower people who are blind or with low vision. Our founder, Doris Bernstein, began by bringing the printed word to blind children. She steadfastly read to them in her Hyde Park neighborhood home for several years until Blind Service Association incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1930. With a new office in Chicago’s Loop, BSC extended services to older students and adults. Now serving clients in our newly renovated 8,000 square foot space, including the Bernstein Center addition, we are still centrally located in Chicago’s downtown.
The Bernstein Center is a brand new 2500 square foot extension of our original 17 North State office space. It is a multi-purpose expanse that houses our client technology lab, a modern kitchen and coffee bar, two offices, and ample customizable seating. Since it opened in January of 2024, it has been used for volunteer training, audio-described films, guest speakers, game day, and a multitude of events and workshops.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Programs and Services
Reading and Recording
The heart of BSC is the Reading and Recording Program. BSC is unique in that it is one of the few agencies in the U.S. providing one-on-one individualized service
Youth Programs
BSC’s Youth Program reaches out to blind and low vision youth with a variety of offerings throughout the year, including a reading competition, adaptive winter skiing, and a sports recreation league. Each summer, kids ages 12-17 have an opportunity to participate in Pathways. A robust month-long endeavor, this flagship program provides daily living skills, a host of recreational activities, art and music, and cultural events. Applications are accepted until May 31 for any given year.
Other Programs and Services
In addition to Reading and Recording services, Blind Service Chicago hosts an array of support programs. Special workshops for Seniors, to monthly social and networking opportunities, and weekly activities held on our conference line, we offer many ways to be engaged and connected.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Meetings and Events
Blind Service Chicago hosts a variety of noteworthy meetings and events throughout the year. From our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch held every April and Vision Expo in October to our Centennial Celebration in December, we keep the momentum and interests flowing.
You can make an impact!
Join us in our mission to inspire and empower the blind community.
Make a Difference: Become a Corporate Sponsor or Partner
Blind Service Chicago is seeking corporate sponsors and other partners to collaborate on our events and empower Chicagoans with vision impairments. By joining us, your company can achieve its goals while engaging supporters and employees.
Interested? Contact Andy Gowdy at [email protected] or 312-236-0808. for sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Make a Difference: Become a Corporate Sponsor or Partner
Blind Service Chicago is seeking corporate sponsors and other partners to collaborate on our events and empower Chicagoans with vision impairments. By joining us, your company organization can achieve its goals while engaging supporters and employees.
Interested? Contact Andy Gowdy at [email protected] or 312-236-0808. for sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Our Volunteers
The services that are available at Blind Service Chicago could not happen without the dedication of volunteers who faithfully give of their time to read one-to-one to clients, to record books for audio playback, to mentor, to do office work, or to help in fund raising activities.
