Online Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Which online resources should I read first?

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have "been around the block," this is where you will find the information and links to vital information, international, national, state, private, non-profit, educational, vocational, and other agencies.

Newly Diagnosed?

Go here for where to find general information and first steps. Information on eye diseases

Foundation Fighting Blindness
World Health Organization

Other National /International Organizations

American Council for the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Hadley
Hellen Keller International
National Federation for the Blind
The Library of Congress

Resources by state

Find local resources specific you your state.

Newly Diagnosed? Information on Eye Diseases

According to the World Health Organization:

The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness are uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts.
The majority of people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years; however, vision loss can affect people of all ages.
Vision impairment poses an enormous global financial burden with the annual global costs of productivity losses associated with vision impairment from uncorrected myopia and presbyopia alone estimated to be US $ 244 billion and US $ 25.4 billion. (www.who..int)

The Foundation Fighting Blindness

A great starting point. The Foundation covers a large amount of information, including stories and resources, retinal education, genetic testing, research, local chapters, fundraising for research, and more. They are "the world's leading private source for inherited retinal disease research funding." They have a video series on eye diseases, and have information on genetic testing , clinical trials , research , resources, and more.

The diseases they cover are:

Achromatopsia , Bardet-Biedl Syndrome , Best Disease , Choroideremia , Leber Congenital Amaurosis , macular degeneration , retinitis pigmentosa , Refsum disease , Stargardt disease , Usher syndrome , X-Linked retinoschisis (XLRS) , and a few more rare conditions .

https://www.fightingblindness.org/

Other National Organizations

American Council for the Blind

The mission of the American Council for the Blind is "To increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. They have a large collection of resources and information covering advocacy and governmental affairs, music , outdoor and other activities, scholarships , news, community events , publications and much more. They have chapters in every state, scroll down to your state below to find your local chapter or locate it on their national website.

https://www.acb.org/

American Foundation for the Blind

How AFB Changes Lives (from their website)

"We expand and share knowledge through a variety of initiatives, including original research and our peer-reviewed Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.
In the business world, we guide the creation of more accessible products and websites.
We advocate for better policies that promote accessibility and ensure equality and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired, creating a culture of inclusion at work, at school, and in our communities.
We speak up for children who are blind or visually impaired, to make sure they have the resources they need, including textbooks and classroom materials.
We advocate for people who are losing their sight—particularly the increasing number of older adults experiencing vision loss—to make sure they get the services and resources that will help them remain independent.
We convene leaders—across our field and among business leaders, public officials and other decision-makers—to champion the development of legislation and best practices that provide equal opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Through our monthly publication, AccessWorld® Magazine, we write and edit objective information you can trust—smart and informed commentary, cutting-edge news, product reviews, and trends concerning information technology and visual impairment."

https://www.afb.org/

Guide Dogs for the Blind

P.O. Box 151200 San Rafael, CA 94915-1200
1-800-295-4050

www.guidedogs.com

Hadley

Hadley's mission is "to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive - at home, at work, and in their communities." They have many free workshops, podcasts, and information to make your low vision life better. Everything from daily living , to technology , working , Braille , and recreation .

https://hadley.edu/

Hellen Keller Institute

Their vision is "A world where no one is deprived of the opportunity to live a healthy life – and reach their true potential." They provide knowledgeable articles on a variety of subjects; nutrition, international resources, and prevention of blindness.

https://hki.com/home

National Federation of the Blind

The NFB provides a variety of programs and resources including training and education, advocacy and outreach, technology and products. legal programs, scholarships, braille certification, safety and support, employment and career mentoring, and so much more. They have affiliate chapters in every state so they offer very specialized services.

https://nfb.org

National Headquarters:

National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Phone (410) 659-9314

Email nfb@nfb.org

See below to find your state's affiliate.

The Library of Congress' National Library Services for the Blind

The Library of Congress' National Library Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and your local libraries are great resources for accessing printed media. NLS is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Click here for more information and how to apply. Explore your local library's website to find out what free services are available. Most of the time, all you need is your library card sign up for services.

Mailing Address:
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542-4962

Street Address:
1291 Taylor Street, NW
Washington, DC 20542

(202)707-5100 Toll-free: (800) 424-8567

For more national resources, click here to go to the national page.

Resources by State

There are many agencies and organizations that are specific to your state that provide individualized services. Click on your state to find the resources close to you.

Illinois