Bluegrass Council of the Blind, Inc.
The Bluegrass Council of the Blind (BCB) is the only nonprofit exclusively serving the needs of adults who are blind or visually impaired in Central Kentucky. BCB services are free of charge to clients and available to any clients affected by vision loss, including family, friends and professionals working with people with low to no vision. Our primary service area includes Fayette and surrounding counties, including Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford, however, due to a lack of available services in other KY counties, we do provide information and services to persons in other counties, upon request and as we have resources available.
Our mission:
To increase independence, security and quality of life for Kentuckians affected by vision loss through peer support, technology, training and additional resources.
We do this through our two main programs: Peer Support and Assistive Technology and Training. Some of the services provided through these two programs include:
- support group meetings
- peer group mentoring
- demonstrations and hands-on trials of technology items and devices
- group and individual training on assistive technology such as accessibility features on smart phones and tablets
- educational seminars
- community outings
- a technology lending / distribution program
Our programs are available to any person residing in Kentucky, regardless of
socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical ability or language.
BCB also publishes the BCB Bulletin, a bi-monthly newsletter offered in email, large print, and audio versions. Our mailing list is a great way to stay informed of the various activities of BCB, pending legislation and/or public policy affecting the blind and visually impaired as well as other items of interest and activities within the community. Visit the newsletter page to sign up!
Other ways to become involved with BCB
- BCB is an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and membership is $10 a year for a combined BCB and ACB membership.
- Help us provide services by purchasing items off our Amazon wish list
- BCB accepts corporate and individual donations and support.
- BCB relies on volunteer support for numerous activities. Click here to go to our volunteer page.
BCB Inclement Weather Policy: The Bluegrass Council of the Blind follows Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) lead in canceling activities. If FCPS is closed, on NTI or on a delay due to weather BCB will cancel all activities. The office voicemail will be updated with the current status for the day.
If you plan to attend an event and unsure about the weather, it is always best to call the office and check the voicemail to be sure the event or appointment has not been canceled due to the office closing. Please stay safe.
BCB is an affiliate chapter of the American Council of the Blind. We are a consumer organization, as well as a 501(c)3, tax exempt nonprofit.
Bluegrass Council of the Blind gratefully acknowledges our key partners:
- The Linda Neville Trust
- United Way of the Bluegrass
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
- Lexington Lions Club
Additional support comes from membership dues, corporate and individual donors, and other grants and fundraising activities.
Bluegrass Council of the Blind is committed to transparency and accountability and has earned a Gold Seal of Transparency with GuideStar. For a detailed portrait of our financials, policies and much more, click here to visit GuideStar and search for Bluegrass Council of the Blind.