The Sandwell Active Independent Blind Association (otherwise known as SAIBA) was the brainchild of two founder members, Sandra and Rob way back in 1981.

The idea behind the setting up of the group was to help visually impaired people who may otherwise not have the confidence to go it alone to get out and have an interesting social life. They knew of some groups that were already in place for blind and partially sighted (visually impaired) people, but these seemed to be attended by mostly elderly people. As at the time, both Sandra and Rob were of a younger age group, they wanted to attract people of their own generation. Indeed, in its earlier years the group was known as SAYBA (Sandwell Active Young Blind Association) However, as we all got older it was decided that we should change the letter 'Y' to an 'I' using the word 'Independent' instead of 'Young' thus to keep the sound of our title.

Visit the SAIBA website at http://www.saiba.org