Resources
BlindlineSM by VISIONS

INTRODUCING BLINDLINESM by VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(888) 625-1616
www.blindline.org

BlindlineSM is a uniquely comprehensive information and referral service for people who are blind or visually impaired, their family members, caregivers, and professional service providers. The service includes a toll-free telephone number as well as a fully-accessible website, both of which are linked to a New York State database of accessible products and services, such as:
  • Museums with audio and tactile exhibits
  • Restaurants with Braille menus
  • Local government and social service offices
  • Accessible libraries
  • Recreational facilities
  • Rehabilitation agencies
If a particular information request cannot be found in the internal database, a BlindlineSMInformation Specialist will continue to research the subject, and will return any findings to the caller in his or her preferred format: voice, email, Braille, large or standard sized print. In addition, BlindlineSM is a vocational training program, designed to enhance the performance skills of the volunteers, who themselves are blind or visually impaired.

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired proudly acknowledges its partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) whose expertise in accessible web design, deployment and maintenance has been largely responsible for the success of the BlindlineSM website. BlindlineSM received primary funding from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, along with generous support from the American Express Foundation, the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped and several other sources.

The BlindlineSM Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, or to learn how you can become a BlindlineSM Information Specialist, contact:

Michael J. Cush, BlindlineSM Coordinator
(888) 625-1616 Ext. 710 / mcush@blindline.info

JBI International

JBI International (established in 1931 as the Jewish Braille Institute of America), is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides materials in Braille, on audio cassette and in large print to the blind, visually impaired and reading and physically disabled worldwide. All services are free of any charge.

AFB CareerConnect

AFB CareerConnect® is a free resource for people who want to learn about the range and diversity of jobs performed by adults who are blind or visually impaired throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Job seekers can explore possible careers, contact a visually impaired mentor for advice, create their own resume online, and more.
  • Employers can find information on how to hire and retain blind and visually impaired workers, tips on building an inclusive environment and calculating
  • both its value and costs, answers to related human resources questions, and help in finding appropriate assistive technology and other accommodations.
  • Family members can investigate the many jobs that visually impaired workers are already doing; find out how to provide critical mentorship from successfully employed, visually impaired adults; and meet the professionals who work with those who are visually impaired throughout their lives.
Lighthouse

Since 1905, Lighthouse International has been the leader worldwide in helping people who are blind or partially sighted overcome the challenges of vision loss.

What We Do: The Lighthouse is dedicated to preventing the disabling effects of uncorrectable vision loss from conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetes-related eye disease, cataracts and glaucoma.

Our work enables people of all ages who are visually impaired to remain independent, active and productive.

How We Help : The Lighthouse helps people of all ages with vision loss live better by:

  • Providing vision rehabilitation services (counseling and training to improve day-to-day functioning)
  • Educating eyecare and vision rehabilitation professionals, along with the general public
  • Conducting vision, psychosocial, evaluation and accessibility research that provides practical solutions for everyday living
  • Promoting the early detection and prevention of vision loss
  • Urging policy change through advocacy to ensure equal access to health care, the environment and information
Visions Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a non-profit rehabilitation and social service organization whose purpose is to develop and implement programs to assist blind and visually impaired people of all ages to lead independent and active lives in their homes and communities; and to educate the public to understand the capabilities and needs of people who are blind or visually impaired so that they may be integrated into all aspects of community life.

The programs in the greater New York area by which VISIONS fulfills its purpose include: (1) in-home rehabilitation training, (2) community-based social services, (3) supported leisure and recreational activities, and (4) individual, group, and community education. VISIONS' programs focus on those persons who are blind and visually impaired with special needs, including elders, people with multiple disabilities, and culturally diverse/limited-English speaking persons.
New York State Disabilities Advocacy Association and Network (NYS DAAN)

The goal of the NYS DAAN is to create an "advocacy network" and strengthen the advocacy system by connecting and coordinating resources throughout the state. A strong cohesive advocacy association is necessary to promote systemic change, capacity building, efficient information and resource sharing, and support small grassroot groups throughout the state.