As the Johannesburg Society for the Blind (JSB) commemorates a century of empowering visually impaired individuals, we continue to celebrate independence, dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for blind and visually impaired people across South Africa.
Established in 1926, Johannesburg Society for the Blind has spent 100 years promoting the rights, dignity, education, rehabilitation, and independent living of visually impaired individuals in South Africa. This centenary milestone presents an opportunity to showcase our historical achievements while positioning the organisation as a modern leader in disability advocacy and community empowerment.
From 1926 to today, we continue to assist blind and visually impaired people to walk unafraid through support, empowerment, and opportunity.
Founded in 1926, the Johannesburg Society for the Blind has remained committed to promoting the rights, dignity, and abilities of visually impaired people through rehabilitation programmes, education, and the provision of skills and resources for independent living. For nearly a century, the organisation has continued to empower individuals and support greater inclusion and independence within the community.
The Johannesburg Society for the Blind (JSB) is a non-profit organisation that relies on donor funding to serve the needs of blind and partially sighted persons, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.
Established in 1926, JSB originally focused on supporting civilians who had been blinded during World War I by providing accommodation, employment opportunities, rehabilitation services, and training in daily living skills, as well as orientation and mobility.
From its founding in 1926 through to the present day, the organisation has evolved significantly. Over the decades, JSB has expanded its mandate beyond care and support to place stronger emphasis on empowerment, skills development, and capacity building among visually impaired individuals, enabling them to actively participate in the socio-economic development of South Africa.
Today, JSB continues to build on nearly a century of service, adapting its programmes to modern needs while maintaining its core mission of support, independence, and inclusion for the visually impaired community.
To ensure good governance, accountability, and effective representation, the organisation is structured with a Board of Directors, a Management Committee, a Residents Committee, a Workers Committee, and a Students’ Representative Council.
Prof Lindokuhle Ubisi, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of South Africa
“As a researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Africa, my work with the Johannesburg Society for the Blind has profoundly shaped my understanding of the psychosexual experiences of visually impaired individuals. Throughout my research, I have witnessed the complexity and richness of their sexual lives, challenging prevalent myths and misconceptions. Collaborating with the Society has allowed me to engage directly with visually impaired students, revealing their diverse needs, desires, and aspirations. This experience has reinforced the importance of fostering inclusive environments that promote awareness, education, and support for all individuals, regardless of their visual abilities.”