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FOUNDATION FOR BLIND CHILDREN
PHOENIX, AZ · EIN 860129981 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE G41Z · Voluntary Health Associations · Large ($10M-$50M) · www.seeitourway.org
revenue
$11.2M
expenses
$12.6M
net assets
$28.2M
employees
177
volunteers
238
program ratio
86%
mission · from form 990

FOUNDATION FOR BLIND CHILDREN'S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE EDUCATION, TOOLS AND SERVICES THAT ENABLE ALL PERSONS WITH VISION LOSS TO ACHIEVE GREATER INDEPENDENCE. OUR VISION IS A WORLD WHERE VISION LOSS IS A DIAGNOSIS, NOT A DISABILITY. FOUNDATION FOR BLIND CHILDREN VALUES EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, ADVOCACY, GREAT WORK ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Foundation for Blind Children provides education, tools, and services to individuals of all ages impacted by vision loss. They offer comprehensive programs from early intervention through adult training, focusing on independence, education, and community integration. The organization primarily serves Arizona but also provides accessible educational materials nationally and to Canada.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $1.94M
    ITINERANT VISION TEACHERS TRAVEL THROUGHOUT MARICOPA COUNTY TEACHING STUDENTS IN THEIR HOMES, PUBLIC, DISTRICTS, CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. OUR GOALS ARE TO TEACH CHILDREN WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED THE COMPENSATORY SKILLS THAT FACILITATE THE SAME ACCESS TO INFORMATION AS THEIR SIGHTED PEERS, HELP THEM TO PROGRESS IN THEIR EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM AND PROMOTE SOCIAL INTERACTION. ITINERANT AND EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS OFFER RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES SUCH AS SUPPORT, INFORMATION, AND GUIDANCE TO FAMILIES WHO HAVE A PERSON WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT. THEY ALSO OFFER CRISIS AND ADJUSTMENT COUNSELING, WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUPS, ADAPTIVE RECREATION (SHARP), AND REGULARLY SCHEDULED FAMILY EVENTS. LAST YEAR WE SERVED 107 FAMILIES AND 59 STUDENTS IN SHARP.
  2. #2 $1.69M
    ADULT SERVICES PROVIDE THE REHABILITATION AND TRAINING NECESSARY FOR YOUNG ADULTS TO TRANSITION EFFECTIVELY INTO COLLEGE OR WORK AND FOR ADULTS TO LEARN NEW SKILLS NECESSARY FOR EMPLOYMENT. FBC'S GOAL IS TO GET BLIND ADULTS TO WORK.
named programs · 11 · from sources

what they call their work

Adult Comprehensive Training Program
Provides personalized instruction in home management, assistive technology, job readiness, and orientation and mobility for adults with vision loss
Arizona Instructional Resource Center (AIRC)
National leader in accessible educational materials offering Braille on Demand, large print, digital files, and managing the Federal Quota Program for Arizona students
Early Intervention Program
Provides developmental support and home visits for infants and toddlers with visual impairments and their families, focusing on early milestones and assistive tools
Family Education and Support Program
Offers education, emotional support, and community connections for families of individuals with vision loss across all life stages
Independence, Career, and College Readiness Programs
Year-round programs including Teen to Work, College Prep, SOAR, and Trailblazers that prepare teens and young adults for independent living, careers, and higher education
Itinerant
Provides support through Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialists in schools, homeschools, and community settings across Arizona
Low Vision Clinic
Specialized optometry services providing assessments, magnification devices, and daily living aids to help individuals of all ages maximize remaining vision
New Horizons
Supports older adults with vision loss through training in daily living skills, assistive tools, peer connection, and family education
Preschool and Elementary
Center-based educational programs for children with visual impairments focusing on pre-academic skills, Braille, and the Expanded Core Curriculum aligned with Arizona standards
Recreation and Empowerment
Offers weekend and summer programs including activities like rock climbing, cooking, and Goalball to build confidence and social skills for students with visual impairments
Research Department
Conducts evidence-based research on visual impairment in partnership with families, educators, and professionals to improve services and share knowledge
activities · 9 groups

what they do

  • Youth Workforce & Independence Training for Blind Individuals 10 activities
    • Community and Family Support Events
      Hosts various social and community-building events for visually impaired individuals and their families, including guided zoo tours, playgroups with music therapy, parent meet-ups, outdoor field trips, and an annual spring festival with a beeping egg hunt.
    • Community and Family Support Events
      Hosts various social and community-building events for visually impaired individuals and their families, including guided zoo tours, playgroups with music therapy, parent meet-ups, social events for mothers and fathers, outdoor field trips, and an annual spring festival with a beeping egg hunt.
    • Community and Family Support Events
      Hosts playgroups, social events, and outdoor field trips for visually impaired children and their families, including specialized events like guided zoo tours and a beeping egg hunt. Organizes meet-up events for parents of children with vision loss to build community and share experiences.
    • Family and Caregiver Support Programs
      Hosts playgroups, social events for mothers and fathers of blind children, and meet-up events for parents of children with vision loss to build community, share experiences, and provide peer support.
    • Family and Parent Support Programs
      Hosts playgroups for visually impaired children aged 0–5 and their families, featuring music therapy, interactive play stations, and parent peer support groups. Organizes meet-up events and social events for parents, including specific events for fathers and mothers of blind children, and outdoor field trips for families.
    • Recreational Programs for Youth
      Operates recreational programs including Saturday activities and summer camp for students with visual impairments to build confidence and life skills. This includes guided zoo tours, playgroups, and an annual spring festival with a beeping egg hunt.
    • Recreational and Youth Development Programs
      Operates recreational programs including Saturday activities, summer camp, guided zoo tours with tactile animal representations, outdoor field trips, and an annual spring festival with a beeping egg hunt. Also delivers year-round youth development programs such as summer residential experiences and weekend workshops to build independence, career, and college readiness for teens and young adults with visual impairments.
    • Youth Development Programs
      Delivers year-round youth development programs including summer residential experiences and weekend workshops to build independence, career, and college readiness for teens and young adults with visual impairments.
    • Youth Development and Recreational Programs
      Operates recreational programs including Saturday activities and summer camp for students with visual impairments to build confidence and life skills. Delivers year-round youth development programs, including summer residential experiences and weekend workshops, to build independence, career, and college readiness for teens and young adults with visual impairments.
    • Youth Development and Recreational Programs
      Operates recreational programs including Saturday activities and summer camp for students with visual impairments to build confidence and life skills. Delivers year-round youth development programs, including summer residential experiences and weekend workshops, to build independence, career, and college readiness for teens and young adults with visual impairments.
  • Accessibility-Focused Fundraising Events 9 activities
    • Annual Fundraising Events
      Hosts annual fundraising events including Night for Sight and a family-friendly 5K run and 1-mile walk in Scottsdale, which includes a blindfold challenge to simulate navigation with a sighted guide, raising over $300,000 in support of programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
    • Fundraising Events
      Organizes various fundraising events, including an annual family-friendly 5K and 1-mile walk, a timed 5K run, and the Night for Sight gala, to support programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Arizona.
    • Fundraising Events
      Organizes annual fundraising events such as a 5K run and 1-mile walk, Night for Sight, and the White Cane Walk, to support programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Arizona.
    • Fundraising Events
      Hosts annual fundraising events such as a family-friendly 5K and 1-mile walk, a timed 5K run, and the "Night for Sight" gala, to support programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Arizona.
    • Fundraising Events
      Organizes various fundraising events, including an annual family-friendly 5K and 1-mile walk/run with a blindfold challenge, and the "Night for Sight" gala, to support programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Arizona.
    • White Cane Walk Event
      Hosts an annual White Cane Walk event in October to honor National White Cane Day, promoting awareness and independence for individuals with visual impairments.
    • White Cane Walk Event
      Hosts an annual White Cane Walk event in October to honor National White Cane Day.
    • White Cane Walk Event
      Hosts an annual White Cane Walk event in October to honor National White Cane Day, promoting awareness and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
    • White Cane Walk and Awareness Events
      Hosts the annual White Cane Walk event in October to honor National White Cane Day, promoting awareness and visibility for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Specialized Private Day Schools for Students with Disabilities 6 activities
    • Elementary Education
      Provides elementary education services for children with vision loss from kindergarten through fourth grade, aligning instruction with Arizona State Standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
    • Itinerant Support Services in Inclusive School Settings
      Provides itinerant support through certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialists to students in inclusive school settings across Arizona, serving over 44 district and charter schools in the Phoenix Metro Area.
    • Itinerant Support for Students
      Provides itinerant support through certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialists to students in inclusive school settings across Arizona, serving over 44 district and charter schools in the Phoenix Metro Area.
    • K-12 Education and Itinerant Support for Visually Impaired Students
      Provides elementary education services for children with vision loss from kindergarten through fourth grade, aligning instruction with Arizona State Standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Additionally, offers itinerant support through certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialists to students in inclusive school settings across Arizona, serving over 44 district and charter schools in the Phoenix Metro Area.
    • K-12 Education and Itinerant Support for Visually Impaired Students
      Provides elementary education services for children with vision loss from kindergarten through fourth grade, aligning instruction with Arizona State Standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Additionally, offers itinerant support through certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility Specialists to students in inclusive school settings across Arizona, serving over 44 district and charter schools in the Phoenix Metro Area.
    • K-4 Educational Programs for Children with Vision Loss
      Delivers elementary education services for children with vision loss from kindergarten through fourth grade, aligned with Arizona State Standards and the Expanded Core Curriculum, at a dedicated center.
  • Legislative & Systems Education Initiatives 5 activities
    • Accessible Educational Materials Production
      Produces and distributes accessible educational materials including braille, large print, and digital formats through the Arizona Instructional Resource Center, serving clients in 39 states and Canada.
    • Accessible Educational Materials Production and Distribution
      Produces and distributes accessible educational materials, including braille, large print, and digital formats, through the Arizona Instructional Resource Center, serving clients in 39 states and Canada.
    • Accessible Educational Materials Production and Distribution
      Produces and distributes accessible educational materials—including braille, large print, and digital formats—through the Arizona Instructional Resource Center, serving clients in 39 states and Canada.
    • Accessible Educational Materials Production and Distribution
      Produces and distributes accessible educational materials, including braille, large print, and digital formats, through the Arizona Instructional Resource Center, serving clients in 39 states and Canada.
    • Production and Distribution of Accessible Educational Materials
      Produces and distributes accessible educational materials, including braille, large print, and digital formats, through the Arizona Instructional Resource Center, serving clients in 39 states and Canada.
  • Assistive Technology Training for the Visually Impaired 5 activities
    • Adult Training and Independent Living
      Provides adult training in independent living, assistive technology, and job readiness for individuals with vision loss. Offers hands-on training and support for older adults with vision loss to maintain independent living at home, including organized social outings.
    • Adult Training and Independent Living Support
      Provides adult training in independent living, assistive technology, and job readiness for individuals with vision loss. Offers hands-on training and support for older adults with vision loss to maintain independent living at home, including organized social outings like mall visits for seniors.
    • Adult and Senior Independent Living Training
      Provides adult training in independent living, assistive technology, and job readiness for individuals with vision loss. Offers hands-on training and support for older adults with vision loss to maintain independent living at home, including organized social outings like mall visits for seniors.
    • Adult and Senior Independent Living and Job Readiness Training
      Provides adult training in independent living, assistive technology, and job readiness for individuals with vision loss. Offers hands-on training and support for older adults with vision loss to maintain independent living at home, including organized social outings for seniors.
    • Adult and Senior Training Programs
      Provides adult training in independent living, assistive technology, and job readiness for individuals with vision loss, including hands-on support for older adults to maintain independent living at home, and organizes social and educational outings such as mall visits for visually impaired seniors.
  • Medical & Vision Professional CME/CE Events 5 activities
    • Professional Development and Networking for Vision Professionals
      Hosts networking events for vision professionals featuring educational sessions that offer ACVREP credits, supporting capacity building in the field of visual impairment services.
    • Professional Networking and Training for Vision Professionals
      Hosts networking events for vision professionals with educational sessions offering ACVREP credits to enhance their skills and knowledge.
    • Professional Networking and Training for Vision Professionals
      Hosts networking events for vision professionals that include educational sessions offering ACVREP credits.
    • Professional Networking and Training for Vision Professionals
      Hosts networking events for vision professionals with educational sessions offering ACVREP credits.
    • Vision Professional Networking and Training
      Hosts networking events for vision professionals with educational sessions offering ACVREP credits.
  • Comprehensive Vision Care Services 4 activities
    • Low Vision Clinic
      Operates a low vision clinic providing comprehensive, personalized optometry services for individuals of all ages experiencing vision loss.
    • Low Vision Clinic Services
      Operates a low vision clinic providing comprehensive, personalized optometry services for individuals of all ages experiencing vision loss.
    • Low Vision Clinic Services
      Operates a low vision clinic providing comprehensive, personalized optometry services for individuals of all ages experiencing vision loss.
    • Low Vision Clinical Services
      Operates a low vision clinic that provides comprehensive, personalized optometry services for individuals of all ages experiencing vision loss.
  • Autism & Neurodiversity Research and Support Services 3 activities
    • Evidence-Based Research on Visual Impairment
      Conducts evidence-based research on visual impairment in partnership with families, educators, and professionals to improve services and contribute to the broader field.
    • Research on Visual Impairment
      Conducts evidence-based research on visual impairment in partnership with families, educators, and professionals to improve services and contribute to the broader field.
    • Research on Visual Impairment
      Conducts evidence-based research on visual impairment in partnership with families, educators, and professionals to improve services and contribute to the broader field.
  • Uncategorized 5 activities
    • Early Intervention Services
      Provides home-based early intervention services for infants and toddlers with visual impairments through visits by trained vision professionals.
    • Early Intervention Services for Visually Impaired Infants and Toddlers
      Provides home-based early intervention services for infants and toddlers with visual impairments through visits by trained vision professionals, and offers center-based preschool classes focusing on pre-academic skills and environmental access.
    • Early Intervention Services for Visually Impaired Infants and Toddlers
      Provides home-based early intervention services for infants and toddlers with visual impairments through visits by trained vision professionals, and offers center-based preschool classes focusing on pre-academic skills and environmental access.
    • Early Intervention and Preschool Services for Young Children with Visual Impairments
      Provides home-based early intervention for infants and toddlers with visual impairments through visits by trained vision professionals, and offers center-based preschool classes focusing on pre-academic skills and environmental access for children with visual impairments.
    • Preschool Education
      Offers center-based preschool classes for children with visual impairments focusing on pre-academic skills and environmental access.
financials · form 990 · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$11.16M
Contributions & grants$3.14M28%
Program service revenue$7.85M70%
Investment income$340K3%
Other revenue$-164K
expenses
Total expenses$12.60M
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead10%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$8.38M
Grants paid out$76K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$29.80M
Cash$7.30M
Investments$5.43M
Liabilities$1.60M
Net assets$28.19M
Liquid reserves12.1 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +21.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 6
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
MARC ASHTON CEO 35 $312K
JARED KITTELSON ASSOCIATE CEO 35 $159K
BARBRA SMITH CHIEF OF STAFF 35 $130K
JULIE OLIVER REHABILITATION SERVICES DIRECTOR 35 $119K
RONALD ROSAS ACCOUNTING MANAGER 35 $99K
ISABELLE CHAPMAN BOARD MEMBER 1 $3K
board members · 19
  • ALAN TAYLOR — BOARD MEMBER (THROUGH MARCH 2023)
  • ALLISON SHEAVES — BOARD MEMBER
  • BILL GATES — BOARD MEMBER (THROUGH MARCH 2023)
  • CHRIS MEYERS — BOARD MEMBER
  • DAVID DUNCAN — BOARD MEMBER
  • DAVID HANSEN — BOARD MEMBER
  • DAVID NIGRO — IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
  • DEVYANI LAL — BOARD MEMBER
  • DON CUPPY — BOARD MEMBER
  • ERIKA BROWN — BOARD MEMBER
  • ERIN COMPTON — BOARD MEMBER (THROUGH MARCH 2023)
  • JACKIE HALLEEN — BOARD MEMBER
  • JOE HERRELL — BOARD MEMBER
  • KATHLEEN FARRAND — BOARD MEMBER
  • KATHLEEN PUCKETT — BOARD MEMBER (THROUGH MARCH 2023)
  • KATHY MILLS — ASSISTANT TREASURER
  • LANA BERRY — TREASURER
  • LAURA KUENY — BOARD MEMBER
  • MARY ANNE LACHENMAIER — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 11

who they work with

  • Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation Partner — Donated a shade structure for the playground at FBC’s East Campus to protect students from sun exposure.
  • Arizona State University Partner — Partnering to develop the first undergraduate degree in Special Education and Teachers of the Visually Impaired.
  • Arizona Talking Book Library Partner — Partner organization that participated with a table at FBC's White Cane Walk event.
  • Delta Gamma Partner — Volunteer group that participates in FBC events such as the annual Sharing Feast.
  • Dr. Carlos Grandela Partner — Collaborates with FBC to provide low vision services through the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Low Vision Clinic.
  • FBC Supporters and Contributors Partner — General acknowledgment of supporters and contributors to the Foundation for Blind Children's programs and events.
  • FBC Supporters and Contributors Partner — Supporters and contributors who are acknowledged for their support of the Foundation for Blind Children
  • FBC Supporters and Contributors Partner — Supporters and contributors who provide resources to the Foundation for Blind Children.
  • Human Resources department Government — Handles career inquiries and application process for the Foundation for Blind Children.
  • Phoenix Zoo Partner — Collaborates on guided zoo tours with tactile representations for blind children and families.
  • ViewFinder Low Vision Resource Center Partner — Partners with FBC in operating the Low Vision Clinic to provide comprehensive low vision services.