Blindness and Low Vision Support Resources

ConnectCenter brings together trusted services, programs, and practical resources for people who are blind, have low vision, or are living with other vision-related conditions.

Support is available through state and local agencies that serve individuals across the full vision spectrum. We encourage you to explore the links below to find help with education, employment, independent living, and family life.

Specialized Resources

• American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) a national organization offering the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, AccessWorld, Digital Literacy internships, applied research, a Leadership Conference, digital accessibility services, scholarship programs.
• American Council of the Blind (ACB) national organization of people who are blind or low vision with state and special interest affiliates. Offers programs, information, advocacy. Call Toll-free (800) 424-8666 or email [email protected].
• ConnectCenter Support Groups Page: Their Role in the Adjustment Process —Find a support group for people who are blind or low vision.
• Eye Care Providers – Search tools for ophthalmologists, optometrists, retinal specialists, etc.
• Hadley Helps – Offers free help with questions about vision loss and may provide referrals. Phone: 800-323-4238
• Helen Keller National Center Regional Network – Regional centers offering services for people who are DeafBlind or have combined vision/hearing loss.
• International Agencies Directory – Services by country.
• Low Vision Prescriber Network – Locate low vision specialists and bioptic driving services by city/state/zip.
• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) – Directory of state libraries providing braille and talking books/magazines. Phone: 888-657-7323
• National Federation of the Blind (NFB) national organization of people who are blind or low vision with state chapters and affiliates. Provides advocacy, programs, resources. Call 410-659-9314 or email [email protected].
• State, Private, and VA Agencies – Includes listings by state, plus ACB & NFB affiliates.
• Time to Be Bold (OIB-TAC) – National campaign supporting Older Individuals who are Blind. Provides a state directory of agencies and contacts for services.
• VisionServe Alliance – Directory of private agencies nationwide providing services across age groups.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (RSA) – State listings of both blind and general VR agencies with contact info.

Aging and Related Services

• Centers for Independent Living (NCIL Map) – Search by ZIP for local independent living centers.
• Easter Seals / FindHelp.org – Search by ZIP for community services, including blindness/low vision support.
• Eldercare Locator – National directory for older adult services by ZIP code (not vision rehab specific). Phone: 800-677-1116
• Rides in Sight – Directory of transportation options for older adults and people with mobility challenges.
• Transportation Directory – Local transportation services by city and state.

Families and Children

• Paths to Literacy – Literacy resources for children who are blind, low vision and deafblind with additional disabilities. Separate sections for parents and teachers of the Visually Impaired.
• Paths to Technology – Resources for parents and professionals on technology for students who are blind, low vision deafblind with additional disabilities. 
• Schools for the Blind – Schools for the blind are specialized educational institutions designed to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairments.
• FamilyConnect’s Guide to Resources – List of national and regional support groups for parents and children.
• FamilyConnect’s Getting Started Guides – provides information about vision development, navigating IFSP and IEPs, braille literacy, technology, transition to college/ career support, tips and ideas to support your child at home, and a wealth of additional resources to support you raising your child.

Products and Technology

• AccessWorld Home | American Foundation for the Blind– quarterly online publication with curated information on the intersection of disability and technology.
• American Printing House for the Blind Catalog – Download any one of our three digital (PDF) catalogs; Instructional Products, Parts and APH Press.
• Audio Reading Materials – Sources for audiobooks and other audio resources.
• Braille & Large Print Materials – Suppliers of accessible print formats.
• Independent Living Aids – everything for the blind and visually impaired individual including canes and mobility aids, magnifiers, talking watches, talking clocks, talking bibles, large print books, smoke detectors and more.
• Low Vision Device Suppliers – Nationwide listing of suppliers.
• VisionAware Getting Started Guide – Having problems seeing? This free download provides information and resources to help you navigate your journey with confidence.