Allgemeiner Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverein Berlin gegr.1874 e.V. (ABSV)

The Allgemeiner Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverein Berlin gegr. 1874 e. V. (ABSV) is the oldest self-help organization for the blind and visually impaired in Berlin. Founded in 1874, the association represents the interests of around 2,200 members, who advocate for over 27,000 affected people in Berlin. As lived self-help, blind and visually impaired people themselves determine the goals and orientations.[1][2][5]

Mission and Values

The main mission of the ABSV is the equal participation of blind and visually impaired people in professional and social life. The association exclusively pursues non-profit and charitable welfare purposes to maintain and improve the social and legal status of those affected. Core values are self-determination, professionalism and cooperation with authorities, organizations and institutions. The highest decision-making body is the Delegates' Assembly, which elects a five-member board every four years. The Administrative Board, consisting of district and neighborhood group leaders, the board and the youth officer, complements the structure.[1][2][3]

Key Offers and Services

The ABSV offers comprehensive advice and support for blind and visually impaired people, their families, friends and employers. The core services include:

Social law advice on aids, patient rights, consumer protection and social law.
Advice and support for parents of blind and visually impaired children.
Public relations, education and legal representation.
Regular information booklets for members.
Interest groups on professional, cultural, sporting topics and exchange.
Medical lecture series "Blickpunkt Auge" in districts and neighborhoods, supported by volunteers.[1][3][5][8]

With 38 full-time employees (many of whom are affected themselves) and 147 volunteers (including 120 in groups and working groups), the ABSV guarantees professional and voluntary services.[5]

Institutions and Cooperations

As a strategic shareholder, the ABSV is involved in:

Blindenwohnstätten Berlin (sole shareholder): Residential homes in Spandau and Weißensee for barrier-free living.
Berliner Blindenhörbücherei gGmbH (52.8% share, with Blindenhilfswerk Berlin): Production and lending of audio books.
rbm gemeinnützige GmbH (minority shareholder): Legal advice.
ABSV Service gGmbH (100% share).[2][4]

The association is a member of the Deutscher Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband (DBSV), Deutscher Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband and Aktive Berliner Senioren (ABS). It cooperates, for example, with the BVG in the project acoustic passenger information (FGIa) on buses and trams.[4][5]

Sustainability and Social Commitment

The ABSV prioritizes long-term solution concepts for inclusion and continuously professionalizes them. The Activity and Impact Report 2023 highlights environmental and social profiles, including internal control system and ownership structure. Commitments such as in the board of trustees of the Blindenstiftung Deutschland underscore the focus on sustainable participation and barrier-free mobility.[5][6]

The ABSV embodies over 150 years of self-help tradition and remains a pioneer for an inclusive society in Berlin. With a focus on advice, housing, culture and advocacy, it creates tangible improvements in everyday life.[1][3]

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Sources:

1 - https://www.absv.de/der-absv
2 - https://www.absv.de/transparenz
3 - https://www.absv.de
4 - https://www.absv.de/absv/einrichtungen-und-kooperationen
5 - https://www.absv.de/files/content/publikationen/taetigkeits-und-wirkungsbericht-absv-2023.rtf
6 - https://www.absv.de/files/content/downloads/tb-wirkungsbericht-2024-final.rtf
7 - https://bhb.absv.de/geschichte
8 - https://www.berlin.de/ba-charlottenburg-wilmersdorf/service/ehrenamt/ehrenamtsboerse/artikel.277611.php
9 - https://www.northdata.de/ABSV-HeMa%20GmbH,%20Dorsten/Amtsgericht%20Gelsenkirchen%20HRB%2014874

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