NABA began on December 7, 1908, when ten blind men and women came together in an effort to overcome the difficulties of adjusting to their vision loss. Then known as the Albany Association of the Blind, the organization was housed at 105 Lancaster Street, and began to offer social and workshop activities to its members. These activities generated employment for blind individuals, and the goods produced were sold to help support the growing association. In 1923, NABA relocated to 208 State Street in Albany. Thirty-five years later, in 1958, the Association purchased its current building at 301 Washington Avenue in Albany.