Eligibility for Services
The services of the Delaware Association for the Blind are available to any legally blind or severely visually impaired resident of Delaware.
Legal Blindness is defined as an acuity of 20/200 in the better eye with correction or a limitation in the visual field of 20 degrees or less.
Severe Visual Impairment is defined as an acuity of 20/70 in the better eye with correction.
Services
Store – Our store at 800 West St, Wilmington offers a wide variety of items for both the totally blind and those with low or impaired vision. Items for sale include large print, talking and Braille clocks and watches, magnifiers and lights, white canes, adapted games, writing aids, kitchen items and discount taxi tickets. We have a large collection of “descriptive videos movies” for the visually impaired that can be borrowed. Several times a year the store travels to various locations statewide. Items can also be mailed. Store hours are 8 to 4 Monday through Friday. Call 302-655-2111 or 1-888-777-3925 for more information. The store is open to the general public, including family members and out-of-staters.
Peer Support – Trained visually impaired volunteers assist others in adjusting to their vision loss on a one-to-one basis, primarily through telephone contacts. This program is available statewide and is funded by a grant from the Division for the Visually Impaired. Call (302) 654-1376 for more information.
Recreation – A year-round program of trips with free door-to-door transportation is available statewide. Activities include concerts, plays, sporting events, dinners and trips to regional attractions. Participants only pay for the cost of the admission and any meal expense. There is no additional transportation charge.
Bingo games, music appreciation classes and craft programs are also available. A Braille Auto Rally takes place each fall. Christmas parties are held in each county in conjunction with local Lions Clubs.
Volunteer Taping Program – Books, newspapers and magazines of local interest not otherwise available through the Talking Book Program are recorded on tape by volunteer readers at our Sunnybrook facility. Tapes are mailed to readers free of charge. The program is associated with the Delaware Division of Libraries. Call (302) 994-9478 for more information. Click to read a list of Available Publications.
Camp Sunnybrook – Camp Sunnybrook is a free six-week day camp serving dozens of blind and visually impaired children ages 5-16 each summer. Swimming, field trips, arts & crafts, music, nature programs, games and special events are offered, all adapted for blind and visually impaired children. Door-to-door transportation is offered. Each year the camping season culminates with our Family Day celebration. Campership sponsors are always needed. Please contact us at (302) 655-2111 to see if your child is eligible for this program.
Landis Lodge – Landis Lodge is located on Newport Gap Pike in suburban Wilmington and is a free residential camp for blind and visually impaired adults. Each summer about 40 visually impaired adults enjoy a wide variety of trips and activities. Three eleven-day sessions are offered. Guests are required to be independent in their personal care, but staff members are available to assist guests when needed.
Sunnybrook Pool – An Olympic-size pool is located at our camp facility and is available to any blind or visually impaired person and members of their family. Picnic facilities are available and a pavilion can be reserved for picnics and parties. The pool is wheelchair accessible.
Financial Assistance – Various special funds are available for financial emergencies, special adapted equipment and guide dog expenses. Financial assistance is only available to legally blind clients. We also serve as a contact point for Lions Clubs eyeglass programs.
