* For your convenience, you can use the Table of Contents links to jump to sections, or navigate by heading levels, or read down the page.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Government
Business
Non-profit Organizations
Healthcare
Educational
Deaf/Blind
Other
Government
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Department of Justice offers advice concerning the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) over the phone. The number to call is (800) 514-0301.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
CMS offers resources describing how to assess practices, develop communication plans, and how to be prepared to implement accessible services for individuals who are blind, have low vision, deaf, or are hard of hearing. For information, visit the web site at:
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/omh-visual-sensory-disabilities-brochure-508c.pdf
Medicare provides low cost health insurance for seniors.
While basic Medicare covers hospitalization, doctor visits and prescription drugs, co-pay and deductible payments may be required and not all needed medical coverage is included. Supplemental, alternative and additional drug plans are available at varying costs and coverage levels. Deciding what elections to make can be quite confusing. For information on coverage and options, please visit Medicare’s web site at:
https://www.medicare.gov/
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also provides information about Medicare on its web site at:
https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/?intcmp=FTR-LINKS-SSMEDI-MEDICAID-EWHERE
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays disability benefits prior to retirement to persons with disabilities including blindness if they or other members of their family have worked long enough and they can show that their medical condition has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months or end in death. The benefits are modest. Application can be made on SSA’s web site. Information can be found by calling (800) 772-1213 or by visiting SSA’s web site at:
http://ssa.gov/benefits/ssi or https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
State Agencies
Each state has an agency to help its blind and visually limited residents obtain the skills and tools needed to deal with sight loss. Usually, they offer these services to assist residents find or maintain employment. They provide job placement assistance, orientation and mobility training, support for courses leading to potential employment, magnification and screen reading software and training, other aids to assist with basic life activities, and general information to aid in seeking and holding jobs. While retirees will not be looking for job assistance, they may ask for help as homemakers; how much assistance these people may obtain will depend on their home states.
Business
AppleVis
Apple provides advice on using various products for people with vision impairments through AppleVis. Information can be found by visiting its web site at:
Directions for Me
Directions for Me Is a web site that provides a complete, consistent, reliable source of packaging information, for everything from preparation instructions to ingredients and nutrition facts, for over 400,000 grocery, health and beauty products. Directions for Me was designed to be completely accessible to those who use adaptive technology. It also offers adjustable fonts for those who would prefer larger print. Visit the site at:
https://www.directionsforme.org
Instacart Senior Support Service
Instacart’s new Senior Support Service is now available to help customers who are 60+ learn how to safely and efficiently use grocery delivery. Information can be found by calling (844)981-3433 or by visiting the web site at:
https://www.instacart.com/help/
Non-profit Organizations
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. ACB has effectively collaborated with Vision Rehabilitation Service providers to develop the principles and values that should be at the heart of providing adjustment and placement services to people who are blind. ACB has worked with governments at all levels to enhance and ensure adequate accommodations and rehabilitation services are provided both through policy initiatives and program implementation. It has also advised and encouraged private companies and organizations to provide fair access and non-discriminatory treatment for those with vision loss. Information can be found by calling (202) 467-5081 or (800) 424-8666 or by visiting ACB’s web site at:
http://www.acb.org
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
The AFB is a national non-profit foundation dedicated to seeking equal access and opportunities for people with vision loss. It connects families to sources of knowledge and support. It advises on the creation of more accessible products. It offers publications and eLearning courses to educate professionals in the field. Its advocacy helps to implement disability legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Information can be found by calling (212) 502-7600 or by visiting AFB’s web site at:
http://www.afb.org
AMD Groups Website
The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, BrightFocus Foundation, MD Support, Prevent Blindness and The SupportSight Foundation have launched AMD Central, an online resource that curates trusted information and tools from leading advocacy organizations to support the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patient and caregiver community. Visit the site at:
AMDCentral.org
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
APH Connect Center: Empowering people who are blind or visually impaired by providing accessible and innovative products, materials and services for lifelong success. Information can be found by calling (800) 232-5463 or by visiting its web site at:
connectcenter@aph.org
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides information and tips for visually limited persons to handle emergencies and disasters. Information can be found by visiting the web site at:
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/disabilities
Association of Blind Citizens
The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. Information can be found by visiting the web site at:
https://www.blindcitizens.org/
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA)
The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is an organization of blinded veterans helping blinded veterans. Through its service programs, regional groups, resources, and advocacy before the legislative and executive branches of government, it hopes to make life better for blinded veterans. It also hopes to be there with encouragement and support. There is no charge for any BVA service and membership is not a prerequisite to obtain help. All legally blinded veterans are eligible for BVA’s assistance whether they become blind during or after active duty military service. Information can be found by calling (800) 669-7079 or by visiting BVA’s web site at:
Council of Citizens With Low Vision International (CCLVI)
The Council of Citizens With Low Vision International (CCLVI), an affiliate member of ACB, is an advocacy membership organization for persons who have some but limited sight. Its purposes are to establish the right of persons with low vision to make full use of their vision through all available aids, services and technology, to provide a mechanism through which low vision people can express their individual needs, interests and preferences, to educate the general public, professionals, and low vision people themselves as to the potentialities, capabilities, and needs of low vision people, to establish outreach programs to insure that all individuals with low vision have access to necessary services, to promote research to prevent blindness, improve maximum utilization of sight, and improve environmental conditions and access for low vision people, and to support the development of and expansion of pre-service and in-service training programs to improve the quality and quantity of medical and rehabilitative low vision services. Information can be found by calling (800)733-2258 or by visiting CCLVI’s web site:
http://www.cclvi.org
Foundation Fighting Blindness
The Foundation Fighting Blindness provides information and outreach programs. The Foundation is driving research to provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. It funds leading-edge research in promising areas such as genetics, gene therapy, retinal cell transplantation, and pharmaceutical and nutritional therapies. Information can be found by visiting its web site at:
http://www.blindness.org
iBUG Today
iBUG Today, Inc. is a non-profit organization promoting the individual independence, social integration, and educational development of the blind and visually impaired community through accessible technology training. iBUG conducts world-wide virtual (via Zoom conference) and face-to-face group and individual training sessions, provides podcasts of the recorded training sessions, hosts social events, and presents the iBUG Road Show training-videos to groups interested in learning more about iBUG Today and its accessibility training and social events. For more information, visit its web site at:
Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International has local Lions Clubs which provide resources and support to benefit individuals with vision loss. Information can be found by calling (630) 571-5466 or visiting its web site at:
http://www.lionsclubs.org
Lions Vision Resource Network
The Lions Vision Resource Network is a Not-for-Profit Organization serving the visually impaired and blind communities. It is a volunteer-run organization which provides a listing of resources to assist blind and visually impaired persons and offers grant opportunities. Information can be found by calling (510) 450-1580 or by visiting its web site at:
https://www.lionsvisionresource.org/
Low Vision Now
Low Vision Now’s Purpose Is To Help People Who Have Low Vision By Providing Information, Support And Sharing Resources. Its Group Is For Those Who Live Between The Worlds Of The Fully Sighted And The World Of The Totally Blind. It provides resources and holds monthly Zoom meetings, generally on the first Saturday of the month. For more information, visit its web site at:
MD Support
MD Support provides recordings to assist persons dealing with vision loss at the following site:
http://www.mdsupport.org
Prevent Blindness
Preventblindness.org now provides extensive resources for use by people with declining vision. To see these resources, visit its site at:
http://lowvision.preventblindness.org/
Vision Aware Program
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), in connection with American Printing House (APH), provides the Vision Aware program. They can be found through the following link:
https://www.visionaware.org/
Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss The VisionAware division of APH has a booklet available in large print or online aimed at newly blind adults called "Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss"
https://visionaware.org
VisionServe Alliance
VisionServe Alliance is a consortium of nonprofits located throughout the United States that provide unique and specialized vision rehabilitation services. For more information, visit its web site at:
https://visionservealliance.org
Healthcare
Accessible Medical Labeling
Many pharmacies in the U.S. and Canada are now offering accessible medication labels, specifically for their blind and visually-impaired patients at select locations, including Talking Labels, Large Print, and Braille. Use the link below to search for a ScriptAbility pharmacy near you or ask your local pharmacy if they offer this service. Pharmacies are gradually considering this service to meet the needs of their customers.
https://www.envisionamerica.com/products/scriptability/scriptalk/participating-pharmacies/
Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind
Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind is a comprehensive, home delivery pharmacy service specializing in the needs of the blind and low vision community. It can offer both high-tech and no-tech solutions to assist with reminders, refills and error reduction and overall medication management. There are no additional fees for this support. For more information, visit the web site at:
https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/
Educational
Braille Institute of America
The Sound Solutions Series promotes independence while educating and empowering the entire family through free audio dramatizations. Information can be found by calling (800) 272-4553 or by visiting its web site at:
http://www.brailleinstitute.org
Ears for Eyes - Enrichment Audio Resource Services
Ears for Eyes - Enrichment Audio Resource Services provides free audio lessons promoting independent living. Information can be found by calling (800) 843-6816 or visiting its web site at:
http://www.earsforeyes.info/
Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss
The VisionAware division of APH has a booklet available in large print or online aimed at newly blind adults called "Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss"
https://visionaware.org
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families, and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, persons can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a community of peers who "get it." Hadley's help is available online, on the phone, or through the mail. For more information, call (800) 323-4238 or visit:
Hadley Institute Podcast "Tips for Living with Vision Loss and Dementia"
Download the transcript in MS Word.
National Research & Training Center on Blindness
The National Research & Training Center offers courses that may be of interest to those adjusting to vision loss, such as Adjustment and Acceptance of Blindness, Basics of Blindness and Low Vision, the Low Down on Low Vision and others. For more information, visit the web site at:
https://www.oib-tac.org/
NRTC provides videos to help older people experiencing sight loss learn new skills and resources. Visit:
https://www.oib-tac.org/resources/healthy-aging/
NRTC also provides state-by-state information about services offered for blind and low vision persons. Visit:
https://www.oib-tac.org/time-to-be-bold/
Sylvia Perez, Director of the OIB Technical Assistance Center, has written helpful articles about eye health. Visit:
https://ncoa.org/older-adults/health/physical-health/eye-health?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CHA
https://www.ncoa.org/article/living-with-vision-loss-practical-tips-for-safety-and-independence?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CHA
https://www.ncoa.org/article/helping-moms-with-low-vision-maintain-their-important-family-roles?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CHA
https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-care-for-your-eyes-as-you-age-and-get-help-with-vision-loss?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CHA
OE Patients
The Association for Macular Diseases has partnered with Ophthalmic Edge to provide a web site, OEPatients.org, which provides practical tips and encouraging advice for living well with vision loss. It offers an insider’s guide, filled with a wide-range of constructive ideas and strategies in categories that include Accessibility & Technology, Making Adjustments, Health & Well-Being and the OE Patients Podcast. Visit:
www.oepatients.org
Sound Solutions Series
Braille Institute of America offers the Sound Solutions Series which promotes independence while educating and empowering the entire family through free audio dramatizations. Information can be found by calling (800) 272-4553 or visiting its web site at:
http://www.brailleinstitute.org
Deaf/Blind
ICanConnect (National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program)
ICanConnect (National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program) is available for those with significant combined vision and hearing loss meeting Federal income guidelines. They can receive communication technology and training to stay connected with family members and friends at no cost. Information can be found by calling (800) 825-4595, TTY (888) 320-2656 or by visiting the web site at:
http://www.icanconnect.org
Other
AAVL Fall Prevention Podcast
Follow the links below to listen to the three sessions of the Fall Prevention podcast program held October 7, 12 and 14, 2021. Below that are resources you can download in MS Word.
October 7, 2021
https://acb-community.pinecast.co/episode/c3e0f346/20211007-fall-prevention-session-1-1559-
October 12, 2021
https://acb-community.pinecast.co/episode/9ef012d6/20211012-fall-prevention-session-2-1559-
October 14, 2021
https://acb-community.pinecast.co/episode/3a0bb485/20211014-fall-prevention-session-3-160003-
Feel free to download these below MS Word documents.
Sit/Stand exercise from Johns Hopkins
Resource List with video links and information about Betsy Thomason’s book Home Safety Check List - Fall Hazards in the Home
Personal Habits That Can Lead to Falls
Aging and Vision Loss, When the Golden Years Begin to Lose Their Luster
Larry P. Johnson, M.A. PHR, has written an advocacy article entitled “Aging and Vision Loss, When the Golden Years Begin to Lose Their Luster”, in which he discusses the issues facing seniors experiencing vision loss and the dire need to increase resources to assist them. He notes the significant and rising number of persons dealing with older sight loss, the principal causes for this, the major consequences and the types of services and interventions needed. To read his analysis, download the file by clicking here.
American Society on Aging (ASA) Generations Articles Dealing With Vision Loss
ASA's Generations Now provides educational information on a broad range of topics and is currently publishing a Vision Rehabilitation series that helps professionals support older adults with blindness and low vision.
Choosing a Retirement Housing Community
Prepared by the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss. Read more at:
https://www.aavl-blind-seniors.org/choosing-retirement-housing
Nursing Home Abuse Justice
Nursing Home Abuse Justice was founded to expose the widespread abuse and neglect that occurs in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Some statistics indicate that as many as 1 in 3 senior residents have been victims of nursing home abuse. Our mission is to educate seniors and their loved ones of these horrors so that we can work together to stop the cycle of abuse harming our seniors. For more information, visit the web site at:
https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-abuse/
Rehabilitation White Paper
Doug Powell has prepared a White Paper on current rehabilitation offerings for older blind and visually impaired persons and suggestions for improvements. He hopes to present this for legislative action. He is also preparing recommendations to the Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Department of Education for the need for more rehabilitation specialists and funding to assist older persons under the Older Independent Blind initiative. To read the white paper, visit the web site:
https://acb.org/rehabilitation-white-paper Further blindness resources
Further blindness resources can be found by visiting the web site at: http://www.samobile.net/users/happytrails/bookmarks/6313