Impaired Vision & Blindness
Resources for Victims of Eyesight Damage
Information and Support:
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) provides a variety of resources, including radio stations, a job bank, a calendar of events, updates on advocacy initiatives, and information about Assistive Technology (AT) solutions.
Extensive research is now being done to improve or restore vision using stem cell and gene replacement therapies, although most of the studies are focused on developing solutions for vision lost or impaired due to natural causes like inherited conditions or old age. Since this is a rapidly growing field of research, however, check the national databases frequently if you’re interested in participating in one of the upcoming clinical trials. Regular updates are available from several online sources, including the National Eye Institute.
The Social Security Administration provides disability insurance benefits to the blind as well as Supplemental Security Income to the disabled who are financially needy.
Assistive Technology (AT) for the Visually Impaired:
Electronic Vision Access Solutions (EVAS) is a family run company that specializes in the design and manufacture of Computer Access Solutions for people who are visually, physically, hearing or learning disabled. EVAS has teamed with Dell computers to provide plug-and-play solutions for the blind and visually impaired.
AiSquared.com offers a variety of keyboards as well as screen magnification and screen reading software products for the visually impaired.
The Low Vision Store features products for those with reduced vision or blindness, including the internationally popular JAWS® software. JAWS features a screen reader and voice synthesizer that reads computer screens out loud and also outputs content via refreshable Braille displays.
DeskTalk Enterprise Pro™ features MASC® Speech Processing for Automatic Recognition Technology (SPART®). Both desktop and laptop computers with this technology are available from BeyondSight.com
