Body
Support
All About Vision
All About Vision was launched in January 2000 by a group of individuals who had been involved in eye care journalism since the 1970s. All About Vision is the largest online resource for visual health and wellness, turning evidence-based medical information into engaging content for millions of readers across 25 global markets and 16 languages.
https://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/resource-guide-for-the-legally-blind/
American Council for the Blind
To increase the independence and quality of life for persons who are legally blind or visually impaired. They provide scholarships for college, advocacy and education. They have local Chapters throughout eh United States.
202-467-5081 / 800-424-8666
https://www.acb.org/about
Spectrios Institute for Low Vision
Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, formerly Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation, is dedicated to helping individuals with low vision lead full, productive lives. We offer a full spectrum of care treating the head, heart and eyes. We will help you find the right devices and technology to maximize your vision so you not only see better but live a more independent life.
219 East Cole Avenue
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
630-690-7115
https://spectrios.org/
The Chicago Lighthouse
The Chicago Lighthouse has been a leader in comprehensive vision care and social services that improve the quality of life for patients, clients and their families.
(312)-666-1331
https://chicagolighthouse.org/
Hadley
The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive – at home, at work, and in their communities.
700 Elm Street, Winnetka, Illinois 60093
800.323.4238
https://www.hadley.edu/default.asp
American Foundation for the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind provides resources in the following areas: Resources for families, accessible technology, professionals, public policy and research. They have eLearning offerings that provide cutting-edge developments in constantly evolving subject areas, including: technology, education, orientation and mobility, employment, rehabilitation, research and aging.
1401 South Clark Street
Suite 730
Arlington, VA 22202
212-502-7600
https://www.afb.org/
Second Sense – Beyond Vision Loss
Second Sense is and organization that provides resources for adults with vision loss with support groups, information education for friends and family, and rehab programs.
65 E. Wacker Place
Suite 1010
Chicago, IL 60601
312-236-8569
National Federation of the Blind
The NFB assists blind persons achieve self-confidence a self-respect through self-expression and advocacy.
The National Federation of the Blind consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. We encourage you to contact your state affiliate for information and resources that are specific to your local area.
410-659-9314
https://www.second-sense.org/
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
The GDFB provides guide dogs to the visually impaired free of charge for those who qualify.
371 East Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787-2976
1-800-548-4337
https://www.guidedog.org/
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to give vital support, encouragement, and information.
(717) 658-9894
http://nopbc.org/
VisionAware
VisionAware is a free, easy-to-use informational service for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.
1-800-232-5463
https://visionaware.org/
Living Aids
Independent Living Aids
low-vision aids, tools and technology from ila. We carry everything for the blind and visually impaired including canes and mobility aids, magnifiers, talking watches, talking clocks, talking bibles, large print books, smoke detectors, Braille products, talking cooking gadgets, voice recognition software and much, much more. In particular, magnifiers and talking products make wonderful gifts for grandparents and for individuals who are blind or who suffer from macular degeneration, diabetes, or arthritis
(800) 537-2118
https://www.independentliving.com/
Maxi-Aids
Maxi-Aids is a vendor of a variety of products for people with vision and hearing loss.
800-522-6294
https://www.maxiaids.com/
Sports
Dare2Tri
Dare2Tri provides opportunities for persons with physical disabilities and / or visual impairments to develop skills in the sport of Para triathlon.
516 N. Ogden Ave., #172
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 666-1331
http://www.dare2tri.org/
Reading - audio and tactile options
Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service: IL State Library
Access to audio talking books and braille books from the Illinois State Library delivered by mail to your door.
300 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62701−1796
800−426−0709
https://www.ilbph.org/
Books without Barriers: Bookshare
Provides access to over 60,000 digital books to people with vision, and reading difficulties.
Bookshare® is an ebook library that makes reading easier. People with reading barriers can customize their experience and read in ways that work for them.
https://www.bookshare.org/cms/
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. nls@loc.gov
1-800-424-8567
https://www.loc.gov/nls/
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433
Photo by Josh Calabrese on Unsplash
