A Brief Histoy
The Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE) was born of the determination of our country’s blind people who, in the 1930s, were members in different associations, mainly in the areas of Andalusia, Catalonia and Levante. This situation resulted, on December 13, 1938, in the founding of the ONCE. A decree bestowed on it the right to sell the so-called coupon for the blind so that its members could earn a living.
The first ONCE drawing was held in May of 1939. For many years, until December 31, 1983, the drawings were provincial and the coupons had three numbers.
The Organization’s top official, a position corresponding to the ONCE’s national chief, was appointed by the government.
Job growth gives way to financial problems
From the beginning the Cupón provided employment to practically all blind people, but the desire was to diversify the career possibilities open to them. To this end, training and job centers were created, mainly in the 1960s, like a Telephony School, a Professional Training Center and the University School of Physiotherapy, which would turn out to be the most successful initiative, given the ease with which its alumni find work. Also created were educational centers, social rehabilitation services, Braille and audio libraries, etc.
As the ONCE continued to expand, its practically sole source of income, the Cupón, started showing signs of wear as its drawings grew outdated and lackluster.
