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Back To Chapter 7 Table of Contents
Chapter 7: Information Sources
Section 3: Specific Disabilities – Information Sources
Subsection J: Blindness and Visual Impairment
American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
1800 Johnson St., Ste. 100
Baltimore,
MD
21230
410-659-9315 Voice
actionfund@actionfund.org
www.actionfund.org
The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is a service agency which specializes in providing to blind people help which is not readily available to them from government programs or other existing service systems. The services of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults are planned especially to meet the needs of blind children, the elderly blind, and the deaf-blind.
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
1155 15th St. N.W., Ste. 1004
Washington,
DC
20005
800-424-8666 Toll Free
202-467-5081 Voice
202-467-5085 Fax
National organization of blind individuals, families and other supporters. Provides issue information, advocacy, publications, job listings, Internet radio and web site. ACB has 51 state and regional affiliates and 20 national special interest and professional affiliates. The state/regional groups meet statewide once or twice yearly and many of these organizations also have local chapters. Many of these local chapters meet monthly. The national special interest affiliates meet annually during the ACB national convention and many of these groups have state/metropolitan chapters.
American Foundation for the Blind
11 Penn Plaza, Ste. 300
New York,
NY
10001
800-232-5463 Toll Free
212-502-7661 Voice
212-502-7662 TTY
212-502-7777 Fax
A national nonprofit organization serving blind individuals, organizations that serve them and the general public. Areas of program activity include information collection and dissemination (including research and publications), issue and policy research and analysis, education of the public and policymakers on issues of importance to the blind, and production of talking books and other accessible materials. Legislative and issue updates provided in Words from Washington on AFB web site or by email. Catalog of publications available online.
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville,
KY
40206-0085
800-223-1839 Toll Free
502-895-2405 Voice
502-899-2274 Fax
Produces the APH catalog which lists items such as educational equipment, games, classroom aids, math and science aids, preschool, kindergarten, primary and multi-handicapped aids including reading readiness. Produces textbooks in braille and large print. Offers equipment for purchase (talking book machines, tape players, braille writers). Produces braille and large print textbooks and recreational reading materials. Search the LOUIS website for locations of textbooks in braille or large print produced by other agencies.
American Thermoform Corporation
1758 Brackett St.
La Verne,
CA
91750
800-331-3676 Toll Free
909-593-6711 Voice
909-593-8001 Fax
Produces thermoform paper, braille labels, braille computer paper, and loose-leaf braille paper.
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
1703 N. Beauregard St., Ste. 440
Alexandria,
VA
22311
877-492-2708 Toll Free
703-671-4500 Voice
703-671-6391 Fax
An international professional association of individuals working in the fields of education and rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired. Promotes professional excellence through support of those who provide services to people with visual impairments. Provides advocacy for specialized, quality services for blind children and adults. Administers professional certification program. Provides training and professional development opportunities. Publications and resources available.
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired - Oklahoma Chapter
6101 W. 21st St. N
Muskogee,
OK
74401-1030
Professional association of persons working in the fields of education and rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Blind Children’s Center
4120 Marathon St.
Los Angeles,
CA
90029
323-664-2153 Voice
323-665-3828 Fax
A center-based program offers educational services to visually impaired children from birth to school age. Education, research and support services assist professionals and families nationwide.
Blind Children’s Fund
201 S. University St.
Mt. Pleasant,
MI
48858
989-779-9966 Voice
989-779-0015 Fax
bcf@blindchildrensfund.org
www.blindchildrensfund.org
Provides parents and professionals information, materials, and resources that help them teach and nurture infants and children who are blind and visually impaired. Works to increase global awareness of the need for early and continuing intervention for preschool children who are visually impaired.
Blinded Veterans Association
477 H St., N.W.
Washington,
DC
20001-2694
800-669-7079 Toll Free
202-371-8880 Voice
202-371-8258 Fax
BVA Field Service Program uses a nationwide network of blinded veterans to find veterans who are experiencing vision loss and to provide counseling and link these veterans to the variety of services that may be needed. Employment assistance can also be provided.
Braille Institute of America
741 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles,
CA
90029
213-663-1111 Voice
la@brailleinstitute.org
www.brailleinstitute.org
Braille Institute offers services to help people with limited or no vision lead independent and enriched lives.
Braille International, Inc.
3290 S.E. Slater St.
Stuart,
FL
34997
888-336-3142 Toll Free
772-286-8366 Voice
772-286-8909 Fax
info@brailleintntl.org
www.brailleintntl.org
A company that produces braille books and other material.
FamilyConnect
familyconnect@afb.net
www.familyconnect.org
FamilyConnect is an online, multimedia community created by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI). This site gives parents of visually impaired children a place to support each other, share stories and concerns, and link to local resources. The site also features a mom-authored blog, inspiring video testimonials from families, and articles authored by parents and experts in the field of blindness on multiple disabilities, technology, education, and more. From the personal to the professional, families will find all the resources they need to raise their children from birth to adulthood.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
11435 Cronhill Dr.
Owings Mills,
MD
21117-2220
800-683-5555 Toll Free
800-683-5551 TDD
410-771-9470 Fax
info@blindness.org
www.blindness.org
This foundation supports the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.
Library Reproduction Service
14214 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles,
CA
90061
800-255-5002 Toll Free
310-354-2610 Voice
310-354-2601 Fax
lrsprint@aol.com
www.lrs-largeprint.com
Produces large print books that are customized in print sizes. Serves elementary through post-secondary students. Has an extensive collection of large print classics. Produces books for both library and individual use. Will produce books not already published. Catalog available online.
Lighthouse Store
Lighthouse International
111 E. 59th St.
New York,
NY
10022-1202
800-829-0500 Toll Free
212-821-9200 Voice
212-821-9713 TTY
info@lighthouse.org
www.lighthouse.org
A longtime part of Lighthouse International, the store now features a new product line that is geared more directly to meet the needs of people who are blind or partially sighted. Offerings range from a vast selection of glare-free lighting to magnifying mirrors to talking products that range from watches and clocks to computer software even cellular phones and other cutting-edge technology.
For more information or to check out what's new, visit or contact them at one of their locations. Direct link: www.lighthouse.org/aboutus/the-lighthouse-store.
Macular Degeneration Foundation
P.O. Box 531313
Henderson,
NV
89053
888-633-3937 Toll Free
702-450-3396 Fax
Michigan Braille Transcribing Service
G. Robert Cotton Corrections Facility
3500 N. Elm St.
Jackson,
MI
49201
517-780-5096 Voice
734-668-1094 Fax
jcisd.k12.mi.us/brailcatlog/catalog_index.htm
Produces braille textbooks for grades K-12. Print lists of books are available free.
National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI)
P.O. Box 317
Watertown,
MA
02471
800-562-6265 Toll Free
617-972-7441 Voice
617-972-7444 Fax
napvi@perkins.org
www.spedex.com/napvi/
The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) is a non-profit organization of, by and for parents committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments.
National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired (OK-NAPVI ) - Oklahoma
Oklahoma League for the Blind
501 N. Douglas Ave.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73106
405-232-4644 Voice
Organization of parents, educators and advocates supporting quality educational services and improved opportunities for children who are blind or visually impaired. Offers parent support, training conferences, resources, recreation and other activities for children and advocacy.
National Association for Visually Handicapped (NAVH)
22 W. 21st St., 6th Fl.
New York,
NY
10010
212-889-3141 Voice
212-255-2804 Voice
212-727-2931 Fax
National Association for Visually Handicapped (NAVH) is the a non-profit health agency solely dedicated to providing assistance to those with limited vision.
National Braille Press, Inc.
88 St. Stephen St.
Boston,
MA
02115
888-965-8965 Toll Free
617-266-6160 Voice
617-437-0456 Fax
Provides braille reproduction of certain items. Sells various materials in braille and on cassette for adults. Offers a Children's-Book-of-the-Month club for blind children. For $100 a year children receive one popular children's book monthly in twin-vision (braille and print). Provides free downloads of their publication catalogs, braille transcription price list, computer braille symbols, the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in braille, and other items.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
1800 Johnson St.
Baltimore,
MD
21230
410-659-9314 Voice
410-685-5653 Fax
The National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Oklahoma
242 E. 35th St
Tulsa,
OK
74105
918-850-6751 Voice
National Industries for the Blind (NIB)
1310 Braddock Pl.,
Alexandria,
VA
22314-1691
703-310-0500 Voice
NIB provides technical assistance for industries (workshops) employing people who are blind.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Library of Congress
1291 Taylor St. N.W.
Washington,
D.C.
20542
888-657-7323 To Connect to a local library
202-707-5100 Voice
202-707-0744 TDD
202-707-0712 Fax
A network of regional and subregional libraries provides a free library service to persons who are unable to use standard printed material because of visual or physical disabilities. Library patrons can expect to borrow audio or braille books such as they might find in print at a local public library. Books and magazines in audio form (talking books) and braille are delivered to eligible readers by postage-free mail and are returned in the same manner. Specially designed phonographs and cassette players are also loaned free to persons who borrow talking books from their library. Oklahoma: www.state.ok.us/~library.
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson St.
Baltimore,
MD
21230
410-659-9314, Ext. 2360
Bcheadle@nfb.org
www.nfb.org/nopbc
Association of parents of children with visual impairments. The organization provides information, support and an opportunity for parents to exchange experiences and resources. The National Federation of the Blind distributes many different magazines, newspapers, newsletters, speeches, reports, books, and other pieces of literature to inform the public (blind and sighted) about the true nature of blindness and about issues of interest to the blind.
Oakmont Visual Aids Workshop
6637 Oakmont Dr., Ste. B
Santa Rosa,
CA
95405-5942
888-625-6668 Toll Free
707-539-1611 Voice
707-539-6537 Fax
info@teachersaidsforblindchildren.org
www.teachersaidsforblindchildren.org
The Oakmont Visual Aids Workshop provides teachers of blind and mentally impaired children with tactile learning materials.
Oklahoma Council of the Blind
P.O. Box 1476
Oklahoma City, OK 73101
Alternative Mailing Address:
2801 Carlton Way
Oklahoma City,
OK
73120-2802
877-578-6212 Toll Free
okcbinfo@okcb.org
www.okcb.org
Statewide organization of blind individuals, families and friends. Activities include public education on blindness, advocacy, social events, resource information and peer support. Advocacy interests include education, braille services, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, assistive technology, accessibility, support services and civil rights. Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Visual Services, Rehabilitation Technology Lab for Blindness and Low Vision
Shepherd Mall
2401 N.W. 23rd. St., Ste. 91
Oklahoma City,
OK
73107-2412
800-523-0288 Toll Free
405-522-3333 Voice
ahilliard@drs.state.ok.us
www.okrehab.org
- Individual assistive technology evaluations;
- Recommendations for assistive technology to meet individual needs;
- Demonstration of adaptive computer technology;
- Employer consultation on technology for employment situations; and
- Information on assistive tech options for blindness and low vision.
Direct link: www.okrehab.org/services_vsservices.html.
Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth, Inc.
P.O. Box 1306
Muskogee,
OK
74402
918-497-1234 Voice
918-747-8183 Fax
Nonprofit foundation promoting quality educational services for blind and visually impaired children and youth statewide. Provides mini-grants for student educational needs not met by other sources. Scholarship program.
Oklahoma League for the Blind
501 N. Douglas Ave.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73106
405-232-4644 Voice
405-236-5438 Fax
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
300 N.E. 18th St.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73105
800-523-0288 Toll Free
405-521-3514 Voice
VGolightly@drs.state.ok.us
www.okrehab.org/others.html#12ils
Provides books and periodicals in recorded and other alternate formats for children and adults who are unable to use standard print due to visual or physical disabilities. Cassette players and talking book machines are loaned and maintained free of charge. Descriptive videos (with narration describing visual action) can be checked out. NEWSLINE service gives over-the-phone access to major newspapers read via computer speech.
Accessible Instructional Materials Center (AIM) - The Library provides textbooks in braille and other alternate formats for visually impaired students in public schools. Teachers are urged to request braille instructional materials well in advance of need, to the extent possible.
Oklahoma School for the Blind
3300 Gibson St.
Muskogee,
OK
74403
877-229-7136 Toll Free
918-781-8200 Voice
kekizzia@drs.state.ok.us.
www.okrehab.org/students.html#1
OSB is a residential and day school for children and youth with visual impairments. The School also serves as a statewide resource for the education of blind and visually impaired children in the public schools. Programs and services include:
- Academic instruction through 12th grade;
- Instruction in specialized adaptive skills such as braille, orientation and mobility, use of assistive technology and low vision aids, and independent living skills;
- Vocational training and work-study opportunities;
- College preparation;
- Social, cultural and recreational activities including sports teams, music, band competitions, and a variety of student organizations;
- Outreach services providing technical assistance to help teachers and parents develop appropriate individualized education programs for visually impaired children in public schools;
- Related services such as student assessment, counseling, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, audiological services, health care and parent education and counseling; and
- Library and Media Center with educational materials in alternate formats including Braille, large print and recordings. Assistive devices to try out or borrow include talking appliances, magnifiers, closed-circuit TVs for print enlargement, electronic Braille notetakers and much more.
Perkins School for the Blind
Howe Press
175 N. Beacon St.
Watertown,
MA
02472-2790
617-924-3434 Voice
617-926-2027 Fax
Produces, sells, and repairs braille writers. Produces some braille books. Provides information on instruction of the blind for teachers.
Prevent Blindness America
211 W. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1700
Chicago,
IL
60606
800-331-2020 Toll Free
Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year.
Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
20 Roszel Rd.
Princeton,
NJ
08540
800-221-4792 Toll Free
866-732-3585 Toll Free
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, a nonprofit volunteer organization, is the nation's educational library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia, or other physical disability. Produces textbooks on tape for public school and college students for a minimal cost. Must fill out an application. They have a catalog of materials already available or you may look online or through the LOUIS database (APH).
Seedling Braille Books for Children
P.O. Box 51924
Livonia,
MI
48151-5924
800-777-8552 Toll Free
734-427-8552 Voice / Fax
info@seedlings.org
www.seedlings.org
Produces current children's books in braille at low cost. Catalog available in print or braille. Books for children ages 1 to 14.
Vision World Wide, Inc.
5707 Brockton Dr., Ste. 302
Indianapolis,
IN
46220-5481
317-254-1332 Voice
317-251-6588 Fax
info@visionww.org
www.visionww.org
Vision World Wide is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of the vision impaired through direct interaction and indirectly through the caregiving community. They serve both the totally blind and those with various degrees and forms of vision loss. They provide invaluable information, education, guidance, support and consumer protection, not only to the blind and visually impaired, but to the many professionals (medical, social and technical) who serve them.
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07/09/2008