Helping Hands: Giving Blind People

From "Vision Enhancement"
Used by Permission.
In an effort to address many of the real concerns that confront those with vision loss and to provide a vital resource, Helping Hands for the Blind (HHB) was founded in October 1990. It is a non-profit organization of blind people who want to help other blind people. It serves as a problem solving organization and is a guide that blind people can turn to in times of need.

Probably the most important service offered by HHB is that of providing timely assistance to blind people in need of help. This could mean financial assistance like helping with the rent or groceries. Quite often, however, it can take other forms, such as providing legal assistance to the limits of its funds, arranging for reduced legal fees where appropriate, providing financial grants to blind students, providing mobility instruction to enhance travel abilities for blind people, establishing special programs designed specifically for the blind, and responding to special requests based on individual evaluation of need.

Much of the success of this organization can be attributed to its founder and President, Robert "Bob" J. Acosta, who has dedicated a major portion of his life to helping and working with the blind. Bob, the first blind teacher to teach sighted students in the Los Angeles Unified School District, has spent 33+ years in the teaching profession. He gained the distinction early in life by being chosen one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America and later was appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan to serve on the State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind. His leadership expertise and abilities led him to serve in the top positions of several national organizations.

As is so often the case, Bob's determination to help others is shared by his wife, Ruth Ann, who was also born blind. Together this dynamic couple command the admiration and respect of those they serve and are a vital motivating influence upon all with whom they come in contact. They, with the HHB Board of Directors and financial support from individuals and corporations, are fulfilling the organization's mission of empowering and enabling those blind persons who only need a "hand-up" not just a "hand-out."

For more information about this caring organization, contact: Helping Hands for the Blind, 20734-C Devonshire Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Toll Free: 877-422-0300. Ph. or Fax: 818-341-8217.
E Mail: boacosta@pacbell.net

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