The following list of resources is from the National Library Service (NLS), a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. By putting some of their list here, we hope to make it easier for veterans to find the resources they need.

Resources for Disabled Veterans and Their Caregivers

Employment and Rehabilitation Resources

ABILITY Jobs
PO Box 10878
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
custserv@jobtarget.com
www.abilityjobs.com External

Provides a free service for people with disabilities to search for jobs online and to post resumes that companies can browse. Charges a fee to employers for posting their employment opportunities and for advertising online.

Career One Stop
200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20210
877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627)
877-889-5627 TTY
info@CareerOneStop.org
www.careeronestop.org External

A program of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration that assists individuals in search of jobs, training, and contact information for local job centers.

Careers for People with Disabilities
401 Columbus Ave.
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 741-JOBS (5627)
www.careersforpeoplewithdisabilities.org External
Helps individuals with learning, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, and/or physical disabilities find jobs. Provides extensive on-the-job training and ongoing support services.

Disabled American Veterans
3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
(859) 441-7300
www.dav.org External

Helps veterans with service-connected disabilities regain health, learn new trades or professions, rejoin the civilian world, and secure disability benefits. Works with Congress and federal agencies to ensure veterans’ preferences are upheld and veterans receive priority access to employment services.

Disabled Businesspersons Association
Interwork Institute
6367 Alvarado Ct., Ste. 350
San Diego, CA 92120
(619) 594-8805
(619) 594-4208 fax
www.disabledbusiness.org External

Offers free self-employment and rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, and assists professionals in rehabilitation, career, and business counseling nationwide.

Easter Seals
141 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1400A
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 726-6200
800-221-6827 toll-free
(312) 726-4258 TTY
(312) 726-1494 fax
www.easterseals.com External
http://easterseals.jobs External

Provides job training and employment services to adults with physical and mental disabilities. Helps individuals learn skills to enter the workforce or to return to work after an illness or injury. Provides a job-search portal that lists postings from more than 800 employers.

Employment Program for Homeless Veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
800-827-1000 toll-free
800-829-4833 TTY
www.va.gov/homeless/employment_programs.asp External

Provides assistance, including the Homeless Veteran Supported Employment Program, the Compensated Work Therapy Program, and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, to homeless veterans in their area.

Feds Hire Vets
Office of Personnel Management, Veterans Services
1900 E St. NW, Rm. 7439-AF
Washington, DC 20415-1000
(202) 606-7304
fedshirevets@opm.gov
www.fedshirevets.gov External

A division of the Office of Personnel Management that helps veterans secure employment in the Federal Government

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
(304) 293-7186
800-526-7234 toll-free
877-781-9403 TTY
jan@askjan.org
https://askjan.org External

Facilitates the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing information on job accommodation options through case-by-case evaluations and the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) system. Offers technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related legislation.

National Business and Disability Council
Viscardi Center
201 I.U. Willets Rd.
Albertson, NY 11507
(516) 465-1400
info@viscardicenter.org
https://www.viscardicenter.org/nbdc/ External

Helps businesses create accessible work conditions for their employees and accessible products for consumers. Responds to inquiries about Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, building and product accessibility, reasonable accommodations, and staff training.

National Veterans Foundation Job Board
5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 350
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 642-0255
(310) 642-0258 fax
https://jobs.nvf.org/veterans-job-board-listings External

Lists jobs that are specifically looking for veterans.

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202-7100
(202) 245-7700
(202) 245-7838 fax
otae@ed.gov
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/index.html External

Administers and coordinates programs related to adult education and literacy, career and technical training, and community colleges. Has online reports and links to career, technical, and adult education by state.

Office of Veterans Business Development
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd St. SW
Washington, DC 20416
800-827-5722 toll-free
855-440-4960 ASL customer support videophone
800-877-8339 TTY
answerdesk@sba.gov
www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses External

This office facilitates the use of all Small Business Administration programs by veterans, service-disabled, and others to help start and grow small businesses.

Paralyzed Veterans of America
801 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-3517
800-424-8200
info@pva.org
www.pva.org External

Provides vocational rehabilitation for paralyzed veterans seeking employment, as well as assisting them with health benefits, grants for housing, and other benefits.

Rehabilitation Services Administration
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202-7100
(202) 245-7488
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html External

Administers grant programs and service projects that help individuals with disabilities obtain employment and support, such as job training and medical and psychological services. Provides funds to state vocational rehabilitation agencies for employment-related services.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M St. NE
Washington, DC 20507
800-669-4000 toll-free
800-669-6820 toll-free TDD/TTY
844-234-5122 ASL videophone
info@eeoc.gov
www.eeoc.gov External

Enforces Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, the law that prohibits employment discrimination based on disability.
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service

U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20210
866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)
contact.vets@dol.gov
www.dol.gov/vets External

The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service provides employment resources such as American Job Centers, Veterans Employment Center, and the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, eBenefits
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
800-983-0937 technical assistance
800-827-1000 toll-free
www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab External

Provides services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services including assisting veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.

Financial Resources

Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
552 Fort Evans Rd., Ste. 300
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 291-4605
888-447-2588 toll-free
info@saluteheroes.org
www.saluteheroes.org External

Helps severely wounded veterans and families of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn recover from their injuries and illnesses, including providing emergency financial aid.

Operation First Response Inc.
20037 Dove Hill Rd.
Culpeper, VA 22701
888-289-0280
888-505-2795 fax
info@operationfirstresponse.org
www.operationfirstresponse.org External

Serves all U.S. disabled veterans and their families with personal and financial needs.

Salute, Inc.
PO Box 2663
Palantine, IL 60078-2663
(847) 359-8811
(847) 359-8818 fax
info@saluteinc.org
www.saluteinc.org External

Works to meet the financial, physical, and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans, and their families.

Semper Fi Fund
PO Box 555193
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5193
(760) 725-3680
(760) 725-3685
www.semperfifund.org External

Provides direct financial assistance for combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members and their families during hospitalization and recovery.

USA Cares
11760 Commonwealth Dr.
Louisville, KY 40299
800-773-0387 toll-free
info@usacares.org
https://usacares.org External

Provides financial and advocacy assistance to post-9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans, and their families.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Unmet Needs Grant
406 W. 34th St.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
866-789-6333
unmetneeds@vfw.org
www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants External

Offers the Unmet Needs Financial Grant program that provides up to $1,500 to assist with basic life needs.

VetsFirst
United Spinal Association
120-34 Queens Blvd., Ste. 320
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
800-404-2898
www.vetsfirst.org

VetsFirst is a program of the United Spinal Association that assists veterans with spinal cord injuries in advocating for the benefits to which they are entitled.

Wounded Warrior Family Support
11218 John Galt Blvd., Ste. 103
Omaha, NE 68137
(402) 502-7557
(402) 502-4872 Fax
www.wwfs.org External

Provides support to families of service members wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations.

Housing Resources

Building Homes for Heroes
65 Roosevelt Ave., Ste. 105
Valley Stream, NY 11581
(516) 684-9220
www.buildinghomesforheroes.org External

Builds and/or modifies homes and donates them to veterans who were injured while serving during the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.

Homelessness Programs and Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
5600 Fishers Ln.
Rockville, MD 20857
877-SAMHSA-7 (877-726-4727) toll-free
800-487-4889 TTY
homelessnessprograms@samhsa.hhs.gov
www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources External

Provides grants in support of behavioral health treatment and recovery-oriented services to homeless individuals.

Homes for Our Troops
6 Main St.
Tauton, MA 02780
866-787-6677 toll-free
info@hfotusa.org
www.hfotusa.org External

Builds and donates specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post-9/11 veterans.

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
877-827-3702 toll-free
sahinfo.vbaco@va.gov
www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp External

Provides two grants programs to service members. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant helps veterans with certain service-connected disabilities live independently in a barrier-free environment. The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant helps veterans with certain service-connected disabilities adapt or purchase a home to accommodate the disability.

HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th St. SW
Washington, DC 20410
(202) 708-1112
(202) 708-1455 (TTY)
www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash External

Combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
1730 M St. NW, Ste. 705
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 546-1969
800-VET-HELP (1-800-838-4357) toll-free
(202) 546-2063 fax
info@nchv.org
www.nchv.org External

Provides emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for homeless veterans.

Operation Homefront
1355 Central Parkway S, Ste. 100
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 659-7756
800-722-6098 toll-free
(210) 566-7544 fax
info@OperationHomefront.org
www.operationhomefront.org External

Offers various types of aid to veterans and their families, including transitional and permanent housing programs.

Paralyzed Veterans of America
801 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20006-3517
800-424-8200
info@pva.org
www.pva.org External

Provides vocational rehabilitation for paralyzed veterans seeking employment, as well as assisting them with health benefits, grants for housing, and other benefits.

Legal Resources

Department of Veterans Affairs
Legal Help for Veterans
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
www.va.gov/ogc/legalservices.asp External

Certain VA facilities host non-VA legal services on site to assist veterans pro bono.

Disability Rights Section
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20530
800-514-0301 toll-free
800-514-0383 TTY
(202) 307-1197 fax
www.justice.gov/crt/about/drs External

Provides information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Certifies building codes that meet or exceed the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Offers ADA publications online in English and Spanish.

Federal Communications Commission: Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office
445 12th St. SW
Washington, DC 20554
(202) 418-2517
888-835-5322 toll-free TTY
844-432-2275 videophone
dro@fcc.gov
www.fcc.gov/general/disability-rights-office External

Seeks to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met as telecommunications technology advances. Offers technical advice and assistance to agencies, consumers, and those in the telecommunications field.

National Veterans Legal Services Program
PO Box 65762
Washington, DC 20035
(202) 265-8305
info@nvlsp.org
www.nvlsp.org External

Works to provide veterans and active duty service members the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.

Enforces Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, the law that prohibits employment discrimination based on disability.

Veterans Legal Institute
2100 N. Broadway, Ste. 209
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 852-3492
info@vetslegal.com
www.vetslegal.com External

Provides pro bono services to disabled, homeless, at-risk, and low-income current and former service members to aid in housing, healthcare, education, and employment.

Physical and Psychological Health Resources

Disabled American Veterans
3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
(859) 441-7300
www.dav.org External

Helps provide disabled veterans with rides to medical appointments and with filing insurance claims.

National Veterans Foundation – Lifeline for Vets
5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 350
Los Angeles, CA 90045
888-777-4443 toll-free (crisis hotline)

Aids in crisis management, as well as informational and referral needs to all U.S. veterans and their families.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Ln.
Rockville, MD 20857
877-SAMHSA-7 (877-726-4727) toll-free
800-487-4889 TTY
www.samhsa.gov External

Promotes behavior and substance abuse treatment to Americans who need assistance.

Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
877-222-VETS (877-222-8387) toll-free
800-273-8255 toll-free (Suicide hotline)
www.va.gov/health/ External

A nation-wide health care system that provides service to veterans through medical and outpatient centers.

Quality of Life Resources

Adaptive Sports Center
PO Box 1639
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-2296
866-349-2296 toll-free
info@adaptivesports.org
www.adaptivesports.org External

Strives to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure activities.

American Legions
700 N. Pennsylvania St.
PO Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 630-1200
800-433-3318 toll-free
(317) 630-1223 fax
www.legion.org External

Encourages camaraderie with other veterans through volunteer activities, sports (such as American Legion Baseball), and other support services.

Hope for the Warriors
1-877-246-7349 (1-877-2HOPE4W) toll-free
info@hopeforthewarriors.org
www.hopeforthewarriors.org External

Provides veterans with support focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community.

The Mission Continues
1141 S. 7th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 588-8805
(314) 571-6227 fax
info@missioncontinues.org
missioncontinues.org External

Empowers veterans to continue their service through volunteer work in their communities, and connects veterans with under-resourced communities.

Operation Second Chance
20251 Century Blvd., Ste. 130
Germantown, MD 20874
(301) 972-1080
888-672-4838 toll-free
1-888-672-4838 fax
www.operationsecondchance.org External

Serves wounded, injured, and ill veterans through building relationships and supporting veterans’ needs. This included counseling services, as well as retreats and hospital visits and outings.

Team Red, White & Blue (RWB)
5428 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22304-4820
www.teamrwb.org

Team RWB works to enrich the lives of United States veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity and providing opportunities for leadership and service. There are different chapters of Team RWB located throughout the United States.

Team Rubicon
6171 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 310
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 640-8787
www.teamrubiconusa.org External

Pairs the skills and experiences of veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and others providing relief to areas affected by natural disasters.

Veterans of Foreign Wars USA (VFW)
200 Maryland Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 543-2239
www.vfw.org External

Aims to foster camaraderie among all veterans of overseas conflicts. Also provides assistance through grants, VA benefits assistance, and advocacy.

Service-Dog Resources

These organizations help provide and train service dogs for all disabilities. Guide dog resources for visually impaired veterans can be found on page 29.

America’s VetDogs
371 E. Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 930-9000
info@vetdogs.org
www.vetdogs.org External

Specialize in placing service and guide dogs at no cost to individuals with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures.

Canines for Service
221 Old Dairy Rd., Unit 1
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 362-8181
information@caninesforservice.org
www.caninesforservice.org/canines-for-veterans External

Provides trained service dogs at no-cost to veterans who have mobility limitations, traumatic brain injury, and clinically diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

K9s for Warriors
114 Camp K9 Rd.
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
(904) 686-1956
(904) 686-1957 fax
info@k9sforwarriors.org
www.k9sforwarriors.org External

Provides service dogs to post-9/11, disabled veterans.

Operation Freedom Paws
777 First St., PMB 515
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 683-9010
operationfreedompaws.org External

Matches dogs with individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Complex-Post Traumatic Stress (CPTS) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms, or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs.

Patriot Paws
254 Ranch Trail
Rockwall, TX 75032
(972) 772-3282
office@patriotpaws.org
https://patriotpaws.org External

Trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans with mobile disabilities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PAVE (Paws Assisting Veterans)
PO Box 871
Cornelius, OR 97113
info@paveusa.org
www.paveusa.org External

Resources for Veterans who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Eye Disease and Injury Resources

American Diabetes Association
2451 Crystal Dr., Ste. 900
Arlington, VA 22202
800-342-2383 toll-free
askada@diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org External

Seeks to prevent and cure diabetes and to help people live with the disease and manage its complications. Provides information to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals, and the public. Develops materials to help people understand their risks for diabetes and the need for diabetic retinopathy screening. Maintains a national call center. Advocates for the rights of people with diabetes. Funds research and publishes scientific findings in journals for physicians who specialize in diabetes and for general practitioners.

American Macular Degeneration Foundation
PO Box 515
Northampton, MA 01061-0515
(413) 268-7660
888-622-8527 toll-free
www.macular.org External

Works for the prevention, treatment, and cure of macular degeneration by educating the public, supporting scientific research, and raising funds. Provides educational videos on the Internet.

BrightFocus Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Dr.
Clarksburg, MD 20871
800-437-2423 toll-free
(301) 258-9454 fax
info@brightfocus.org
www.brightfocus.org External

Offers educational services pertaining to conditions that affect vision or brain function, including glaucoma and macular degeneration. Hosts and records online chats.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness
7168 Columbia Gateway Dr., Ste. 100
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 423-0600
(410) 363-7139 TDD
800-683-5555 toll-free
800-683-5551 toll-free TDD
info@FightBlindness.org
www.blindness.org External

Funds research to find treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. Provides information and referral services.

The Glaucoma Foundation
80 Maiden Ln., Ste. 700
New York, NY 10038
(212) 285-0080
info@glaucomafoundation.org
www.glaucomafoundation.org External

Funds research to determine the causes of glaucoma, improve methods of treatment, and develop cures. Provides resources and support groups.

Glaucoma Research Foundation
251 Post St., Ste. 600
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 986-3162
800-826-6693 toll-free
(415) 986-3763 fax
grf@glaucoma.org
www.glaucoma.org External

Seeks a cure for glaucoma through research and education. Provides resources and free publications on glaucoma.

Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness
Wills Eye Institute
840 Walnut St., Ste. 1130
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5598
(215) 928-3190
(215) 928-3194
willsglaucoma.org External

Funds research on glaucoma. Provides glaucoma support contact, articles, blogs, chat highlights, and free videos on glaucoma on their website.

Macular Degeneration Foundation
PO Box 531313
Henderson, NV 89053
(702) 450-2908
888-633-3937 toll-free
(702) 450-3396 fax
liz@eyesight.org
www.eyesight.org External

Seeks to develop cures for macular degeneration and to educate patients, professionals, and the public about methods of prevention and treatment.

Macular Degeneration Partnership
The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute
University of California, Irvine
850 Health Sciences Rd.
Irvine, CA 92697
888-430-9898 toll-free
contactus@AMD.org
www.ucirvineamd.org External

Provides the latest news related to macular degeneration. Funds research into new treatments and possible cures for the disease. Gives advice on living with macular degeneration and improving daily life, and includes information for family and caregivers.

MD Support (Macular Degeneration Support)
3600 Blue Ridge Blvd.
Grandview, MO 64030
(816) 761-7080
888-866-6148 toll-free
director@mdsupport.org
www.mdsupport.org External

Offers information for people with macular degeneration and similar retinal diseases. Provides accessible reading materials, lists of agencies, organizations, eye-care hospitals, and distributors of low-vision aids. Holds monthly support-group sessions by telephone.

Ocular Melanoma Foundation
1717 K St. NW, Ste. 900
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 684-9380
800-663-5930 toll-free
www.ocularmelanoma.org External

Promotes awareness of ocular melanoma and advocates for funds to research the condition.

Research to Prevent Blindness
360 Lexington Ave., 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10017
(212) 752-4333
800-621-0026 toll-free
inforequest@rpbusa.org
www.rpbusa.org External

Maintains an online research library of material relating to visual disorders and a directory of practitioners who work with people with visual disabilities. Provides eye research-grant support to scientific institutions in the United States. Seeks to develop treatments and cures for diseases that damage sight.

Federal Resources

Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
400 Maryland Ave. SW
PCP, Rm. 5155
Washington, DC 20202
(202) 245-7454
suzanne.mitchell@ed.gov
www.ed.gov/programs/rsailob/index.html External

Offers adults with vision loss training in independent living skills, assistive technology, and orientation and mobility through state agencies. Provides counseling to individuals and families. Administers the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
800-860-8747 toll-free
healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov
www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes External

Responds to inquiries regarding diabetes and vision disorders that result from diabetes. Distributes professional and patient education publications including factsheets and booklets. Material is available in English and Spanish.

National Eye Institute
Information Office
31 Center Dr. MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5248
2020@nei.nih.gov
www.nei.nih.gov External
www.nei.nih.gov/health/espanol/ (Spanish) External

Conducts and supports research on eye diseases and vision disorders. Offers professional and public education programs, including a school curriculum on vision for grades 4–8 and a traveling exhibit.

Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Blind Rehabilitation Service, Rm. 117B
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
(202) 461-7317
855-574-7286 toll-free
www.va.gov/blindrehab External
www.vets.gov/health-care/about-va-health-care/vision-care/ External

Offers training in skills for daily living such as orientation and mobility and home care. Provides counseling services to veterans with visual disabilities and their families.

Financial and Support Resources

Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
1020 S. Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 522-7985
(217) 522-9966 TTY
www.ataporg.org External

A directory of state assistive technology act programs, which provide training, loan programs for technology, as well as financial assistance for obtaining assistive technology products.

Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
Robert W. Bigley
1033 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 5
Flower Mound, TX 75022-4230
(214) 888-0220
(214) 888-0230 fax
manager@ktef.us
www.knightstemplar.org/ktef External

Offers direct access to medical eye care, often at no out-of-pocket cost, for underserved older Americans through the Seniors Eye Care and Glaucoma programs. Funds research into nonsurgical treatments for strabismus.

Low Vision Center
4905 Del Ray Ave., Ste. 504
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 951-4444
lowVisionCtr@aol.com
www.lowvisioninfo.org External

Demonstrates various assistive technologies that are available for purchase. Offers community outreach services and educational opportunities. Provides referrals to physicians, assistive technology products, and social services.

New Eyes for the Needy
549 Millburn Ave.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
(973) 376-4903
info@new-eyes.org
www.neweyesfortheneedy.org External

Provides vouchers to low-income U.S. residents to obtain new prescription eyeglasses. Distributes reusable eyeglasses to medical missions and welfare agencies in developing nations.

General Resources

American Council of the Blind (ACB)
1703 N. Beauregard St., Ste. 420
Alexandria, VA 22311
(202) 467-5081
800-424-8666 toll-free
(605) 475-8130 ACB Radio
info@acb.org
www.acb.org External

Advocates on behalf of people with visual impairments on issues related to civil rights, educational opportunities, vocational training, Social Security benefits, and health and social services. Serves as an information clearinghouse on blindness and provides advisory services on federal legislation. Has a special interest group for veterans, the Visually Impaired Veterans of America.

American Foundation for the Blind
1401 S. Clark St., Ste 730
Arlington, VA 22202
800-232-5463 toll-free
www.afb.org External

Provides information on blindness for people who are visually impaired, professionals, schools, organizations, corporations, and the public. Conducts research and mounts programs to promote inclusivity, especially in the areas of literacy, technology, and aging and employment services. Advocates for services and legislation. Maintains the Directory of Services—a database of agencies and service providers.

Association of Blind Citizens
PO Box 246
Holbrook, MA 02343
(781) 961-1023
(781) 654-2000 news and activities line
president@blindcitizens.org
www.blindcitizens.org External

Works to enhance the social, political, and economic well-being of individuals with visual impairments by increasing opportunities in education, employment, culture, and recreation. Offers the Assistive Technology Fund, which covers 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices and software.

Blinded American Veterans Foundation
PO Box 65900
Washington, DC 20035
(202) 670-1038
http://bavf.org External

Maintains a nationwide volunteer corps to offer employment networking and rehabilitation counseling for veterans with visual disabilities. Supports medical research on sensory disabilities.

Blinded Veterans Association
125 N. West St., 3rd Fl.
Alexandria, VA 22314
844-250-5180 toll-free
(202) 371-8258 fax
fieldservice@bva.org
www.bva.org External

A national membership organization of veterans with visual impairments and their families that assists veterans in obtaining benefits through its Field Service Program. Offers rehabilitation training and access to technology through local resources. Advocates on behalf of veterans with visual disabilities before Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Offers the Kathern F. Gruber and Thomas H. Miller scholarships to assist children of blinded veterans in paying for higher education tuition. Provides free hockey lessons for veterans who are blind in the Washington, D.C., area.

Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND) Inc.
100 E. 22nd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 872-0100
800-597-9558 toll-free
(612) 872-9358 fax
info@blindinc.org
www.blindinc.org External

Offers instruction in braille, orientation and mobility skills, and home and life skills as well as computer instruction and skills to help people who are blind or visually impaired gain employment. Provides referrals to resources that address their needs.

Blind Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW, Rm. 117B
Washington, DC 20420
1-877-222-8387 (1-877-222-VETS) General Health Care
202-461-7317 (Blind Rehabilitation Service Program Office)
www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab/ External

This area of the VA provides support to veterans and service members who are blind or who have low vision. They work with the veteran or service member, their families and significant others to aid them in regaining their independence. This program includes rehabilitation services, Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinators, and other resources.

Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre St.
Newton, MA 02458
(617) 969-6200
800-852-3131 toll-free
www.carroll.org External

Live-in vocational rehabilitation center offers courses in independent-living skills for people with visual impairments. Includes assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, employment training, senior services, and recreation.

Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
180 Livingston St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 522-2122
CCVIP@helenkeller.orgExternal

Offers free, self-paced courses that teach people with visual impairments of any age how to use a computer, tablet, and smartphone. Provides individualized instruction on accessible devices and curates a list of accessible apps. Also provides braille production, web usability testing, and scripting services for a fee.

Envision, Inc.
610 N. Main St.
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 440-1600
866-319-4646 toll-free
info@envisionus.com
www.envisionus.com External

Provides vocational rehabilitation services and occupational and physical therapy. Offers training in independent living skills, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, and braille.

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
700 Elm St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-8111 phone and TTY
800-323-4238 toll-free
(847) 446-9916 fax
info@hadley.edu
www.hadley.edu External

Offers free distance-education courses to people with visual disabilities, their relatives, and the professionals who work with them. Courses include adjusting to blindness and braille reading and writing. Course materials are available in a number of formats including podcast, digital audiobook, large print, English Braille American Edition, and Unified English Braille.

Lighthouse Guild International
250 W.64th St.
New York, NY 10023
800-284-4422 toll-free (use ext. 711 for TTY)
www.lighthouseguild.org External

Offers a range of vision rehabilitation services for children, working-age adults, and older adults as well as a distance continuing-education program for professionals. Provides evaluations and instruction to prepare children with visual impairments to transition to public education. Maintains Vision Health, an online resource on vision impairment and rehabilitation.

Lions Clubs International
300 W.22nd St.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
(630) 571-5466
www.lionsclubs.org External

Initiates service projects such as sight conservation and diabetes education through more than 46,000 clubs in 200 countries. Provides free glaucoma screenings and devices, including braillewriters and white canes. Collects used eyeglasses to distribute in developing countries and sponsors guide dogs. Supports eye research centers worldwide and Lions Club camps for people with visual disabilities.

National Association of Blind Merchants
7450 Chapman Hwy., #319
Knoxville, TN 37920
888-687-6226 toll-free
blindmerchants.org External

Organization of people with visual impairments who work with the Randolph-Sheppard vending program or are self-employed offers information pertaining to the needs of blind merchants, such as taxes, Social Security Disability Insurance, and rehabilitation.

National Federation of the Blind
200 E. Wells St.
at Jernigan Pl.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314
(410) 685-5653 fax
nfb@nfb.org
www.nfb.org External

Monitors state and federal laws and regulations affecting people with visual impairments. Informs members of services available to them and of their rights under the law. Maintains the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind. Developed the KNFB Reader App, which takes a photo of text and reads it aloud. Offers NFB-NEWSLINE, a telephone service that provides audio versions of print newspapers and magazines free to subscribers with visual disabilities. Sells assistive devices and publications.

National Industries for the Blind
3000 Potomac Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305
(703) 310-0500
www.nib.org External

Increases opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. Develops business opportunities in the federal, state, and commercial marketplaces for NIB’s network of associated nonprofit agencies. Allocates federal government contracts for SKILCRAFT, a line of products created largely by individuals who are visually impaired or severely disabled,and for other products and services produced through the AbilityOne Program.

The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision
108 Herbert-South, Rm. 150 Industrial Education Department Bldg.
PO Drawer 6189
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2001
(662) 325-8989 fax
nrtc@colled.msstate.edu
www.blind.msstate.edu External

Enhances employment and independent living outcomes for individuals with visual impairments and agencies that serve them through research, training, and education. Provides a National Technical Assistance Center website for businesses, service providers, and consumers. Publishes studies on successfully navigating transitions into higher education and employment.

Wayfinder Family Services
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 295-4555
800-352-2290
(323) 296-0424 fax
info@wayfinderfamily.org
https://www.wayfinderfamily.org External

Offers independent-living skills, orientation and mobility instruction, and assistive technology training. Courses include financial management and pre-vocational training. Provides recreational learning opportunities and braille instruction.

Guide Dog Resources

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 243-5200
(860) 769-0567 fax
info@fidelco.org
www.fidelco.org External

Connects people who have visual impairments with Fidelco guide dogs, a special breed of German shepherd. Offers “in-community” placement wherein the person is trained in their own neighborhood to use the guide dog.

Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind
1210 Hardscrabble Rd.
Cassville, NY 13318
(315) 822-5132
(315) 256-0174 fax
info@freedomguidedogs.org
www.freedomguidedogs.org External

Breeds, raises, trains, and places guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Program is based in upstate New York and is offered to people in the Eastern United States at no cost.

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
371 E. Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787-2976
(631) 930-9000
800-548-4337 toll-free
(631) 930-9009 fax
info@guidedog.org
www.guidedog.org External

Provides intensive two-week, on-campus, customized training program with the guide dog and blind partner. Offers a program that matches guide dogs with a person’s mobility, personality, lifestyle, and physical needs in mind.

Guide Dogs for the Blind
PO Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915-1200
(415) 499-4000
800-295-4050 toll-free
www.guidedogs.com External

Offers training for the appropriate use of guide dogs by people with visual impairments and continuing-education courses for orientation and mobility instructors. Provides specialized services to children and seniors.

Guide Dogs of America
13445 Glenoaks Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 362-5834
800-459-4843 toll-free
(818) 362-6870 fax
mail@guidedogsofamerica.org
www.guidedogsofamerica.org External

Offers breeder program, volunteer foster homes, formal training, and three weeks of on-campus training between the guide dog and blind partner.

Guide Dogs of the Desert
PO Box 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92263
(760) 329-6257
www.guidedogsofthedesert.org External

Provides four-week intensive training for guide dogs and their blind partners. Maintains a puppy development center and guide dog and puppy training programs.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Rd.
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 245-4024
800-942-0149 toll-free
(914) 245-1609 fax
admissions@guidingeyes.org
www.guidingeyes.org External

Provides guide dogs, user training for people who are blind or visually impaired, and support for the team throughout the lifetime of the dog at no charge.