Here we listed some useful websites and organizations that are frequently used. However, if you can, reach out to organizations and government branches near you, because they may provide a more personalized service for your specific situation.
Thanks to Prevent Blindness Organization, the local resources have been gathered and shared. If you live in the United States, you can find a list of local resources here. For local resources in other countries, click here.
National Resources in the US:
Library of Congress – National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats, delivered by postage-free mail or instantly downloadable.
Homepage: https://www.loc.gov/nls/
Apply for NLS service: https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/apply-for-nls-service/
Register for BARD to access audio and braille books and magazines directly on your smart phones and tablets: https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/register-for-bard-get-bard-mobile/
Apply for NLS service: https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/apply-for-nls-service/
Register for BARD to access audio and braille books and magazines directly on your smart phones and tablets: https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/register-for-bard-get-bard-mobile/
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is an American non-profit organization for people with vision loss. AFB’s priorities include broadening access to technology, elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss, and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources.
Homepage: https://www.afb.org/
Consulting services: https://www.afb.org/about-afb/what-we-do/afb-consulting
Consulting services: https://www.afb.org/about-afb/what-we-do/afb-consulting
Foundation Fighting Blindness
The mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to fund research that will lead to the prevention, treatment and cures for the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.
Homepage: https://www.fightingblindness.org/
Resources: https://www.fightingblindness.org/living-and-thriving
Find a center near you: https://www.fightingblindness.org/chapters
Resources: https://www.fightingblindness.org/living-and-thriving
Find a center near you: https://www.fightingblindness.org/chapters
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is an organization of blind people in the United States. Anyone, blind or sighted, is permitted to join the NFB, but a majority of members in its local chapters, state affiliates, and nationwide divisions must be blind, as must its officers and board members at every level with exception of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. This structure is intended to ensure that the organization is run by blind people and reflects the collective views of its blind members, the NFB refers to itself as “the voice of the nation’s blind.”
Homepage: https://www.nfb.org/
Free audio news service: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline
Programs and services: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services
Resources: https://www.nfb.org/resources
Free audio news service: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline
Programs and services: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services
Resources: https://www.nfb.org/resources
Bookshare
Bookshare® is the world’s largest online library of accessible e-books for people with print disabilities. In order for you to become a Bookshare® member, an expert must confirm that you have a print disability that severely inhibits or prevents you from reading traditional print materials. Anyone in the world with a qualifying print disability may join Bookshare. Accessing their services may require a low membership fee if you are not a U.S. student.
Membership costs: https://www.bookshare.org/cms/Bookshare-me/what-does-it-cost
Sign-up page: https://www.bookshare.org/cms/get-started/sign
Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income Program
Description: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
Homepage: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/
Sign-up page: https://www.bookshare.org/cms/get-started/sign
Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income Program
Description: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
Homepage: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired:
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley following his loss of vision at age 55, Hadley offers education free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, as well as families and professionals serving them. Today, Hadley serves nearly 150,000 individuals each year, from all 50 states and in 100 countries. Hadley is also the largest educator of braille worldwide.
