Tobin Foundation, DATI Discover Common Ground

Francis J. Filliben
Tobin Foundation for the Visually Impaired

The Tobin Foundation for the Visually Impaired has contacted DATI to determine how its resources can best be partnered with those of DATI to provide additional assistance to Delawareans with disabilities, specifically those with visual problems.

Founded in 1986 and officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 1987, the Tobin Foundation is a volunteer organization headquartered in Wilmington. For nearly 20 years it has helped to bring greater freedom and independence to many visually impaired men, women, and children in the First State. It was founded by eight Delawareans in memory of their friend, former DuPont executive Bill Tobin, who had a history of quietly aiding less fortunate people, particularly those with visual disabilities. Emphasizing this, the founders created an acronym for TOBIN-"Touching Our Blind In Need."

Tobin's partnership with DATI is an expansion of both organizations' continuing efforts to extend assistance to individuals with disabilities in Delaware. Through the years, Tobin volunteers have been able to improve the quality of life for many blind and other visually impaired individuals by providing them with guide dogs, computers, customized accessories, and special training personalized to meet specific needs.

For years, Tobin has partnered with Guiding Eyes for the Blind of Yorktown Heights, New York, and co-sponsored 20 guide dogs bred and trained by Guiding Eyes. These exceptional dogs have brought greater freedom and independence to their blind partners throughout the state, including recipients in Wilmington, Newark, Magnolia, and Seaford.

In the early 1990s, Tobin initiated a program to provide specialized computers and equipment to qualifying individuals with visual impairments. In the mid-1990s, the Foundation established a Computer Training & Technology Center where new vocational rehabilitation clients could be trained and tested before Tobin provided them computer hardware and software. In 1997, Tobin, in conjunction with its long relationship with the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI), conducted a survey to identify blind and visually impaired students in Delaware's K-12 public schools. Since then, the Tobin Foundation has continued to provide home computers to eligible students, as well as adults.

In the past few years, Tobin also has partnered with Independent Resources, Inc. (IRI). IRI has developed a computer training program for visually impaired people motivated to pursue independent living. A number of IRI-trained individuals have qualified to receive a home computer system customized and installed by volunteers of the Tobin Foundation.

There is no charge for equipment or services provided by Tobin. Funds for Tobin's activities are obtained through contributions from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, and by fundraising events such as the annual "Tobin Open" Golf Tournament, the Tobin "Eating Extravaganza" (scheduled for September), and membership in the Foundation's "1200 Club" (named in recognition of the fact that there are an estimated 1,200 sightless people in Delaware).

At its upcoming board meeting, directors of the Foundation will review how Tobin can complement the activities of DATI and authorize details of a program with DATI to provide additional support to Delaware's visually impaired citizens. All contacts with the program will be through DATI.