The East Bay Center for the Blind

Picture of the Front of the Building

Owned and operated by the Blind for more than sixty-five years, the Center was founded in 1939 when three blind people decided to establish a place for blind people to meet, share common problems, develop living skills and have fun.

During World War II, the Center's members contributed to the war effort by making bandages for the service men as well as for cancer patients. The group incorporated in 1950. In 1987 the Center moved to its current location on Adeline Street in Berkeley.

As a Public Benefits organization, the Center is open to both members and non-members, all of whom are welcome to participate in our classes and social events. The East Bay Center for the Blind provides educational programs and classes, referral to community services and resources, and a limited range of supplies and equipment for blind and visually impaired people.

Social events include games such as cards and bingo; audio-described movies, our annual picnic, holiday parties and talent shows, and more. Every Fall we have our annual Harvest Festival, with entertainment and hand-made crafts and baked goods, as a fund-raising and social event for the Center. In June we have our annual bake-sale fund-raiser, and more. This is just a sampling of our activities.

Picture of Exercise Class

• An accessible meeting place with a friendly atmosphere
• A support group for newly blind/low vision persons and their families

• Social Activities:
  • Annual Picnic
  • Bingo
  • Harvest Festival
  • Holiday Party and Talent Show

• Braille and Audio Library
• Information on Community and National Services
• Special Supplies such as Braille paper and canes

• Life Enrichment Classes: (See our Class Schedule)
  • Computer Instruction
  • Braille Instruction
  • Ceramics
  • Exercise and Movement
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Music Appreciation
  • Spanish Instruction

• Newsletter in Braille and Large Print

Picture of Computer Instruction Class

We welcome members from all walks of life and diverse cultures, who live in the surrounding Bay Area. For a minimal annual fee, members receive a variety of benefits including free registration for classes, and are eligible to participate in leadership roles. Our staff members are fully qualified although most are blind or visually impaired. They are committed to the successful functioning of the Center and are willing to work for a nominal fee or on a voluntary basis.

Picture of Fundraiser Event

How You Can Help:

The East Bay Center for the Blind, Inc. is a private nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, which receives no governmental funding. Our income is derived from membership dues, donations, bequests, grants and fundraisers. Any donations to the East Bay Center for the Blind, Inc. are greatly appreciated. For more information on how you can help support the Center, please contact us at  (510) 843-6935.

Picture of Members and Staff

The Center has continued to be a common meeting ground for the blind community over the years to the present. It is owned, governed and managed entirely by its blind and visually impaired active membership. An "active" member, as defined by our Constitution, is one who, upon being accepted for membership by the Board of Directors, and upon the payment of dues, is entitled to vote and to hold elective office. Member activities include planning and participating in quarterly business meetings.