Question:
Where can a visually impaired or blind person find information and services?
Coping with Blindness: Services and Information on Blindness
While there are many reference sites with information on blindness, the best sites to use are government sites and organizations. The Library of Congress has a list of sites with not only information on blindness, but other resources for the blind and visually impaired, including:
- National consumer organization sites such as American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults (AAF) and American Council of the Blind (ACB). AAF offers newsletters and other material about blindness and visual impairments, along with free Braille calendars, and Twin Vision books in both print and in Braille. The ACB is a national membership organization that helps the blind and visually impaired by advocating several issues, including civil rights, educational opportunities, vocational training, social security benefits, and health and social services.
- Organizations that provide reading services such as the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS), and the Library of Congress. APH is the “official source of educational texts (primary through secondary level) for students who are visually impaired in the United States and its territories.” The IAAIS provides an online listing of radio reading services in the United States, Toronto and Levin, New Zealand. Internet broadcasters deliver audio broadcasts of daily newspapers and other printed materials. The Library of Congress administers a free national library program of Braille and recorded books and magazines.
These are just a few of the resources for information and services for the blind and visually impaired. Also included are National Professional Organizations, Organizations that Focus on Children, Organizations that Focus on Eye Diseases and Injuries, and Organizations that Provide Financial and Other Assistance.
Disability Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be ashamed of being depressed because of my amputation?
Can a person with an amputation live a normal, healthy lifestyle?
Do I have to have someone living with me if I am an amputee?
I have an amputation—is there a sport I can compete in?
Where do I meet others like me?
What are the ages of baby boomers?
Where can I find more information on baby boomer topics?
Are there special resources just for baby boomers?
Are there specific health issues I should be aware of?
Should I make the time to seek caregiver assistance and support?
Should a cancer patient caregiver enlist the help of outside resources?
What are some of the things I should do as a caregiver?
Can I get financial help if I am an elderly caregiver caring for an elderly spouse?
How can I make living with a child with a disability easier for me and the child?
Just because a child has a mental disability, does that mean he or she cannot learn?
Should children with physical disabilities be allowed to participate in sporting activities?
Can my child learn from sites on the internet?
What is the leading cause of blindness?
Where can a visually impaired or blind person find information and services?
Are there books that are printed for the blind or visually impaired?
Does an employer have to make accommodations for a deaf person?
Where can specific information on deafness and hearing impairments be found?
Is there assistance for hearing impaired workers?
Does a hearing impaired disability hold a person back?
Where can a hearing impaired person look for jobs?
Does a deaf or hearing impaired child have the right to attend public school?
Does a veteran get VA disability if the disability is not service connected?
Can a disabled veteran get employment?
Where can a disabled veteran get assistance?
Where can a disabled veteran find other disabled veterans to communicate with?
Where can a disabled veteran find information on local organizations?
What should I do if I notice symptoms of hyperreflexia?
Are there other issues a spinal cord injury patient must be aware of?
Does physical therapy help a spinal cord injury patient?
Is joining a support group for me?
Should I exercise to help with arthritis pain management?
Does arthritis affect other health concerns?
How does one cope with arthrits pain limitations?
What can I expect when I am out and about in a wheelchair?
What types of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair?
How can pressure sores be averted?
Do people with a short-term disability need a wheelchair?
Can cancer patients suffer from depression?
Are there anonymous ways of coping with cancer?
Does a cancer patient have to go to the doctor every day for medication?
Are there treatments to ease cancer symptoms?
What is a good way to relieve the stress of a terminal cancer patient's remaining time?
Is it possible to not be able to find the cause of chronic pain?
Should a person with chronic pain start an exercise program?
Can online chronic pain support groups help me?
Are there ways to control chronic pain?
What is involved in stroke recovery?
Do stroke patients recover completely?
Are online support groups helpful?
Are there drugs to help restore blood flow to the brain?
Does exercise help patients with multiple sclerosis?
Is multiple sclerosis curable?
Should I attend support group meetings?
Can Parkinson's Disease psychologically affect a person?
Can exercise help with Parkinson's Disease?
There are drugs to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson's--are there drugs to stop the progression?
Is there surgery for Parkinson's Disease?
Are there things a patient can do at home to help minimize the effects of Parkinson's?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sherril Steele-Carlin |
