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| Oklahoma Council of the Blind Logo |
The Tulsa Council of the Blind is a chapter of the Oklahoma Council of the Blind. It was created by
a group of blind individuals in the 1940s and served several functions. During that period of time, the isolation of
blind people was far greater than today.
The chapter served as an advocacy organization as well as a social
outlet.
At that time, it was highly unusual for blind people to live
independently. Services were generally
begun by blind people themselves. This
is the only disability group that was formed by individuals rather than by professionals
who served them.
Blind people were uniquely situated to organize
themselves. Most had attended the
Oklahoma School for the Blind, and therefore knew one another and were able to
network among themselves.
As time has gone by, the population of newly blind or older
blind has increased, and it is more important than ever that they have positive
role models from whom they can learn the skills necessary to live
independently. TCB has been working to provide support for blind children and
adults, including the growing population of older visually impaired
people.
Over the past decades, TCB has been involved in legislative
and other forms of advocacy in behalf of blind and visually impaired people,
particularly on a local level. We have
worked hard to develop public transportation, sidewalks, and acceptance of
visually pmpaired people in all aspects of society. We have the same desires and needs as anyone
else. We’d like to stay in our own
homes, and we’d like to stay involved in the outside world. But too often, newly blind adults have no
idea that their lives aren’t over. Their
family members often don’t either. We
learn in different ways, read in different ways, cook and clean in different
ways. These skills are not self-evident. Too often family members
unintentionally hold them back by not knowing how to teach independent living
skills. It’s easy to become too dependent on sighted spouses and family
members, often creating resentments and unhealthy relationships. TCB aims to help create a better
understanding of visual impairment so that our members can live as
independently as they want.
We invite all to participate with us. Whether you are blind,
visually impaired, or a sighted friend or relative of someone who is visually
impaired, TCB is here to help you. Our goal is to provide information and
support to all who need it.
