Vision Resources
We've gathered a collection of national resources specific to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. If you have questions or need additional information about accessing or utilizing any of the resources listed, please feel free to contact us or call 313-272-3900.
Accredited Online Schools
Resource Guide for Parents of Students with Disabilities
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/parents-students-disabilities/
American Council for the Blind
An extensive list of resources across several categories including jobs, products, handbooks, and other resources specific to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.acb.org/resources
Bureau of Engraving and Printing US Currency Reader Program
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) partners with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in support of its US Currency Reader Program, to provide currency reader devices, free of charge, to eligible individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The program is part of the US government’s Meaningful Access Initiative to assist individuals who experience difficulties identifying US currency.
The currency reader, called the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier, is a compact device that announces a note’s value in one of three ways: voice, pattern of tones, or pattern of vibrations. Just insert a note into the device and press the button on the side to have the denomination identified.
Eligible individuals who wish to receive free library service from NLS may download an application:
English [PDF: 154.19 KB / 2 p.] External
Spanish [PDF: 210.50 KB / 2 p.] External
To learn more about the US Currency Reader Program or other aspects of the US government’s initiative to provide meaningful access to US currency or if you need help with your iBill device, call 844-815-9388, email meaningful.access@bep.gov, or visit Meaningful Access Program – Currency Reader Program External.
Current NLS patrons may call 888-NLS-READ and request assistance with the application from their network braille and talking book library.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Vision Health Initiative
Michigan Alliance For Families
Connecting families of children with disabilities to resources statewide, MAF provides education and materials to help improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Resources for deaf-blind students are available here.
National Council on Disability
Pediatric to Adult Healthcare Transition Family Toolkit
This toolkit is from Got Transition,® a program of The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health and is funded through a cooperative agreement from the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration. Its aim is to improve transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of innovative strategies for health care professionals and youth, families, and caregivers.
Download the toolkit pdf here
Prevent Blindness
A listing of resources for living well with low vision
https://lowvision.preventblindness.org/resources/
Follow these links to find sources for adult and pediatric vision specialists, dental services, and therapists. You can also find other vision resources here and locate specialists in conditions related to eye health here.