Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI) Industries Program is a nationally recognized manufacturing operation and has been producing top-quality goods since 1911. The Industries Program operates in accordance with the Ability One Program under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD), providing employment to people who are blind or visually impaired. CABVI also provides products to the State of Ohio through State-Use and the Community Rehabilitation Program. In 2023, CABVI provided 53,317 hours of work to Industries Program employees with vision loss. Principal products include: rolled paper and tape products, standard and custom signage, kitchen gadgets, door hardware and the packaging of sticky notes and batteries.

CABVI operates two other social enterprises, VIE Ability and the Base Supply Center (BSC). VIE Ability sells office supplies to the State of Ohio, commercial businesses and individuals. VIE Ability saw a 32% increase in 2023 compared to 2022. This growth was due to the ongoing State of Ohio Contract and the addition of a furniture product line in 2023. This successful program continues to grow customer service jobs for people with vision loss. In 2023, 67% of the workforce were individuals with a visual impairment. In total, VIE Ability provided 10,818 employment hours for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The BSC is operated under the authority of the U.S. Air Force and sells products manufactured by blindness and disability agencies across the United States. The products sold are included on the Federal Procurement List and their use by Federal employees provides and sustains employment of people who have disabilities. In 2023, the BSC provided 4,215 employment hours for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

CABVI is a comprehensive multi-service vision rehabilitation organization serving 4,000 individuals with significant vision loss in 2023. Today our vision services include Access Technology Services, Early Childhood and Youth Services, Low Vision Services, Rehabilitation Services and Social Services. In 2023, we offered on site low vision clinics by our full-time optometrist. In addition, our Early Childhood and Youth Services provided students with a new 5-week transitional work experience.

CABVI offers contract close-out services through the Ability One program. Currently, CABVI has contracts with Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the Marine Corps System Command in Quantico, Virginia. In 2023, CABVI provided 26,727 hours of work to people who are blind through these contracts. So far, 33 blind specialists have been hired into government or other professional careers thanks to this program.CABVI also provides Audio Information Services to those who are blind or visually impaired. These services include broadcast reading services, talking book services, personalized talking print service and podcasts. In 2023, 12,544 listeners were served by CABVI's Audio Information Services.