List of information on topics related to low vision such as adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and recreation

Picture of a woman holding a white cane and the arm of a sighted guide

New Resources

Retail:

Blind Mice Mega Mall

is designed for use with a screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers. Each store is an independent business owned/managed by someone who is visually impaired. Browse & shop and you will find great items and unique offerings from merchants. Every purchase benefits the low vision/blind community.

Podcasts:

Blind Abilities

is the most comprehensive resource for assistive technology, accessible devices, blind and low vision technology, iPhone demonstrations, success stories, job insights, as well as college and career path information.

Blind Bargains

provides deals, news, and resources. It is a source for the latest deals and news for the blind and visually impaired. Browse the latest deals and classifieds. Listen to the latest audio podcasts. Shop for what you need at bargain prices with their powerful product search tool.

Eyes on Success

is a half-hour weekly radio program and podcast discussing products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across the US and Canada, via internet streaming services, and to everybody else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries. It is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey and distributed by WXXI Reachout Radio in Rochester, NY through the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS).

TekTalk

by Accessible World seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community, and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them.

Newsletters:

Flying Blind

LLC is a US-Based (Ohio) company whose mission is to empower persons with vision impairment with adaptive technology solutions to make them independent and efficient in unlimited capacities.

AccessWorld

provides objective information you can trust, smart and informed commentary, and cutting-edge news and trends concerning information technology and visual impairment (published monthly in AccessWorld®: Technology and People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.)

Resources:

Vision Center 2020

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12 million people 40 years and over in the US have vision impairment. 1 million have blindness, 3 million have vision impairment after correction, and 8 million have vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error.

Vision Center is an informational web guide created for those seeking eye surgery and other vision correction options. Our aim is to help those living with vision impairment by giving them the best information possible. All content published on Vision Center is researched, written, and edited by licensed optometrists, experienced journalists, and other medical writers in the industry. All pages on our website are fact-based and sourced from recent scientific research, scholarly articles, textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. Our website also does not host any form of advertisement. Check out their website

Applevis

empowers blind and low vision users of apple products and related applications.

The purpose of the Mississippi State National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment (NTAC-BVI) is to help improve the employment outcomes of people with vision impairment or blindness.

The World Blind Union (WBU)

an internationally recognized organization, representing 253 million people with blindness and partially sight in 190 member countries. They are the voice of blindness, speaking to governments and international bodies on issues concerning blindness and low vision in conjunction with their members.

Information and technical assistance is provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Disabilities Rights Maine (DRME)

mission is to ensure autonomy, inclusion, equality, and access for people with disabilities in Maine.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

  • They advocate for better policies that promote accessibility and ensure equality and opportunity for people with vision impairment and blindness, creating a culture of inclusion at work, at school, and in our communities.
  • They advocate for people who are losing their sight—particularly the increasing number of older adults experiencing vision loss—to make sure they get the services and resources that will help them remain independent.
  • They convene leaders—across our field and among business leaders, public officials, and other decision-makers—to champion the development of legislation and best practices that provide equal opportunities for people with vision impairment or blindness.
  • Through their monthly publication, AccessWorld® Magazine, they write and edit objective information you can trust—smart and informed commentary, cutting-edge news, product reviews, and trends concerning information technology and visual impairment.

Athletics:

The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)

empowers Americans with vision impairment or blindness to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation and physical activities, thereby educating and inspiring the nation.

Northeast Passage

The mission is to empower people living with disabling conditions, both visible and invisible, to define, pursue and achieve whole-life health, community engagement, and fulfillment through the purposeful use of sports and recreation; to develop and promote best practices in the fields of Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Sports.

New England Regional Ski for Light (NERSFL)

is a nonprofit organization that promotes the physical fitness of visually-impaired adults. Their mission is to sponsor physically demanding sports. In the winter, they cross-country ski and snowshoe; in the summer, they hike, canoe, and tandem bicycle. People with vision impairment or blindness and those who are sighted join together in a unique one-on-one partnership to learn from each other in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere of camaraderie. In addition, NERSFL spreads its philosophy and experience to as many people each year as possible and serves as a resource to communities, organizations, and individuals.

Adaptive Computer Services

  • Adaptive Technology Services

    Adaptive technology services of Maine. Provides affordable computer training in the form of online courses or face-to-face computer training. Phone (207)512-2387 or 1-800-873-0190 Email: steve@atmaine.com

  • All About Vision

    “AllAboutVision.com is an independent, up-to-date resource for all aspects of eye health and vision correction, including a section on Low Vision. The site was launched in January 2000 and now has over 500 pages of doctor-reviewed content.”

Associations & Foundations for The Visually Impaired.


Agencies On Aging

  • The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

    Maine is working to improve the lives of the 50-plus by advocating on the issues that matter most. Not only a trusted source for information, but also working to be sure to use local resources to help Mainers live with dignity and purpose. Through their programs, community outreach, and volunteers, they improve the quality of life as people age and have fun while doing it. From York to Madawaska, we are 230,000 strong are working in your community.

  • Aroostook Area Agency on Aging

    Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington Counties 33 Davis Street, PO Box 1288 Presque Isle, ME 04769 Toll-Free Phone-1-800-439-1789 TTY 764-3396

  • Eastern Agency on Aging

    Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Somerset, Sagadahoc, and Kennebec Counties. 450 Essex Street Bangor, ME 04401 Phone 1-800-432-7812 Local (207)941-2865 Both numbers can also be used for TTY.

  • Maine Senior Guide

  • Seniors Plus

    Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties 465 Main Street, PO Box 659 Lewiston, ME 04243 Phone-1-800-427-1241 or (207)795-4010 or TTY 795-7232

  • Senior Spectrum

    Provides the following services:

    • Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services
    • Adult Day Health Services
    • Housing Options
    • Health Insurance Counseling
    • Medicare/Medicaid Help
    • Tax Rebates & Assistance With Complicated Forms list end

    One Weston Court, PO Box 2589 Augusta, ME 04338-2589 Phone (207)622- 9212 or 1-800-639-1553 TTY 1-800-464-8703

  • Southern Maine Agency on Aging

    (serving York and Cumberland counties) 136 US Route One Scarborough, ME 04106 Toll-Free- 1-877-353 3771

  • Elder Independence of Maine

    Toll-Free Phone- 1-888 234 3920 Gould agency this agency determines whether an individual needs to be placed in a nursing home. This approval is needed in order for Maine Care or Medicaid to pay for it. Toll-Free phone-1-800-690 7893

  • Maine Legal Services for the Elderly

    (statewide) Providing free legal assistance to socially and economically needy Maine residents age 60 and older with offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. Phone- 1-800- 750-5353

Braille (Resources)

Catalogs and Resources For Adaptive Aids

  • APH – American Printing House For the Blind Products Catalog

    Provides information about books on tape and where individuals can receive textbooks in an accessible format. Phone 1-800-223-1839

  • The Braille Bookstore

    Has accessible board and card games as well as talking watches and clocks, Braille books, and many other useful items.

  • Carolyn’s Low Vision Products

    Has phones watches clocks household items and games. Phone-1-800-648-2266

  • Dynamic-Living

    Has many products for individuals with visual impairments such as talking scales, thermometers, large print measuring devices, and much more. Phone-1-888-940-0605

  • Hearmore

    Provides information on products available and adapted games. Phone -1-800-881-4327

  • Independent Living Aids

    Catalog includes many items like playing cards, board games, sewing aids, large print crossword puzzles, and other recreational items. 27 East Mall, Plainview, NY 11803 phone (800) 537-2118 or (516) 752-8080 Fax (516) 752-3135

  • Lighthouse International

    Offers products relating to low vision, and many nice gift items. Phone-1-800-829-0500

  • LS&S

    Many items are electronic or mechanical and recently expanded line to include many other items. Phone-1800-468-4789

  • Maxi-Aids

    Products for those with low vision, large selection, some not related to vision. Phone-1-800-522-6294

  • Performance Health (formerly Sammons Preston)

    General adaptive equipment catalog, not specific to vision Phone – 1-800-323-5547

  • Speak To Me

    Full of talking products not specific to vision loss, kids and adults may enjoy some of the items. Phone -1-800-248-9965

  • The Healthy Lighting Catalog

    Has many different lights and bulbs available which individuals with visual impairments may find helpful. Phone-1- 800-454-4408

  • Walter Drake

    Adaptive aids such as cutting shield, silicone oven mitt

Children Pediatrics/Special Education

This list contains resources for students, parents, and educators and has many helpful websites which contain information on schools, careers, and products.

Continuing Education

Local Community Resources

  • Access Maine

    This website was developed to assist Mainers with disabilities, their families, and providers. There is also lots of information here that is useful to employers, educators, researchers, and the general public. Phone (207) 396-6500

  • American Council of the Blind (ACB) of Maine

    The local chapter of this organization gives information about different resources and services that are available to individuals with visual impairments in the state of Maine. 11 Marginal Way PO Box 9715-121 Portland, ME 04104 Phone – 1-800-424-8666 National website:

  • Lions Club International

    Lions Clubs have various programs relating to vision loss such as an eyeglass recycling program and information about where individuals can receive services in their area. To find out about the various programs and services offered through the Lions Club. For local Lions Club information

  • International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS)

    A listing of radio reading services in the United States and their program schedules

  • Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

    Is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the well-being of dog guide users in Maine. This website also gives useful links if individuals want to find out more information on where they need to go if they are interested in a guide dog for themselves or if they are interested in raising a puppy to become a guide dog. There is also information given on different resources and products that are available to guide dog users.

  • The National Federation of The Blind (NFB)

    Provides information and resources to individuals with visual impairments, such as access to job listings, adaptive products, and a newsletter. The information given is from the local branch of the NFB. For more information you can visit the National Website or contact John A. Barton, President ; 88 Shaker Road Gray, Maine 04039-9707 Phone: (207) 657-2829 Email: ambron@maine.rr.com


Recorded Reading Materials

  • American Printing House for the Blind

    Has many audiobooks for leisure reading as well as textbooks available.1839 Frankfort Avenue, Box 6085 Louisville, KY 40206-0085 Phone(502) 895-2405 or 1-800-223-1839 Fax (502) 899-2274 E-mail: info@aph.org

  • American Audio Prose Library, Inc.

    Produces contemporary fiction and poetry on cassette, read by the authors. Some tapes include interviews with authors. Box 842 Columbia, MO 65205 Phone-1-800- 447-2275 Fax (573) 499-0579 e-mail: aaplinc@gte.net

  • Audio Editions

    Audiobooks – Audio Editions Books on Cassette Over 8000 audiobooks encompassing all interests. Call for catalog. Box 6930 Auburn, CA 95604 phone 1-800- 231-4261 Fax: (800) 882- 1840 or (530) 888-1840 e-mail: info@audioeditions.com

  • Aurora Ministries

    Provides the bible in an audio format to individuals with visual impairments. P.O. Box 621 Bradenton, FL 34206 phone (941) 748-3031 Fax (941) 748-2625 e-mail: tapes@auroraministries.org

  • Blindskills, Inc. – Publisher of Dialogue

    Publishes Dialogue, a quarterly magazine for the visually impaired. Variety of subject matters (I.E: careers, lifestyles, how to, technology, new products) Available in braille, 4-track cassette tape, large print, and computer disk. Annual subscription rates: $28.00 for blind/legally blind and $40.00 for the NOT legally blind. Blindskills, Inc. Box 5181 Salem, OR 97304-0181 Phone (503) 581-4224 Toll Free-1800 860-4224 fax (503) 581-0178 E-mail: info@blindskills.com

  • Choice Magazine Listening

    selects and records memorable writing from approximately 100 leading magazines. Every other month, this unique, free service offers its subscribers eight hours of outstanding unabridged articles, fiction, and poetry read by professional voices and recorded on four-track cassette tapes. The required four-track player is provided free of charge by the Library of Congress through its Talking Book program, which is available to those who are unable to read because of visual or physical handicaps. Toll-Free phone – 1-888-724-6423

  • Maine State Library

    Provides audiobooks on tape individuals can receive the tape players needed to play the tapes free of charge. There is also a mail program available where individuals can receive and return books through the mail after filling out an application. Special Services, 64 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0064 Phone – 1-800-762-7106

  • Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind

    General interest monthly magazine is available in braille, 4 track audio cassette, computer disk or email which is free to blind or visually impaired persons. Has a variety of articles reprinted from magazines and newspapers, many otherwise unavailable other than in print. Also poems, short stories, humor, a pen pal section, and a letters column. 80 8th Ave. Room 1304 New York, NY 10011 Phone-(212) 242-0263 Fax (212) 633-1601 e-mail: blind@bellatlantic.net

General Information

  • Lens Shopper

    Provides some great information and resources to help teach about how albinism affects vision.

  • Caregiving Tips

    Caring for an aging, ill, or disabled family member creates a host of responsibilities, some familiar, some not so, while others are very difficult, depending on the circumstances. Family members, especially ones serving in a primary caregiver role, will feel alone at times. But despite the challenges, it’s rewarding. Here are some tips to make the tasks easier. Always remember, you’re not alone. This prevailing encouragement will help you throughout the journey.