Awarewolf Gear makes mobility canes for blind and low-vision users, including the All Terrain Cane developed from its founder’s own hiking needs after vision loss in Sedona, Arizona. Designed by blind users for the blind and low-vision community, its titanium All Terrain Cane is built for rugged ground, while the Urban Xplorer adapts that durability to everyday streets. The company also supports mobility access through cane donations, veteran assistance and a monthly community gathering called A Call For The Wild.
Thomas Fetterman IncThomas Fetterman Inc. is known for the Tornado Tip, developed by Thomas Fetterman from his own experience living with polio and using crutches. The company makes crutch tips and related mobility accessories, including Peace Tips that are distributed to amputee soccer teams and other crutch users in countries where such equipment can be difficult to obtain.SOUTHAMPTON, PA
Industries of the Blind, IncSince 1933, Industries of the Blind has operated a Greensboro manufacturing and distribution workplace where people who are blind or visually impaired make products and perform contract work for government and commercial customers. Its roots are in a six-person mop-making program, while today the nonprofit produces everything from its long-running SKILCRAFT pens to military apparel and equipment. At least 75% of its direct labor is performed by people who are blind, connecting everyday production with the organization’s goal of greater independence.WARWICK, NY
Central Association for the Blind and Visually ImpairedSince 1929, Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has paired comprehensive vision rehabilitation with a social-enterprise manufacturing operation that creates jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Its Central Industries division employs more than 120 people—about half legally blind—to produce and ship goods for federal and New York State customers, while business revenue helps fund CABVI’s services across Central New York.UTICA, NY
AlphapointeBorn more than a century ago in a Kansas City woman’s living room, Alphapointe is a nonprofit manufacturer and service organization that creates products and professional services while employing people who are blind or visually impaired. Its production work ranges from custom molded plastics to tactical medical products, with manufacturing carried out alongside vision rehabilitation, job training, and employment support. Alphapointe is now one of the largest U.S. employers of people with vision loss.RICHMOND HILL, NY