This list is not intended to be a complete listing of all organizations which provide information and/or services to older blind or visually impaired persons, nor is it intended to be an endorsement of any organization or publication.
For further information on useful large print or talking products or low vision organizations, please request our lists on those subjects, or check the resources section on our website.
American Association of Retired Persons
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049
(202) 434-2477
(800) 424-3410
Offers educational programs, and information on products and services; publishes a wide range of education and consumer materials.
Call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)
Monday - Friday
7am – 12 midnight ET.
AARP
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 1004
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 424-8666
From 2pm - 5pm Eastern Time the toll free line is answered by staff and the remainder of the time has a recorded message.)
(202) 467-5081
fax (202) 467-5085
e-mail:
info@acb.org
website:
American Council of the Blind
Provides information and referral, legislative and disability related advocacy, and publishes monthly magazine, The Braille Forum, in various accessible media. This magazine is free to individuals.
American Foundation for the Blind
11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300
New York, NY 10001
(212) 502-7600
(800) 232-5463
e-mail:
afbinfo@afb.org
Website:
American Foundation for the Blind
Offers books on aging & blindness. Call the 800 number or check their website for titles of books available, their formats and how to order.
Business Publishers, Inc.
8737 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100
Silver Spring, MD 20910-1081
(301) 587-6300
fax (301) 587-1081
Website:
Business Publishers, Inc.
Publishes Directory of Aging Resources, a guidebook listing federal and state government programs, private organizations and other agencies related to aging and blindness.
Eye Care America
655 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-1336
EyeCare America
Provides referrals for disadvantaged individuals over 65 who do not have access to an ophthalmologist they have seen in the past. Sponsored by the Knights Templar. Eyeglasses, prescriptions, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not covered. Contact them to determine if you are eligible for their services.
Hammatt Senior Products
601 Flaghouse Drive
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
orders (800) 793-7900
questions (800) 428-5128
fax (800) 734-2193
They have aerobics videos, exercise equipment, adapted sports equipment, large print trivia games and other board games, giant bingo cards, jumbo checkers, large print and braille playing cards, plus more.
Lighthouse International
111 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 821-9200
(800) 334-5497
e-mail:
info@lighthouse.org
website:
Lighthouse International
Publishes a guidebook entitled Sound & Sight: Your Second Fifty Years. Also has other age-related brochures and a free newsletter.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
1604 N. Country Club Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 881-4005
(520) 325-7925
website:
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Has several brochures on topics of interest to persons concerned with elder law issues, such as age discrimination, elder abuse, estate planning, durable powers of attorney, Medicare and Medicaid. There is a directory of members on the website or one can be purchased for $15.00. Call or write them for more information.
National Council on the Aging
409 3rd Street, SW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 479-1200
Ordering Publications:
(800) 424-9046
fax (202) 479-0735
website:
The National Council on the Aging
Provides information and referral, advocacy and brochures of interest to older Americans. Also publishes bimonthly newsletters.
National Eye Institute
Information Center
NEI, NIH
Building 31, Room 6A32
31 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5248
Publication Distribution Center: (800) 869-2020
e-mail:
2020@nei.nih.gov
Website:
National Eye Institute [NEI]
Collects and distributes information on prevention, detection, and treatment of eye disorders. A division of the National Institutes of Health.
National Institute on Aging
Box 8057
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057
(800) 222-2225
fax (301) 589-3014
Website:
NIA Home
Provides several brochures on common eye complaints and conditions often associated with aging.
Prevent Blindness America
National Office
500 East Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4557
(847) 843-2020
(800) 331-2020
e-mail:
info@preventblindness.org
website:
Prevent Blindness America
Has informational brochures on eye conditions and conducts public and professional education programs on prevention of blindness. Contact them to learn more about their services.
Resources for Rehabilitation
22 Bonad Road
Winchester, MA 01890
(781) 368-9094
fax (781) 368-9096
e-mail:
info@rfr.org
website:
Resources for Rehabilitation
Publishes Resources for Elders with Disabilities, 4th ed., a directory providing information about the services and products that elders need to function independently. Each chapter deals with a specific disability. Printed in 18 point bold type.
Publishes large print resource lists and Living with Low Vision: A Resource Guide for People with Sight Loss. This is an extremely valuable self-help guide. People with sight loss due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and other conditions are provided information needed to keep reading, working and enjoying life.
Sixth edition 2001 ISBN 0-929718-28-3. $46.95 plus shipping and handling.
Social Security Administration
(410) 965-3120
(800) 772-1213
TDD (800) 325-0778
fax (410) 965-3443
website:
Social Security Online
Administers Supplemental Security Income for the blind, aged and disabled. Has local and regional offices nationwide. Consult your telephone directory for the office nearest you. If you need materials in braille, call the 800 number above rather than your local number.
State Government Resources Every state government provides rehabilitation and aging services. Contact your state rehabilitation agency for independent living services. For all other services, contact your area agency on aging.
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