Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

To empower and inspire people who are blind or with low vision.

Vision

To create a world in which blind and low-vision people stand equally with sighted people and are afforded abundant opportunities for success and happiness.

Blind Service Chicago Core Values

  • Serving and empowering the blind and low-vision community in Chicago is our number one priority.
  • Every blind person deserves a life of quality, independence, equity, and accessibility.
  • We celebrate diversity and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
  • We affirm the worth of all with whom we interact.
  • We listen with empathy and treat people with kindness.
  • We embrace creativity, imagination, and innovation to enhance our services, develop new programs, bring new resources to light, and maximize the potential of those who are blind.   
  • We practice mindfulness and intentionality in our interactions with clients, volunteers, guests, and all those we encounter.
  • We observe the highest standards of accountability, transparency, integrity, and ethical behavior in all aspects of our work and actions.
  • We are committed to safety and well-being in the workplace and maintain a zero tolerance for violent, threatening, intimidating, or inappropriate behavior.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Blind Service Chicago (BSC) is committed to creating and advancing an environment of diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and a sense of belonging. We strive to ensure that our clients, volunteers, staff, board members, partners, stakeholders, and vendors are treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote a safe and welcoming space for all regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, age, ability, ethnicity, national origin, or any other personal characteristic. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, biases, microaggressions, retribution, or bullying of any kind. We celebrate the richness of our community and acknowledge the diversity within it. We embrace a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences and believe in the unique strengths of every individual. 

BSC believes that a diverse workforce brings innovation, agility, and accountability. As an equal opportunity workplace, we actively encourage, recruit, and hire people of color, women, individuals with a variety of abilities, and people who are LGBTQ+. We also endeavor to recruit candidates of diverse racial and other backgrounds for board positions.