Sjednocená organizace nevidomých a slabozrakých ČR, z.s.

What Sjednocená organizace nevidomých a slabozrakých ČR, z.s. does

SONS ČR (Sjednocená organizace nevidomých a slabozrakých ČR, z.s.) is a Czech civic association (zapsaný spolek) founded on 16 June 1996 through the merger of Česká unie nevidomých a slabozrakých and Společnost nevidomých a slabozrakých v ČR. It serves approximately 10,000 members — blind and severely visually impaired citizens — across the Czech Republic through more than 100 local branches and professional centers located in the majority of Czech districts. Its core services span social work and outreach, social-legal and employment counseling, orientation and mobility training, guide dog training (the KDVP guide dog holders club has 85 members), personal assistance, barrier-removal consulting, accessible publishing, and digital library access. The organization operates under the principle that blind citizens themselves lead and govern it, rather than acting on their behalf.

The technology stack includes the SONS Online platform (delivered via Microsoft Teams for remote counseling, training, and event streaming), the Tyflokabinet technical advisory sessions, the Navigační centrum SONS with a Remote Assistant service, and the Knihovna digitálních dokumentů (KDD) digital library. Accessible publishing is operated through Redakce Zora (Braille, audio, large print, digital formats) and the Tyflopomůcky retail store sells compensatory aids. Wholly-owned public-benefit subsidiaries Tyfloservis and the regional TyfloCentra extend service delivery beyond the association's direct operations.

SONS ČR is funded through a diversified non-profit revenue mix: the annual nationwide Bílá pastelka public collection (which raised CZK 3,650,332 in 2021, up from CZK 2,068,481 in 2016), recurring membership contributions from ~10,000 members, government and institutional subsidies from the Government Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture, regional and municipal authorities, retail sales of assistive devices and publications, and year-round donations via the dedicated collection account. All direct services are provided free of charge to members and non-members. The organization is governed by a president (Dagmar Filgasová) and director (Petr Růžička), with 17 employees at its Prague headquarters at Krakovská 21.

Name

Sjednocená organizace nevidomých a slabozrakých ČR, z.s.

Legal name

Sjednocená organizace nevidomých a slabozrakých ČR, z.s.

Website

https://sons.cz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SONS ČR is a Czech non-profit civic association, founded 1996, serving approximately 10,000 blind and visually impaired citizens nationwide through 100+ branches delivering counseling, orientation training, guide dog services, accessible publishing, and digital library access, funded primarily by public donations and government subsidies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Pediatric Rehabilitation & Developmental Therapy Centers (PT/OT/SLP) (HLAFAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Technology & AAC for Young Children (EDACAFAL), Respite Care for Families of Children with Disabilities (HSAAAIAL)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Visual impairment services
• Accessibility nonprofit
• Rehabilitation training
• Assistive technology support

Headquarters

HQ city

Praha (Prague)

HQ country

Czechia

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Collection - Bílá pastelka: Annual nationwide public fundraising drive. Citizens donate via purchase of white pencils (minimum 30 CZK), SMS donations (DMS PASTELKA 30/60/90 to 87 777), and bank transfers to collection account 8888332222/0800. The collection spans 2-3 days annually across the entire Czech Republic, engaging approximately 2,000 volunteer pairs. Proceeds fund special services for visually impaired persons throughout the country.
2. Membership Contributions: Members pay annual membership fees. The organization mentions collecting contributions for prior years, indicating an ongoing membership revenue stream.
3. Government and Institutional Subsidies: Financial support from government bodies including the Government Office of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture, and regional and municipal governments. Activities are co-funded by Plzeňský kraj, Úřad vlády ČR, and others.
4. Sales of Compensatory Aids and Publications: Revenue from the Tyflopomůcky store selling assistive devices, and from publishing Zora magazine and related tactile publications in various accessible formats.
5. Public Collection Account Donations: Ongoing donations via the dedicated collection account 8888332222/0800, available year-round for supporters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SONS ČR is a nationwide Czech civic association that delivers rehabilitation, social work, counseling, orientation and mobility training, guide dog training, personal assistance, accessible publishing, and digital library services to blind and severely visually impaired citizens. It operates more than 100 branches and professional centers across the Czech Republic, supplemented by the SONS Online remote services platform, the Knihovna digitálních dokumentů, and the Navigační centrum SONS with Remote Assistant. All services are provided free of charge to members and non-members.

Product overview

SONS ČR operates as a unified organization providing comprehensive services to visually impaired citizens across the Czech Republic. The organization functions as a platform-plus-modules architecture with SONS Online as the central online services hub, complemented by regional TyfloCentry centers and the Tyfloservis generally beneficial services company. Key products include the Knihovna digitálních dokumentů (KDD) digital library, Redakce Zora magazine publishing in multiple accessible formats, the Navigační centrum SONS with Remote Assistant services, and the Tyflokabinet za technikou technology education program. The organization also operates the Bílá pastelka public collection as its primary fundraising initiative and the Klub držitelů vodicích psů (KDVP) for guide dog owners. Activity programs include the Čtenářský klub literary club, Online trénink paměti memory training, and the Aktiv klubu SONS for active lifestyle support. Annual festivals TyfloArt and Dny umění nevidomých showcase artistic talent within the community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bílá pastelka: Annual national public charity collection organized by SONS ČR to fund special services for visually impaired persons in the Czech Republic.
• SONS Online
• KDVP (Klub držitelů vodicích psů)

Products and services

• SONS Online Online services platform delivered via Microsoft Teams providing social-legal counseling, electronic compensatory aids consultation, leisure activities, memory training, technology guidance, interviews with personalities, and event streams for visually impaired members who cannot visit physical locations.
• Knihovna digitálních dokumentů (KDD) Digital library accessible on the internet providing accessible digital documents for visually impaired readers in the Czech Republic.
• Navigační centrum SONS Navigation center operated by SONS providing navigation services for visually impaired persons, including Remote Assistant support.
• Redakce Zora Editorial department publishing magazines in Braille, audio format, enlarged black print, and digital text for visually impaired readers.
• Tyfloservis Generally beneficial (veřejně prospěšná) service company wholly-owned by SONS ČR, providing social and rehabilitation services for visually impaired citizens beyond what the association directly offers.
• TyfloCentra (krajská) Regional centers across the Czech Republic providing direct services for visually impaired citizens, operated as public benefit companies co-organized with SONS.
• Sbírka Bílá pastelka Annual nationwide public charity collection raising funds for special services for visually impaired persons in the Czech Republic, conducted through street volunteers, SMS donations, the Česká spořitelna Melinda app, and year-round bank transfers.
• Tyflopomůcky retail store Retail store at the Prague headquarters selling compensatory aids and assistive devices for visually impaired persons.

Quantifiable outcome

• Rehabilitation and independence: Services enable visually impaired persons to learn to live without sight, including cooking, household tasks, reading, and independent mobility.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and moderate.

• DHL Express (Czech Republic), s.r.o.minorOthers · 22 January 2018DHL Express became a partner of the annual Bílá pastelka public collection, supporting logistics and visibility of the fundraising campaign.
• PPL (Prague, s.r.o.)minorOthers · 20 September 2017Provided free delivery of collection materials (t-shirts, collection boxes, etc.) to volunteers across the Czech Republic for the Bílá pastelka annual collection.
• Lions Club International District 122 Česká a Slovenská republikaminorOthers · 29 August 2017Donated pastelky (white pencils) for the 2017 Bílá pastelka collection, providing the symbolic collectible items distributed to donors.
• Česká spořitelna (via Melinda app)minorOthers · 5 October 2016Bílá pastelka public collection was included in the Česká spořitelna mobile payment application Melinda, enabling donations via payment card.
• T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s.minorOthersT-Mobile Czech Republic provides web hosting services for the sons.cz website, supporting the organization's digital infrastructure.
• Úřad vlády České republiky (Government Office of the Czech Republic)coreOthersActivities of the Domažlice branch are implemented with financial contribution from the Government Office of the Czech Republic.
• Plzeňský kraj (Plzeň Region)minorOthersPlzeňský kraj provides financial support for activities of the SONS Domažlice branch.
• Město DomažliceminorOthersThe town of Domažlice provides support for SONS Domažlice branch activities.
• Město KdyněminorOthersThe town of Kdyně provides support for SONS Domažlice branch activities.
• WMC, s.r.o.minorOthersCorporate sponsor supporting SONS Domažlice branch activities.
• Rosenberg, s.r.o.minorOthersCorporate sponsor supporting SONS Domažlice branch activities.
• Nadace LeontýnkaminorOthersProvided reflective vests labeled 'PRŮVODCE' (Guide), 'NEVIDOMÝ' (Blind), and 'SLABOZRAKÝ' (Visually Impaired) for safe movement and group identification during recreational stays.
• Ministerstvo zdravotnictví ČR (Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic)coreOthersMinistry of Health co-funded the July 2026 tandem cycling recreational stay for visually impaired participants in Šumperk.
• Nemocnice Šumperk, a.s.minorOthersCo-funded the July 2026 tandem cycling recreational stay for visually impaired participants.
• SENZION, s.r.o. Velké LosinyminorOthersCo-funded the July 2026 tandem cycling recreational stay, providing venue support at Velké Losiny.
• Ministerstvo kultury ČR (Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic)coreOthersProvides financial support for the annual Dny umění nevidomých (Days of Art by the Blind) festival and concerts by Vokál klub and pěvecký sbor Pastelky.
• Zlínský krajminorOthersSupports the Dny umění nevidomých festival and the pěvecký sbor Pastelky from Kyjov.
• Diakonie ČCE (Diaconia of the Czech Evangelical Church)minorOthersCo-supports the Dny umění nevidomých festival and related concerts, particularly with the pěvecký sbor Pastelky.
• Galerie a muzeum města PelhřimovaminorOthersSupports the exhibition of works by Sally Booth (British visually impaired artist) as part of the Dny umění nevidomých festival.
• Rozvojový fond města PelhřimovminorOthersCo-supports the Sally Booth exhibition as part of the Dny umění nevidomých festival in Pelhřimov.
• Obec Lhotka nad BečvouminorOthersCo-supports the Dny umění nevidomých festival, particularly the concert by Radek Žalud and Michaela Klaus.
• Kulturní zařízení města PelhřimovminorOthersSupports the Sally Booth exhibition as part of the Dny umění nevidomých festival.
• Město Valašské MeziříčíminorOthersCo-supports the Dny umění nevidomých festival events held in Valašské Meziříčí.
• Nadační fond Českého rozhlasu (Světluška)coreOthersProvided a financial donation to support SONS projects, recognized by the Kolín branch. Světluška is the Czech Radio Foundation's collection project for the blind.
• Nadace LeontýnkaminorOthersSupports SONS recreational activities by providing safety vests for visually impaired participants.
• Hotel MAS Sezimovo ÚstíminorOthersVenue partner for the SONS recreation stay (August 26-31, 2026) and the TyfloArt 2026 festival (November 12-15, 2026).
• Kino Spektrum Sezimovo ÚstíminorOthersCinema venue partner for the TyfloArt 2026 festival alongside Hotel MAS.
• Libeřské lahůdkyminorOthersLong-term supporter of SONS activities, providing catering for significant events including receptions for visiting delegations such as the Lithuanian Library for the Blind.
• Vokál klub SONScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn internal SONS vocal music group that performs at concerts across the Czech Republic, including churches in Nové Hutě and Synagoga Čkyně, as part of the organization's cultural and awareness-raising activities.
• Tyfloservis, o.p.s.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic benefit company established by SONS that extends specialized services for visually impaired persons beyond the association's direct offerings. Partner in Bílá pastelka collection organization.
• Krajská TyfloCentra (Regional TyfloCenters)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional public benefit companies co-organized with SONS, extending service networks across Czech regions as part of the Bílá pastelka collection partnership.
• LORM - Společnost pro hluchoslepé z.s.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization for deaf-blind persons. SONS Online hosted an educational session about the deaf-blind community, its services, communication methods, and field social work, delivered by Mgr. Hana Dvořáková and Marcela Kazíková from LORM.
• Lietuvos audiosensorinė biblioteka (Lithuanian Audio-Sensory Library)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational exchange visit with Lithuanian library for the blind. Delegation visited SONS headquarters in July 2026, sharing practices on services for visually impaired persons and systems used in Lithuania. Note: The Lithuanian library also serves people with various forms of dyslexia, representing an inspirational model for expanded service delivery.
• Knihovna a tiskárna pro nevidomé K. E. Macana (KTN)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerCzech library for the blind that collaborated with Lietuvos audiosensorinė biblioteka during their visit to SONS. Associated with the Digital Document Library (KDD) and literary initiatives referenced by KDVP.
• Nadační fond Modrá rybkamoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with SONS on educational projects for visually impaired persons and broader community activities. Joint projects with director Lucie Lišková were referenced in July 2026.
• Institut prostorové orientace, z. s.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2024 by Olga Hurdálková, an instructor with over 25 years of experience in spatial orientation and independent movement. SONS is connected through Olga's nomination for the Cena SONS award and her professional activities in the field.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): Canada-wide nonprofit delivering rehabilitation, assistive technology, and advocacy for those affected by blindness. Comparable as a national federation with regional service centers analogous to SONS' TyfloCentra.
• LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: US nonprofit providing rehabilitation, training, and employment services for blind and visually impaired. Comparable to SONS' service mix (orientation, technology training, counseling) though more regionally focused.
• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): UK national charity for blind and partially sighted people offering counseling, technology, campaigning, and accessible publishing. Comparable to SONS as a national umbrella organization, but on a much larger scale and broader scope.
• National Federation of the Blind (NFB): US membership-based advocacy and service organization for blind citizens, with state affiliates. Directly comparable to SONS in mission (self-determination, advocacy, services) and structure, though operating at significantly larger scale.

Others

• European Blind Union (EBU): Pan-European advocacy umbrella of national blind organizations including SONS ČR's international peers. Comparable as the higher-order membership/advocacy layer that SONS would engage with for EU policy and cross-border programs.

Emerging players

• Adaptech s.r.o. Czech assistive-technology vendor conducting demonstrations and presentations at SONS branches. Comparable as an adjacent specialist supplier to the same visually impaired end-users, with partial overlap in the technology-advisory space SONS occupies via Tyflokabinet.

Direct peers

• Nadační fond Českého rozhlasu – Světluška: Czech Radio's charitable foundation project specifically supporting people with visual impairments. Comparable as a Czech fundraising + grantmaking organization serving the same visually impaired community.
• Tyfloservis, o.p.s. Public-benefit company established by SONS that delivers specialized services (rehabilitation, aids) to visually impaired persons. Directly comparable as part of the SONS service ecosystem.
• LORM – Společnost pro hluchoslepé z.s. Czech organization serving deaf-blind citizens, with overlapping member-services, social work, and accessibility methodology. Directly comparable as a Czech disability-association peer sharing service-delivery best practices with SONS.
• Knihovna a tiskárna pro nevidomé K. E. Macana (KTN): Czech library and printing house for the blind, collaborating with SONS on accessible publishing (Braille, audio, digital) and connected to the KDD digital library ecosystem. Directly comparable as a national Czech service provider for visually impaired citizens.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubesons.cz/youtube
• Facebookfacebook.com/sonscz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sjednocen%C3%A1-organizace-nevidom%C3%BDch-a-slabozrak%C3%BDch-z-s

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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