HISTORY — 1977 TO 2007

Horizons for the Blind developed out of the efforts made by two women to make an accessible nature trail in the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Upon completion of this project, they were approached by the Shedd Aquarium to establish a program for the blind. Then the Brookfield Zoo and other Chicago organizations began to request assistance with making their institutions accessible.

The Interest Displayed By These Cultural Institutions Provided The Impetus Of Horizon's Birth.

-- In March of 1977, Horizons for the Blind was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Its unique purpose was to make the arts accessible to the blind and visually impaired by serving as a liaison between the visually impaired community and the sources of culture, education, and recreation. Co-founder Camille Caffarelli, who has been blind since birth, serves as executive director.

Both blind and sighted volunteers worked together to develop Horizons' programs. Because of the intimate awareness that people with disabilities have of their own needs and interests, institutions were encouraged by the National Endowment for the Arts to form advisory boards that include those well-suited to be spokespersons for the various groups of people with disabilities. Camille Caffarelli has served on many advisory committees and has received numerous awards for her innovative work in increasing accessibility. In addition to this encouraged awareness, Horizons' has been involved in providing tactile maps, artwork, and scientific diagrams for arts organizations, government agencies, nursing homes, schools, libraries and businesses.