SC Commission for the Blind celebrates 50 years

Happy Anniversary to the South Carolina Commission for the Blind!  May 2016 marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration as the South Carolina Commission for the Blind (SCCB) celebrates its 50^th year of “Leading the Way to Independence” for South Carolina citizens who are blind or visually impaired.

For the past 50 years, the SCCB has provided services in areas including orientation and mobility, Braille literacy, post-secondary education, transition from school to work, vocational rehabilitation and services to the elderly. These services were provided through initiatives such as Technology Day, the Summer Teen Program, the Student Internship Program, and theLow Vision Program. Support of camps such as Senior Camp at Rocky Bottom, Camp Leo, as well as, various employment initiatives are just a few of the many programs that the SCCB provides.

As we look forward to the next 50 years, we are proud to introduce more programs to help the citizens of South Carolina. With the reinstatement of our Prevention of Blindness program, the SCCB is now able to assist with cataract and retinal detachment surgeries, eye examinations, and corrective eye glasses. The Vocational Rehabilitation Department at SCCB is proud to introduce the Jr. Summer Internship Program for high school students, CareerBoost (Building Occupational Opportunities for Students in Transition), Job Oriented Blind Service Specialists, and The Career Index.

To help celebrate this milestone, the SCCB will host a banquet on May 6, 2016. Tickets for the banquet can be purchased at https://sccb50th.eventbrite.com.  Throughout the year, the agency will profile past consumers, reflecting on past accomplishments, hosting open houses in each of our district offices and more. Stay tuned to our website www.sccb.state.sc.us, for more information these and other activities over the next year.