Who we are

Addis Hiwot Center of the Blind (AHCB) is a leading Ethiopian civil society organization dedicated to the empowerment, rehabilitation, and inclusion of persons with visual impairments, with a special focus on adults and youth who acquire blindness later in life.

 

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Addis Ababa, AHCB is legally registered under the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and is recognized nationally for its rights-based, inclusive approach.

 

Our organization is women-led and disability-led, with many founding members having lived experience of late-onset visual impairment. Our primary beneficiaries are people who lost their sight after the age of 13, especially women, girls, and youth facing intersecting barriers of gender and disability.

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Our Mission

To rehabilitate late visually impaired persons into family and community life, prevent avoidable blindness, and promote the rights and social inclusion of persons with visual impairments in all aspects of Ethiopian society.

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Our Vision

An inclusive Ethiopia where late-onset visually impaired persons and all people with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities, unhindered access, and full participation in society as a matter of civic and human rights .​​

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Our Impact

Over the past two decades, AHCB has:

• Served more than 2,000 people with late-onset blindness.

• Generated over 300,000 ETB in income through its Braille printing service .

• Built strong partnerships with national ministries, donors (including Abilis Foundation), and international organizations .

• Successfully advocated for disability inclusion in education, health, and public policy.​​

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Why Support AHCB?

• Expertise in late-onset blindness rehabilitation and disability inclusion

• Strong partnerships with government, donors, and disability networks

• Women-led and disability-led leadership

• Commitment to evidence-based, rights-oriented programming

• Proven track record of sustainable, high-impact interventions

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Our Partners

We collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Abilis Foundation, Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD), and other local and international stakeholders.

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Get Involved

Whether you are seeking support, want to partner with us, or wish to contribute to our mission, your involvement helps build a more inclusive Ethiopia. Contact us to learn more.