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Sources of Help for visually Handicapped Persons Over 11 million people in our country have some type of visual handicap. This can range from loss of central (straight-ahead) vision, causing inability to read small print or even read at all; loss of peripheral (side) vision to total blindness. With help, those with subnormal sight can learn to use the sight they have to their best advantage. Those who are totally blind can learn to lead meaningful and productive lives. Following is a list of sources that can offer assistance. (A
more complete list is available from the American Foundation for the Blind)
Further information may be obtained by writing or phoning the organization
itself. Be sure to inquire as to whether or not there is a charge for specific
services and materials. Association for
Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (703) 548-1884
Membership
organization open to those who work with the visually
handicapped. Provides employment information, reference
information center, and job exchange, certification of rehabilitation and
orientation/mobility specialists. Publishes
professional papers and quarterly newsletters. American Council of
the Blind (203) 393-3666
National
membership organization dedicated to improving living conditions of the blind
and visually impaired. Provides legal services and periodic training workshops;
conducts legislative activities; maintains 16 occupational and special interest
affiliates as well as 51 state affiliates. Monthly publication is “The
Braille Forum.” American Foundation
for the Blind (212) 620-2000 Provides information and services in the
areas of rehabilitation, orientation and mobility, employment, low vision,
legislative issues, aging, children and youth, radio information services,
recreation, education and research. Many catalogs, informational brochures are free. Also publishes books,
monographs and periodicals, recording and Braille; manufactures and records
talking books; develops, manufactures and sells aids and appliances for the
blind and visually impaired. Their publication, “Directory of Services for
Blind and Visually Impaired Persons in the United States”, 23rd
edition (1988) sells for $29.95 and is the most complete listing of available
sources and services. American Bible
Society 1865 Broadway (212) 581-7400
Large
print and Braille bibles and other religious materials for the blind and
visually handicapped. American Printing
House for the Blind (502) 895-2405
Produces
educational aids and literature for the visually impaired, Braille and talking
book editions of several magazines, Braille books, music, and large-type tests.
Manufactures special educational aids for blind and visually impaired and
maintains a reference catalogue service for students. Blinded Veterans
Association 1726 M Street, N.W., (202) 223-3066
Provides
counseling, vocational training and information on benefits. Maintains
field service program funded by the Veterans Association, and Outreach
Employment Program. Publishes a bi-monthly newsletter. Library of Congress
Services for the Blind (202) 287-5100 or (800) 424-9100
Major
resource for the blind. Free reading materials and talking books for those who
are eligible. National Federation
of the Blind (301) 659-9314
Membership
organization with state and local chapters providing information concerning
rights of the blind, program development, Job Opportunities for the Blind
(employment placement and training program). Publishes “The Braille Monitor”
monthly and other publications; provides advocacy and legal representation;
develops local projects to improve conditions for visually impaired. National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (202) 287-5100 Headquarters for a national network of 160
cooperating libraries. Lends
Braille, talking books and magazines; publishes catalogues in large print,
Braille as recordings; provides talking book machines and accessories, large
print, music and recorded music instructional material. All material is free on
loan, not postage required. (User must be certified by professional authority
as unable to read standard print material because of visual or physical
impairment.) National Society to
Prevent Blindness (312) 843-2020 Public and professional education and
research programs. Information
and referral services provided on specific eye disorders; literature provided
at no charge. Publishes brochures and pamphlets for the public, and “Sightsaving,” a quarterly for professionals;
produces films. Community screening and testing programs.
Supports eye research. Local chapters in many states. Recording for the Blind (609) 452-0606
Provides
recorded educational textbooks to visually, physically and perceptually
handicapped students at all grade levels, and professionals. 66,000 titles in
the library catalogue, 5,000 specially trained volunteers and 28 recording
centers. Service free to medically certified registered borrowers. RP Foundation
Fighting Blindness (301) 225-9400 or (800) 638-2300 For the Deaf: TDD 1-800-638-5683
Low
vision centers and aids and genetic counseling for RP (retinitis pigmentosa);
Usher’s Syndrome, macular degeneration; the RP Retina Donor Program; ongoing
research on retinal degenerative diseases. Numerous local
chapters. State Services
Available for the Visually Handicapped These vary from state
to state. May include medical, social and rehabilitative
services, vocational training and job placement. Some programs are
federally funded. Pouch F., Mail Station 0581, 535
722 Capitol Mall, D.C. Social & Rehabilitation Administration, Dept. of Human Resources Dept. of Education, P.O. Box 10-C,
Queen Liliuokalani Bldg., Statehouse, 623 E. Adams T., 4th & Keosauqua, Social & Rehab Service, 755
Capital
Association Bldg., State
Office Building, 303
State Office Building, P.O. Box 12866, Capital Street, 800 City Nat’l Bank Bldg, Austin, TX 78711 250
East 5th, State
Capital, P & G Building,
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