Mission Statement

The mission of the San Diego Center for the Blind (SDCB) is to help any adult with blindness or vision impairment to reach their highest level of independence.

This is achieved by offering psychological counseling, training and rehabilitation, and community education and outreach programs. SDCB’s commitment to ensuring the emotional well-being of the visually impaired has become a nationwide model for service delivery, as well as becoming an international model for designing an accessible facility.


At SDCB we believe that whatever the level of your abilities, you are successful in your own right. 

As Helen Keller stated about her disability...Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!



Board of Directors 2016 Independent Voting Members

Jack M. Dapra, Pres.
David Ward, VP
Stephen Haselhorst,      Sec/Treas

Len Blottin
Joe Carmellino
Chuck Gough
Ricardo M. Hackley
Justin Stewart
Blessie Trott
Rilla Van Zandt *

*Vision Impaired
 


Key Staff
Kimbrally Z. Gibbens, CEO
Dennis P. Smith, PhD, COO. CDO
John Nolan, Controller
Israel Martinez, Director of Client Services


Process For Determining CEO Compensation: The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors meets on an annual basis and determines the compensation for the CEO.

 
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About the San Diego Center for the Blind

Introduction

The San Diego Center for the Blind (SDCB) provides services to legally blind adults who are age 18 or older. This includes adults with no vision to those with changing vision.  Programs are provided to clients regardless of their disability, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender and/or socioeconomic status.

History

SDCB was first established in 1972 as a result of a four year federal government establishment grant. Since becoming incorporated as a private not-for-profit organization in 1976, SDCB has been the only program of its kind with the purpose to help blind and vision impaired individuals obtain their optimal level of independence. With facilities in San Diego and Vista, the Center is able to provide services throughout San Diego County.

Our dedicated volunteer board of directors and our competent and committed staff strive to expand and improve our comprehensive rehabilitation programs. We diligently work to stay at the forefront of the needs and services required by the adult blind and vision impaired community of San Diego County.

Philosophy

Everyday students at SDCB reach their highest potential for confident, independent living. At SDCB, we understand the deep, personal desire to lead life on your terms. While it’s easy to take everyday tasks for granted, that is often not the case for individuals who are blind or vision impaired. For those individuals experiencing vision loss, preparing meals, paying bills, shopping, studying or working are challenges that must be faced and overcome.

At SDCB we help people meet those challenges proactively by focusing on capabilities and providing comprehensive rehabilitation services that emphasize personal strengths and the many opportunities available to participate positively in family life and community activities.


Organizational Transparency

Conflict of Interest Policy [PDF] SELECT HERE

Document Retention and Destruction Policy [PDF] SELECT HERE

Whistleblower Policy [PDF] SELECT HERE


Process For Determining CEO Compensation: The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors meets on an annual basis and determines the compensation for the CEO.

Financials

SELECT HERE for Audited Financial Statements and Form 990's