Improving Accessibility for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Horizons for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving equitable opportunities through inclusion for the blind, visually impaired, and the companies who wish to accelerate their connection to this $13.2 billion* market. Headquartered Northwest of Chicago, the organization employs blind, visually impaired, and sighted professionals.
*Projected 2030 -Zion Market Research
Founded by Camille Caffarelli in 1977, the organization began with just two volunteers working out of her basement in Chicago. Their mission was to provide tactile exhibits and braille signage for cultural centers. Today, it has become a leading provider of transcription services in English and Spanish to the blind and visually impaired community.
Advocating for equal accessibility and employment opportunities was Camille’s passion and life’s work through Horizons. This passion was not based on sympathy or feeling sorry for people with disabilities but on a strong belief and commitment to independence and the equality of all people.
From the original two volunteers, Horizons for the Blind has grown to a staff of more than 30 dedicated professionals, nearly 50 percent of whom are blind or visually impaired. We utilize the latest braille, large print and audio transcription technologies and believe that automated services are best used by professional humans, not in place of them.
Within our spacious facilities, we effectively serve the needs of our constituents by providing programs and services to Consumers, Non-Profits, and the Business Community. Horizons works together as a team of blind, visually impaired, disabled and sighted individuals to produce the best product possible.
Blind since birth, Camille Caffarelli quickly realized that experiencing life should not be limited to those who view it in traditional ways. A lack of sight is not who or what defines an individual. In 1977, after becoming a single parent due to the untimely death of her husband, Camille cofounded Horizons for the Blind. The organization grew to become an influential leader within the industry due to Camille’s consistent faith, drive, creativity, and determination.
Camille passed away peacefully on May 29, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. We treasure the legacy we have been given and continue to carry this forward, advocating for equal accessibility and opportunities for blind and visually impaired.
Founded by Camille Caffarelli in 1977, the organization began with just two volunteers working out of her basement in Chicago. Their mission was to provide tactile exhibits and braille signage for cultural centers. Today, it has become a leading provider of transcription services in English and Spanish to the blind and visually impaired community.
Advocating for equal accessibility and employment opportunities was Camille’s passion and life’s work through Horizons. This passion was not based on sympathy or feeling sorry for people with disabilities but on a strong belief and commitment to independence and the equality of all people.
From the original two volunteers, Horizons for the Blind has grown to a staff of more than 30 dedicated professionals, nearly 50 percent of whom are blind or visually impaired. We utilize the latest braille, large print and audio transcription technologies and believe that automated services are best used by professional humans, not in place of them.
Within our spacious facilities, we effectively serve the needs of our constituents by providing programs and services to Consumers, Non-Profits, and the Business Community. Horizons works together as a team of blind, visually impaired, disabled and sighted individuals to produce the best product possible.
Blind since birth, Camille Caffarelli quickly realized that experiencing life should not be limited to those who view it in traditional ways. A lack of sight is not who or what defines an individual. In 1977, after becoming a single parent due to the untimely death of her husband, Camille cofounded Horizons for the Blind. The organization grew to become an influential leader within the industry due to Camille’s consistent faith, drive, creativity, and determination.
Camille passed away peacefully on May 29, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. We treasure the legacy we have been given and continue to carry this forward, advocating for equal accessibility and opportunities for blind and visually impaired.