Tri County Agency Overview
History
The Tri County Association for the Blind opened in 1921 as a non-profit organization designed "to improve the quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired by helping them achieve their full potential and maximum independence." Nancy Pew is identified as one of the most pivotal people to have had an influence on the establishment of what was then named the Dauphin County Branch for the Blind. The first jobs offered at the agency for people with seeing disabilities included cleaning, weaving, and fabricating braided rugs. In 1943, the association changed it name to the Tri-County Association for the Blind, which included Cumberland and Perry Counties. In the following year, the association took over eye clinics which were run by Junior Red Cross. The agency became a member of the United Fund of Harrisburg, now known as the United Way, in 1955. In 1985, the location of the agency moved from 2nd and South Street to its current location today: 1800 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA. Recently in 1998 United Way celebrated its 75th anniversary. Today the organization has over 1,300 chapters around the world; however Tri County was one of the original five chapters.
Mission
The mission statement for Tri County is written as, "The Tri-County Association for the Blind works to improve the quality of life for people who are visually impaired in the Tri-County region of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry Counties. By helping each person achieve his or her full potential and maximum independence, our consumers flourish within and enrich our communities. In addition, the Association provides prevention of blindness services to the public."
Services Offered
Access Technology: This service includes any machine or program that helps those who are blind or visually impaired work easier with a computer (i.e. speech synthesizers, Brailling machines, and enlarging and brightening texts on a computer screen). The Association's program teaches those who are blind or visually impaired how to use these machines. It also allows people to become involved in a network that discusses new products and problem solving techniques.
Production Facility: Tri-County pays people with seeing disabilities, who might find it problematic to find employment elsewhere, to perform various tasks, which include packaging, assembly operations, mail preparation, pen production, chair mat production, transcribing different documents into Braille, etc. A variety of companies can benefit from this service, including both small local businesses, and large corporations.
Radio Reading Service: Audio tapes are recorded, and the blind are able to borrow numerous books on tape for their pleasure. Similarly, the radio reading service broadcasts the news and other information for those who are blind or visually impaired and may not have access to otherwise. The Patriot-News is read daily, as well as local magazines, such as Central PA, Harrisburg Magazine and Reminisce.
Social Services: This service contains many different aspects that are meant to help facilitate life for the blind or visually impaired. The services include: in-home services, life skills education, counseling and support groups, transportation and escort, and information and referral. Recreational activities are also offered which include activities such as: playing cards, attending plays, dancing, and getting together for meals.
Fundraising: Tri-County sells Blue Mountain Jar Candles for $10 each. The candles come in over fifty different scents, and all of the proceeds go towards different ways to help people with seeing disabilities.
Prevention of Blindness: Tri-County provides preschool vision screenings, and educates youth and their parents on maintaining healty eyes and ways to prevent eye injuries. Tri-County also works to help children and adults who need corrective eyewear but cannot afford it.
