About The Association of Blind Asians (ABA)

Association of blind Asians (ABA) is a registered charity (no 296644) working for the welfare of blind and partially sighted Asian people living in the UK.

Established in 1986 ABA has demonstrated that it has a vital role to play in looking after the interests, needs and rights of Asian blind people living in the UK.

Awareness of language, cultural and social needs means that ABA is able to assist members in a sensitive way and so create that vital link in accessing rightful welfare aid. In addition, ABA provides an invaluable network of friendship and support for its members.

The unique aspect of ABA is that it was created, established and run by visually impaired Asians themselves with the active participation of sighted volunteers and sympathisers.

Organisation and structure of ABA

ABA is governed by a written Constitution, passed by three fourth majority of members initially, which was submitted to the Charities Commission and approved in 1986. It can only be amended or inclusions inserted, after due process of approval by three fourth members present at EGM or at AGM and approved by the Charities Commission.

Office bearers include Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, elected at the AGM by majority votes of members.

Executive Committee

The Committee is chaired by the Chairperson, which includes all the Office bearers and up to seven Committee members elected at the AGM. Committee can co-opt an appropriate number of members, as necessary either from Associate members or Full members, who may have special skills or experience.

Trustees

Four Trustees are appointed at the AGM.

President and Vice Presidents

President and up to five Vice Presidents can be appointed for a period of two years at the AGM.

ABA's Aims

To work for the welfare of blind and partially sighted Asian people

To identify problems and difficulties encountered by blind and partially sighted Asians and to identify gaps in the welfare services that do not address these problems

To maintain a register of blind and partially sighted Asians as a basis for formulating future policies.

To support and encourage parents and relatives of blind and partially sighted Asian people. ABA is managing to run its own Awareness projects to educate and to raise awareness among the Asian Communities in the UK about the needs of visually impaired people and their families and the problems encountered by them due to cultural, language difficulties and religious implications.

What we do

Produce and distribute information in Asian languages on welfare rights, health etc, through a monthly newsletter on audio tape.

Organise training, talks, seminars and medical consultation for members through our monthly meeting held at RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE, on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 03:30 PM.

Provide counselling, advice and information services through a telephone helpline, weekly advice surgery and face to face meetings.

Offer a platform to the members for socialising and leisure activities.

Membership

Membership is free for blind and partially sighted people of Asian origin. Members should be registered. Relatives, carers and friends of blind Asian people can become associate members for a life membership fee of £15.

To become a member of ABA, Please complete the
application for membership form

Opportunity for Voluntary work with ABA

Our Association very much depends on the good will and dedicated work of volunteers to provide our help and services to visually impaired Asians and their families. We are looking for volunteers with commitment, sensitivity, energy and reliability to join us in this vital service. ABA would provide training, orientation and support to those, male and female volunteers who wish to take these opportunities. At present we are particularly looking for volunteers living in Greater London areas. If you feel you would like to offer your help, please either email, write or telephone us
to discuss this further.

Financial help

ABA is entirely dependent on donations, voluntary financial assistance and voluntary grants to run its services. ABA would very much welcome help to raise these vital funds. Please either email, write or telephone
our office to offer this help or to seek advice how to offer financial assistance to this vitally important service. If you wish to send money donations of any amount, please send by cheque, made payable to Association of Blind Asians and post it to the Associations address. Thank you.

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Association of blind Asians (ABA) is a registered charity (no 296644)

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Last updated 22 September 2006
Copyright 2004/2006