The choir and national instrumental groups of the Armenian Association for the Blind were created in 1976. They are comprised of those who are either totally or partially sightless. These groups, with 37 years of experience under their belts, are now facing tough times. During the Soviet era, the choir group toured and performed in Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Georgia, as well as throughout Armenia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the choir never received official state status. For the past few years it has experienced financial difficulties. The Association can’t even provide transportation to get the visually impaired back and forth to their places of work. Nevertheless, singers and musicians haven’t left the groups. For many, it’s their only place of work. Even though they periodically wind up in unpaid vacations, they still have hop that one day they will once again perform at numerous venues.