Blind/Visually Impaired

Access For All

website:  www.ilr.cornell.edu/ped/accessforall

AFB TECH (AFB Technology and Employment Center in Huntington)

1000 Fifth Ave. Suite 350
Huntington, WV 25701

voice: (304) 523-8651

AFB Tech, based in Huntington, West Virginia, addresses critical inequities created by the lack of accessible technology for people with vision loss. AFB Tech conducts product evaluations on mainstream devices such as cell phones and office equipment, and then armed with these results, works with manufacturers to design their products to offer greater accessibility. It also evaluates assistive technology and works with software developers, web site designers, and hardware manufacturers to help them better understand and address the needs of those who are blind or visually impaired.

American Council of the Blind

2200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 650
Arlington, VA 22201-3354

website:  www.acb.org
voice: (202) 467-5081
fax: (703) 465-5085
phone: (800) 424-8666

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national organization of blind, visually impaired and sighted individuals whose purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. ACB programs and services include "The Braille Forum", a free monthly publication available in braille, large print, on cassette and computer disk, and by e-mail subscription and at www.acb.org; numerous scholarship awards; and active participation in the national legislative and advocacy scene. ACB is also a valuable resource for information on programs and services in the blindness field and laws affecting blind persons.

American Foundation for the Blind

2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102
New York, NY 10121

website:  www.afb.org
voice: (212) 502-7600
fax: (888) 545-8331

The American Foundation for the Blind removes barriers, creates solutions, and expands possibilities so people with vision loss can achieve their full potential.

Employment Related Links

website:  www.blind.msstate.edu/irr/employ.html

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street
at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230

website:  www.nfb.org
voice: 410-659-9314
fax: 410-685-5653

The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of the blind in America. Interested sighted persons also join. Founded in 1940, the Federation has grown to include over 50,000 members. The ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic, and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.

Rehabilitation research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (Mississippi State)

108 Herbert - South, Room 150 Industrial Education Department Building
PO Drawer 6189, Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762

website:  www.blind.msstate.edu
voice: 662-325-2001
fax: 662-325-8989
TTY: 662-325-2694

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (MSU- RRTC) is located in the historic Industrial Education Building on the campus of Mississippi State University. The MSU-RRTC is the only U.S. Department of Education-funded center focused on employment outcomes of persons with blindness or low vision. In October, 2011, the MSU-RRTC marked its 30-year anniversary as a center for applied research focusing on this population.

Services (or Commission) for the Blind

website:  nfb.org/state-and-local-organizations

Some of these agencies have technology centers where employers can view adaptive equipment. (Look in local telephone book under state agencies or vocational rehabilitation)

Vocational Rehabilitation Division

In states that do not have a separate agency for people who are blind.