History of the Ozarks Chapter

The Ozarks Chapter of the Arkansas Council of the Blind, though a new chapter, has its beginnings as far back as 1991, with the formation of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. Prior to 1991, people interested in participating in the Arkansas Council of the Blind had to travel to Fort Smith. Since this was years before the completion of the new interstate highway, it was quite a long, dangerous drive. After determining there was enough interest in the Northwest Arkansas area, Raymond Paslay and Lois Eubanks established the Northwest Arkansas Chapter in 1991.

The chapter was very focused on advocacy and community education about blindness. Their monthly meetings included a presentation by a variety of people, including eye doctors, Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) personnel, a member telling his or her life story, and others discussing Braille education. The group also held an annual seminar at Northwest Vo-Tech, where attendees were educated about resources and services available for the blind, and for those losing their sight.

The chapter was an active participant in helping the community, and held events to benefit the public. One year, the chapter collected useful/needed items and donated them to a nursing home at the holidays. At another, the chapter collected boxes of cereal and donated them to a local food pantry. Perhaps the chapter's greatest impact in the community was its annual scholarship for a blind or visually impaired student or a student with a blind parent. Over its 20 year history, the Northwest Chapter awarded ten $1,000 scholarships. Students from all over Arkansas completed applications to be considered, and a committee of chapter members chose the recipient.

Over the years, the chapter dwindled as members died or moved away, and the few remaining members were unable to recruit people interested in being involved. In May of 2011, after 20 years of active service, the Northwest Chapter made the difficult decision to dissolve, and they gave their remaining funds to the state chapter.

But that is not the end of the story. In the summer of 2013, former NWA chapter members were approached by a group of people wanting to join the Arkansas Council of the Blind. It was decided rather than re-start the NWA chapter, the group would establish a new chapter, and the Ozarks Chapter was founded. Our constitution was ratified by the Arkansas Council of the Blind in April 2014 at its annual convention. Although we started small, the chapter has rapidly grown. Many of the remaining NWA members, happy that another group is active, have eagerly joined us in our efforts. We have rekindled community contacts and are pursuing new sponsors to aid us in our mission. The Ozarks Chapter has already established a scholarship in memory of a former NWA member, Leroy Johnson. It will be $1,000 as well.

Whether you are seeking help or information for yourself or a family member, or if you are interested in volunteering with a great group for an even greater cause, we'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to Contact Us.

To learn about the history of our parent organization, the American Council of the Blind, please visit The ACB Home Page.