Since 1935, the Austrian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been working to improve the living conditions of visually impaired and blind people. Through counseling, accessibility work, and social support, much has been achieved so far.
"Nine decades full of dynamism, development, and change for blind and visually impaired people. Thank you for allowing us to walk this path with so many dedicated people..” said Elmar Fürst, CEO, at the anniversary celebration.
"I see it as our mission to provide support and actively break down barriers in people's minds and in everyday life. It fills me with pride that we have been able to be a reliable voice for visually impaired people for 90 years – and that we can still achieve a lot together.“ Klaus Höckner, Deputy Chairman of the Board
On the occasion of the anniversary celebration, the Hilfsgemeinschaft invited to an extraordinary concert at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna on 15 October 2025 with the vocal ensemble Vocalody The audience sat in a circle of chairs and, after the keynote speeches, was asked to put on sleep masks to fully concentrate on the sounds. The hall was darkened. The ensemble took a different position in the room for each work – they sang pieces by Clara Schumann, Eric Whitacre, Caroline Shaw, and others. A powerful and inclusive sound experience!
