Eligibility Requirements for the Directory of Services

The APH ConnectCenter Directory of Services is committed to providing accurate, reliable, and valuable resources for individuals who are blind or low vision, their families, and the professionals who serve them. This policy outlines the requirements for inclusion in the Directory, ensuring that listed organizations align with our mission of supporting independence, accessibility, and well-being.

1. Purpose & Mission Alignment

  • The Directory’s primary goal is to connect the blind and low vision community with trustworthy services and resources.
  • Listings must align with the APH ConnectCenter’s mission of promoting independence, accessibility, and quality of life for blind and low vision individuals.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Organizations must meet the following requirements to be included in the Directory:

Nonprofit and Government Agencies

  • Must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a municipal, state, or federal government agency that administers or oversees programs and services for blind or low vision individuals.
  • Must have been in operation for at least one year.
  • Must have a minimum of two staff members.
  • Services described in the Directory profile must be objectively verifiable and consistent with APH’s knowledge of the organization.
  • Must review or update information at least every 12 months or in response to APH requests.
  • Must be consistently reachable by the public through at least one form of contact (phone, email, postal address, or a contact form on their website).

For-Profit Businesses

For-profit organizations not eligible for 501(c)(3) status may be included if they:

  • Manufacture or distribute products or devices adapted to assist blind or low vision individuals.
  • Produce or publish materials in alternative formats (e.g., braille, large print, audio, or digital accessible media).
  • Broadcast information in accessible formats (e.g., news, consumer information, or books).
  • Provide a unique or essential service not otherwise offered by nonprofit agencies.
  • Are owned or operated by individuals who are blind or low vision and provide services of benefit to the general public or to the blind and low vision community specifically.

Special Exceptions

  • Some for-profit organizations may be listed if no nonprofit alternative exists (for example, legal advocacy in disability rights).
  • A dedicated category may be created to highlight blind-owned businesses as a means of supporting community entrepreneurship.

4. Review Process

  • All submissions are reviewed by the ConnectCenter User Services Committee against the established criteria.
  • The review considers:
    • How the service benefits the blind and low vision community.
    • Whether accessibility components are in place.
    • If for-profit, whether the service is unique or essential.
    • Whether inclusion of a blind-owned business supports the Directory’s mission.

5. Transparency & Appeals

  • Organizations that do not meet eligibility requirements will receive written notification of denial usually within 3-4 weeks of applying.
  • A denied organization may reapply after six months if they believe they now meet the eligibility criteria.

6. Ongoing Accountability

  • This policy is reviewed annually, or as needed, to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the blind and low vision community.
  • APH ConnectCenter values user feedback and considers it in refining Directory policies and criteria over time.