MISSION
To promote independence and opportunities through advocacy for people who are blind or visually impaired.

VISION
To continue to be recognized as the leading advocacy organization in the Greater Pittsburgh area on all issues relative to everyday activities of people who are blind or visually impaired. The aim of all of our efforts is to encourage people to achieve their potential as valued members of society.

ABOUT GTCB

The Golden Triangle Council of the Blind is a membership-based, not-for-profit advocacy organization that meets monthly to discuss issues affecting the local blind and visually impaired community. Ranging in age from teenagers to octogenarians, GTCB members are individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or sighted, and are committed to the organization's objectives. Members strive to help individuals who are newly visually impaired take advantage of the myriad of available services and assistive devices, allowing them to remain active and productive members of society.

GROUP ADVOCACY

GTCB members stay abreast of legislation that affects the visually impaired community and maintain regular contact with lawmakers regarding pertinent issues. Individual members frequently testify at public hearings and visit with their legislators. Recent efforts have focused on restoring adequate funding for public transportation, and developing audio described cultural events

GTCB was instrumental in establishing Radio Information Service, a radio reading service for the print handicapped. The Council also led the effort to have the city of Pittsburgh install audible pedestrian signals in its downtown area.

GTCB frequently collaborates with local agencies providing transportation, education, housing, and other services of interest to the visually impaired community. It worked with many other disability organizations to ensure that Allegheny County purchased accessible electronic voting machines, enabling voters who are blind and visually impaired to cast their ballots independently for the first time. Members of GTCB currently serve on the Consumer Provider Council on Blindness and the Committee for Accessible Transportation, as well as various other related committees.

OUTREACH

GTCB's public education endeavors reinforce its advocacy work. Members visit local libraries to promote Braille awareness among children. They also go into the public schools to mentor youth who are visually impaired. Public education efforts have also focused on pedestrian safety and the White Cane Law.

GTCB conducts two annual community fundraisers. The funds raised have been donated to a variety of organizations including Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, SportsVision, and Radio Information Service.

GTCB is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind.