The North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(NCLBPH) is a special public library that circulates books and magazines
especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material
because of a visual or physical disability. The library is located in Raleigh,
but mails materials throughout the state.
The NCLBPH is a state agency operated by the State Library of North
Carolina as a part of the Department of Cultural Resources. It is also a part
of the network of regional libraries operated by the Library of Congress
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).
National Industries for the Blind
Seven out of ten working age Americans who are blind are not employed.
At National Industries for the Blind (NIB), it is our mission to enhance the
opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are
blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.
NIB and its associated agencies serve as the largest program responsible
for the employment of people who are blind through the Javits-WagnerO'Day Act.
NIB operates under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act and the
AbilityOne Program, a federal purchasing program that enables people
who are blind to work and provide products and services to federal and
commercial customers. Like other businesses, NIB and its associated
agencies around the country work to deliver quality products on time and
at competitive rates. NIB mentors and supports its agencies through
business development; product and service research and development;
program management; distribution channel development and support;
marketing; sales and contract administration.
Patrick Henry Hughes
Patrick Henry Hughes was born March 10, 1988 to Patrick John and
Patricia Hughes. Upon his delivery, the medical staff noticed physical
anomalies. These were diagnosed as bilateral anophthalmia with
pterygium syndrome and congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. His father,
Patrick John Hughes, introduced him to the piano at the age of nine
months. Patrick has studied piano in the years since and later began the
study of trumpet.
Patrick Henry's national fame began in 2006 while a student at the
University of Louisville. At the suggestion of Louisville's marching band
director, Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry joined the marching band, playing
trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair through the marching
routines. Click here to go Patrick’s website where you can see more
video’s or purchase CDs and his book.
Serotek
Serotek's mission is accessibility anywhere for blind and visually impaired
people around the globe. At Serotek, we don't think you should have to
invest hundreds, even thousands of dollars to enjoy full speed in the digital
world. Our accessibility products help those who are blind or low vision to
get the most out of any computer. And our solutions are more affordable,
convenient and easy to-use than any other out there. We're not just
bringing the world to you, we're bringing you to the world.
Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is the world’s leader in technology-based solutions for
people with visual impairments. Our low vision products are designed to
improve the lives of those, whose eyesight is diminished to any degree and
for any reason, including: diabetes, macular degeneration, glaucoma,
cataracts, and retinitis Pigmentosa.
Freedom Scientific has also developed leading-edge products that enable
the blind to have complete access to information and computing. In
addition, Freedom Scientific is a leading developer of products specifically
designed to assist persons with reading-related learning challenges.
Freedom Scientifics’ products help people stay active, remain
independent, and live better.
Disablity.gov
Disability.gov provides people with disabilities, their families, caregivers,
educators, employers, service providers and others with disability-related
information and resources.
AbilityOne (Formerly JWOD) Program
In 1938, Congress created a program enabling agencies serving people
who were blind to sell products to the federal government. By 1971, the
original Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act was amended to permit people with
other severe disabilities to also benefit. The Committee for Purchase From
People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Committee) is the federal
agency authorized to administer the AbilityOne Program. The Committee is
responsible for determining which products and services are suitable to
placed on its Procurement List for the federal government. It also
determines the fair market prices for those items.
The Committee has designated two central NPAs to assist with program
implementation: the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH –
Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities.
More than 600 NPAs associated with either NIB or NISH produce products
or services under the AbilityOne Program. The core criteria for NPA
eligibility is that 75% of total direct labor hours must be performed by
people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
The National Federation of the Blind
Founded in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the nation's
largest and most influential membership organization of blind persons.
With fifty thousand members, the NFB has affiliates in all fifty states plus
Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred local
chapters. As a consumer and advocacy organization, the NFB is
considered the leading force in the blindness field today and is the Voice of
the Nation's Blind.
The American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that
expands possibilities for people with vision loss.
AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the
quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with
vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with
vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely
resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the strong presence
the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and
interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public
policies.
In addition to its New York City headquarters and Public Policy Center in
Washington, DC, AFB maintains offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Huntington, WV,
and San Francisco. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives
and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB
to expand possibilities for people with vision loss.
American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is the nation's leading
membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. It was
founded in 1961 and incorporated in the District of Columbia.
ACB strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired
people by: serving as a representative national organization of blind
people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people;
improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities;
cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations
concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons
to develop their abilities and conducting a public education program to
promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind
people.
Very Special Arts
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago
by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with
disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.
eSight Careers Network
eSight Careers Network is a powerful resource for learning how to manage
your career or effectively deal with disability employment issues. Find
helpful resources, guides and networking opportunities for:
 Individuals seeking employment or managing careers
 Owners of small businesses
 Employers interested in building an inclusive workforce
America's Heroes at Work
Welcome to America's Heroes at Work - a U.S. Department of Labor
(DOL) project that addresses the employment challenges of returning
service members living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Designed for employers and the workforce development system, this Web
site is your link to information and tools to help returning service members
affected by TBI and/or PTSD succeed in the workplace - particularly
service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
American Foundation for the Blind's Senior Site
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) created AFB Senior Site to
help older Americans and their family members cope with age-related eye
diseases—a growing public health problem in this country.
Eye experts say that by the year 2030, rates of vision loss from diseases
like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy
are expected to double as the nation's 78 million baby boomers reach
retirement age.
AFB Senior Site is designed to encourage aging adults with eye diseases
to live independently and productively. The site connects seniors, family
members, and caregivers to local services and showcases a wide range of
assistive living products available to people with vision loss. It also
contains information on the resources and tools needed to continue to
read, shop, cook, manage finances, and go out with friends.
Apple Accessibility
For more than 20 years, Apple has provided new and innovative solutions
for people with disabilities, allowing them to access — and enjoy using —
the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV.
Vision
The revolutionary iPhone also includes an equally revolutionary screen
reader, and other innovative accessibility features that make it easier to
use for those with impaired vision.
VoiceOver
The same VoiceOver screen reader made popular on the Mac is now a
standard feature on iPhone 3GS. It’s the world’s first gesture-based screen
reader, enabling you to enjoy the fun and simplicity of iPhone even if you
can’t see the screen.
What makes VoiceOver on iPhone truly remarkable is that you control it
using simple gestures that let you physically interact with items on screen.
It’s easy to learn and fun to use. Instead of memorizing hundreds of
keyboard commands, or endlessly pressing tiny arrow keys to find what
you’re looking for, with VoiceOver, you simply touch the screen to hear a
description of the item under your finger, then gesture with a double-tap,
drag, or flick to control the phone.
VoiceOver delivers an experience unlike any screen reader you’ve ever
used before. Traditional screen readers describe individual elements on
the screen, but struggle to communicate where each element is located or
provide information about adjoining objects. This contextual information is
very important but typically filtered out by other screen readers. For
example, “off-screen” models used by traditional screen readers to
represent applications and web pages intentionally strip away contextual
information and describe web pages as a list or menu of items. But with
VoiceOver on iPhone 3GS, you’ll experience something entirely new.
Because VoiceOver works with iPhone’s touchscreen, you interact directly
with objects on the screen and can naturally understand their location and
context. So, when you touch the upper-left corner of the screen, you’ll hear
what’s in the upper left corner of a web page, and as you drag your finger
around the screen, you’ll learn what’s nearby, providing an amazing new
sense of context and relationship between the items you hear. For many,
VoiceOver on iPhone will provide, perhaps for the first time, a true sense of
how things appear on screen, not just descriptions of what they are.
You’ll hear descriptions of every item on the screen, including status
information such as battery level, Wi-Fi and cellular network signal levels,
the cellular network provider, and time of day. It even lets you know when
the display changes to landscape or portrait orientation, and when the
screen is locked or unlocked.
The speaking rate is adjustable so you can set it to a speed that best suits
your listening ability. VoiceOver uses distinctive sound effects to alert you
when an application opens, when the screen is updated, when a message
dialog appears, and more. And, when Voiceover is talking, the volume of
background sounds and music are automatically lowered, “ducking” under
the voice, so you can clearly hear what VoiceOver is telling you.
Microsoft Accessibility
Accessibility makes it easier for anyone to see, hear, and use a computer,
and to personalize their computer to meet their own needs and
preferences. For many people with impairments, accessibility is what
makes computer use possible.
At Microsoft, our mission is to enable people and businesses throughout
the world to realize their full potential. We consider our mission statement
a promise to our customers. We deliver on that promise by striving to
create technology that is accessible to everyone—regardless of age or
ability. Microsoft leads the industry in accessibility innovation and in
building products that are safer and easier to use.
Make the computer easier to see (By Microsoft ®)
Applies to all editions of Windows 7
If you occasionally have trouble seeing items on your screen, you can
adjust the settings to make text and images on the screen appear larger,
improve the contrast between items on the screen, and hear on-screen
text read aloud.
You can adjust many of these settings on the Make the computer easier
to see page in the Ease of Access Center. For information about other
settings, see Getting the best display on your monitor.
1.
2.
Open the Make the computer easier to see page by clicking the
Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Ease of Access,
clicking Ease of Access Center, and then clicking Make the
computer easier to see.
Select the options that you want to use:
Choose a High Contrast theme. This option allows you to set a
high-contrast color scheme that heightens the color contrast of some
text and images on your computer screen, making those items more
distinct and easier to identify.
Turn on or off High Contrast when Left Alt+Left Shift+Print
Screen is pressed. This option allows you to toggle a high-contrast
theme on or off by pressing the Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen keys.
Turn on Narrator. This option sets Narrator to run when you log on
to your computer. Narrator reads aloud on-screen text and describes
some events (such as error messages appearing) that happen while
you're using the computer. For more information about using
Narrator, see Hear text read aloud with Narrator.
Turn on Audio Description. This option sets Audio Descriptions to
run when you log on to your computer. Audio Descriptions describe
what's happening in videos.
Change the size of text and icons. This option allows you to make
text and other items on your screen appear larger, so they're easier
to see. For more information, see Make the text on your screen
larger or smaller.
Turn on Magnifier. This option sets Magnifier to run when you log
on to your computer. Magnifier enlarges the part of the screen where
the mouse is pointing and can be especially useful for viewing
objects that are difficult to see. For more information about using
Magnifier, see Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier).
Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders. This
option allows you to change the appearance of window borders to
make them easier to see.
Fine tune display effects. This option allows you to customize how
certain items appear on your desktop.
Make the focus rectangle thicker. This option makes the rectangle
around the currently selected item in dialog boxes thicker, which
makes it easier to see.
Set the thickness of the blinking cursor. This option allows you to
make the blinking cursor in dialog boxes and programs thicker and
easier to see.
Turn off all unnecessary animations. This option turns off
animation effects, such as fading effects, when you close windows
and other elements.
Remove background images. This option turns off all unimportant,
overlapped content and background images to help make the screen
easier to see.
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation
North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
Since 1935, the mission of the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
has been to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to reach their goals
of independence and employment.
Service Categories:
Training
Employment
Medical
Technology
Daily Living Skills
N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is able to extend its
services for people with disabilities through programmatic partnerships
with community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) across the state. CRPs are
equipped to offer a range of employment-related and support services to
VR consumers with specialized needs.
AT&T's National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD)
At AT&T's National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD), based
in Little Rock, AR, our specialized customer service representatives can
arrange for an alternate billing format such as Braille or large print, as well
as questions regarding the VoiceDial Exemption Program and the Code
Factory software. Our NCCD representatives are knowledgeable on
equipment and accessories, features and services and helping you find a
calling plan that fits you best.
Accessible Raleigh Transportation ART (Tier I & II Service)
Eligibility Requirements:
 Must be a permanent Raleigh resident
 Must not have a valid driver's license
 Must be a person with a physical or mental disability
ART Tier I service is available to all eligible users for any taxi or handicap
trip that within the Raleigh city limits. Tier I trips are scheduled by the
customer directly with the taxi company and not through the ART office.
Except as dictated by the taxi company's availability Tier I customers need
not make advanced reservations. Eligible ART users must pay for Tier I
service with ART coupons. Users must show the taxi or handicap driver
their ART ID card before the driver can accept coupons for service. Books
of coupons, worth $25, may be purchased from the City of Raleigh for $15.
Tier II is available to ART users who qualify under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). In order for a trip to qualify for Tier II service there
must be CAT fixed route service available for the trip but, as a result of
physical or mental impairment, the individual is unable to access the CAT
bus stop, board, ride, or disembark from the bus, or travel from the CAT
bus stop to their destination.
ART trips are eligible for Tier II only if the taxi or handicap trip begins and
ends within 3/4 miles of a CAT bus stop. Other eligibility requirements may
apply.
Tier I Application
Tier II Application
Please fill it out completely, and mail it to:
City of Raleigh
Accessible Raleigh Transportation
PO Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602
The form must be signed by a physician or human services agency official.
Your application will be reviewed to determine eligibility, an in-person
interview scheduled, and you will be notified of the decision within 21 City
business days. You must be at least 13 years old to participate in ART Tier
I service. All Tier II customers must have an adult present during the ART
trip if under the age of 13. The adult can ride for free.
ART eligibility is good for two years from the date of approval. A renewal
notice will be mailed to ART users prior to expiration. Eligible riders will
receive a photo identification card. The card number must be used when
calling for service, and the card must be shown when purchasing and
using ART coupons and tickets.
For More Information Contact:
Richard Vinson
Senior Transit Planner
Public Works Department
222 W. Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-996-3459
Triangle Transit
T-linx is a curb-to-curb paratransit service (with a door-to-door option)
provided by Triangle Transit for the citizens of Raleigh, Durham and
Chapel Hill. The service is designed for residents with disabilities that
prevent them from using the Triangle Transit fixed-route bus service.
Blinded Veterans Association
The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is an organization of blinded
veterans helping blinded veterans. Through our service programs, regional
groups, resources, and advocacy before the legislative and executive
branches of government, we hope to make life better for blinded veterans.
We also hope to be there with encouragement and support. There is no
charge for any BVA service and membership is not a prerequisite to obtain
help. All legally blinded veterans are also eligible for BVA’s assistance
whether they become blind during or after active duty military service.
Disabled American Veterans
The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World
War I to represent their unique interests. In 1932, the DAV was
congressionally chartered as the official voice of the nation’s wartime
disabled veterans.
With our brave Americans leaving the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan,
the DAV’s services and advocacy are as relevant and critical today as in
any time in our nation’s history.
Annually, the DAV represents more than 200,000 veterans and their
dependents with claims for benefits from the Department of Veterans
Affairs and Department of Defense.
The DAV’s 1.2 million members provide grassroots advocacy and services
in communities nationwide. From educating lawmakers and the public
about important issues to supporting services and legislation to help
disabled veterans — the DAV is there to promote its message of hope to
all who have served and sacrificed.
American Association of People with Disabilities(AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's
largest cross-disability membership organization, organizes the disability
community to be a powerful voice for change – politically, economically,
and socially. AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse
community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and
supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the
goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Social Security Administration Online
Apply for disability or retirement benefits, find the status of an existing
application, request an appeal, questions and answers, request a
replacement social security card, find a local social security office, and
information about the Medicare program.
North Carolina Lions Foundation
The N.C. Lions Foundation was formed in 1934 – 35 as the N.C. State
Association for the Blind. It was started by the Durham, Guilford and
Mecklenburg County associations for the blind. (These county associations
are now known as Industries for the Blind). Also instrumental were
Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Civitans, leading doctors and
eye care professionals, workers for the blind, business and community
leaders, legislators and Lions.
The sole purpose of the Association was to work for legislation that would
establish a state agency for the blind. In January 1935, Helen Keller came
to North Carolina to speak to 4000 Lions and citizens. The next day she
addressed the full House and Senate. In March 1935 the legislation to
establish the North Carolina Commission for the Blind was approved. On
July 1, 1935 the N.C. Commission for the Blind began operation with a
budget of $25,000.
The N.C. Commission for the Blind served as the state agency until the
creation of the N.C. Division of Services for the Blind. Throughout its
formative years, the Commission for the Blind and the N.C. State
Association for the Blind were so closely related that the Chairman of the
Commission also served as the President of the Association. They shared
the same offices until 1967.
The White Cane Drive was started in 1946 and raised $19,000. White
Cane is the name given to the statewide fund raising campaign that funds
programs and services the N. C. Lions provide to the Blind and Visually
Impaired citizens of our state. To this day the N.C. Lions are the leading
non-governmental provider of services to the blind.
The N.C. Lions Foundation offices are located on the property of Camp
Dogwood. This 57+ acre facility on the shores of Lake Norman near
Sherrill’s Ford, N.C. is the shining jewel of pride for Lions across the state.
It is an ever growing, ever changing facility dedicated to providing the best
and most viable programs and services to the blind and visually impaired
citizens of our state. Lions are invited and encouraged to visit Camp
Dogwood.
Over the years the N.C. State Association for the Blind became known as
the N.C. Association for the Blind, the N.C. Lions Association for the Blind,
and is today called the N.C. Lions Foundation. Every Lion in North
Carolina is a member of the Foundation and a stockholder in the property it
owns at Lake Norman, called Camp Dogwood.
Raleigh (Host) Lions Club
Serving the Blind and Hearing impaired since 1922. The Raleigh Host
Lions Club is the largest Lions Club in NC. Additionally we support many
other local to regional human service organizations. This club started the
Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind in 1966 and serve as the Board of
Directors for that organization. We are 501-C 3 non-profit organization.
Meeting are each Monday Promptly at 12:30 PM
Where: RLCB, Inc. 3200 Bush Street Raleigh, NC 27609
The Governor Morehead School
The innovativeness of the Governor Morehead School extends back to its roots.
When the school was established in 1845, it was the eighth school for the blind in
the United States. Equally impressive is that North Carolina was the first state to
serve the African-American blind and deaf population, beginning just four years
after the Civil War.
The school moved to the current location on Ashe Avenue in Raleigh in 1923 and
was renamed in1964, in honor of former Governor John Motley Morehead.
African-American students attended school at the Garner Road campus until an
exchange of students began in 1967, with full integration being achieved in
1977. The school provided services to children from 5 to 21 years of age until
1987, at which time the Governor Morehead Preschool program extended the
services to children, ages birth through 4 years of age, throughout the state. In
the past decade, the school's role has expanded to serve school aged children in
their home communities. Through the outreach program, initiated in 1993, local
education agencies across the state can refer visually impaired students to the
GMS. These specialized services, per local school system request, are provided
in the child's local school system. Services were made available to students for
whom their local school systems determined the need for short term training in
the expanded core curriculum in 1996. This training is variable in length
(typically 1-2 weeks) and provided on the GMS campus.
Capital Area Workforce Development Board
The Capital Area Workforce Development Board is a public-private
partnership that focuses on economic development by ensuring that the
local workforce has the skills, training, education and work ethics to meet
the needs of local employers. The board oversees several programs in
Wake and Johnston Counties designed to serve individuals, businesses
and youth. These programs deliver services that meet local needs as
determined by the board and its committees.
LVATUG Blog ~ Low Vision Assistive Technology Users Group
There is an excellent Australian website dedicated to low vision. Run by
the Centre for Eye Research Australia and funded in part by the Lions Club
International, they provide a thorough introduction to the subject of Low
Vision in all its forms.
There are chapters on an Intro to Low Vision, Eye Care, Vision
Assessment, Mobility Training and Optical and Non-Optical Vision Aids.
There is a special section on Children with Low Vision and their Training.
Each section includes clarifying questions, web links and a list of
references and resources.
It has resources from all over the world. RLCB was featured April 2009
and is still archived there, but it is a great resource and worth referring to
often.
American Printing House for the Blind
American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the world's largest nonprofit
organization creating educational, workplace, and independent living
products and services for people who are visually impaired.
Founded in 1858 in Louisville, Kentucky, APH is the oldest organization of
its kind in the United States. From 1858 until the Civil War began, APH
organized its operation and raised funds to create embossed books. After
the war, APH resumed operations and produced its first tactile books. By
the early 1870s, APH was operating on a national scale.
APH's future was assured in 1879 when the Congress of the United States
passed the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind. This act designates
APH as the official supplier of educational materials to all students in the
U.S. who meet the definition of blindness and are working at less than
college level.
Triangle Radio Reading Service
The Triangle Radio Reading Service (TRRS) is a non-profit information
agency which operates 24 hours a day on an audio network of radio,
television, cable and internet stream they disseminate current news,
information and entertainment from the print media and provide services to
blind, low vision and physically disabled people the use of volunteer
readers in studios in Raleigh to reach 20,000 listeners in 20 counties.
Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Granville, Harnett, Lee, Moore,
Orange, Person, Randolph, and Wake, Cumberland, Franklin, Guilford,
Hoke, Johnston, Montgomery, Nash, Rockingham, Vance and Warren
Counties.
To apply for a special receiver call the TRRS office (919) 832-5138.
North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates
The mission of the North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates is to advocate for
the needs and rights of individuals who are Deaf-Blind and to enable
individuals who are Deaf-Blind to achieve their maximum potential by
being independent and productive in the mainstream as citizens of the
state of North Carolina.
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions Clubs International Foundation supports the humanitarian work of
Lions clubs. The Foundation aids Lions in making a greater impact in their
local communities, as well as around the world. Through LCIF, Lions ease
pain and suffering and bring healing and hope to people worldwide. Thank
you for your support.
We Give Sight. We Support Youth.
We Provide Disaster Relief. We Combat Disability. We Serve.
Lions Clubs International
Ready to Help, Worldwide
Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And
communities get better. That's because we help where help is needed – in
our own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and
energy.
Our 45,000 clubs and more than 1.3 million members make us the world's
largest service club organization.
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Make everyday activities easier and increase independence with assistive
technology! Get information about assistive devices and try out devices to
decide what works best for you.
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is a state and
federally funded program that provides assistive technology services
statewide to people of all ages and abilities.
Assistive Technology (AT) is any type of equipment that helps people with
disabilities or older individuals be more independent at home, school,
work, leisure time, or in community life.
Resources for Seniors
Resources for Seniors serves senior and disabled adults in Wake County,
NC, by providing home- and community-based services and information so
that they can maximize their choices for independence, comfort, safety,
security and well-being. We provide information and support for decisionmaking, and also direct services such as home care, adult day care, senior
centers, home repair, and more. We are committed to excellence in
service and care for individuals and their families.
NC DHHS: Services, Hotlines, and Need to Know Info for People with
Disabilities
Find a service(assistive technology, living independently, income support,
more), Call a hotline, Learn some facts, Volunteer, Get some statistics
Prevent Blindness North Carolina
Prevent Blindness North Carolina was organized in 1967 as a nonprofit
health agency. An independent affiliate of Prevent Blindness America
(established in 1908), PBNC delivers direct service programs designed to
preserve sight through screening, publications, safety, education,
information and referral through volunteer efforts. PBNC's mission is to
reach people before blindness strikes.
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
NECTAC is the national early childhood technical assistance center
supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special
Education Programs (OSEP). NECTAC serves all 50 states and 10
jurisdictions with an array of services and supports to improve service
systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children
with special needs and their families. Each state's Part C and Section 619
Program Coordinators have a contact person at NECTAC and request TA
on behalf of their state programs.
North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services
Our mission is to promote independence and enhance the dignity of North
Carolina's older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families through
a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits, and
protections; to ready younger generations to enjoy their later years; and to
help society and government plan and prepare for the changing
demographics.
UNC School of Medicine Kittner Eye Center
The Kittner Eye Center is located in the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC), on
the corner of Mason Farm Road and Columbia Street. The ACC provides
outpatient services in a convenient, office-like environment.
Each day over 100 patients are examined in the Kittner Eye Center for
routine eye examinations as well as specialty eye care services. The Eye
Center is staffed by highly trained ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses,
clinical technicians and other support personnel representing all subspecialties of ophthalmology. The Eye Center is dedicated to the comfort,
convenience and well-being of each patient, and to provide the very best in
state-of-the-art eye care.
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults
For over 110 years, Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) has been a
pioneer in the field of blindness rehabilitation. Our mission is to help
individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, and who may
have additional disabilities, to develop independence and to participate
actively in their communities. Headquartered in Brooklyn, the agency has
additional rehabilitation sites in Hempstead and Huntington, Long Island.
We also operate the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths
and Adults in Sands Point, New York.
National Council on Disability (NCD)
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal
agency, composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with
the consent of the U.S. Senate.
The purpose of NCD is to promote policies, programs, practices, and
procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with
disabilities, and that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve
economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration
into all aspects of society.
To carry out this mandate we gather public and stakeholder input,
including comments that are received at our public meetings held around
the country; review and evaluate federal programs and legislation; and
provide the President, Congress and federal agencies with advice and
recommendations.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a
free library program of Braille and audio materials circulated to eligible
borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
National Resource Center for Blind Musicians
The National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, A division of the Music
and Arts Center for Humanity in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The resource
center provides information and referral services for visually impaired
students of all ages, their parents and teachers, learning opportunities for
blind students headed to college, and maintains a network of visually
impaired musicians willing to share their expertise in Braille music,
technology and coping strategies. The Resource Center is best known for
its Summer Institute for Blind College-bound Musicians, a residential
program which brings together students from several states, who are
studying music at the college level. Other activities of the resource Center
include development of programs for blind children in Connecticut and
teacher training.
Veterans Administration
To fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne
the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the
men and women who are America’s veterans.
To provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have
earned - and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion,
commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and
stewardship.
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is
authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations,
Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The
mission of VR&E is to help veterans with service-connected disabilities to
prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with serviceconnected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider
work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently
as possible.
Services that may be provided by VR&E include:
 Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills,
interests, and needs
 Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning
 Employment services such as job-seeking skills, resume
development, and other work readiness assistance
 Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special
employer incentives
 On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work
experiences
Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business
school, Supportive rehabilitation services including case management,
counseling, and referral, Independent living services
Wounded Warriors Project
The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is
to "honor and empower wounded warriors" of the United States Armed
Forces. "The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) works to raise awareness
and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men
and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each
other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their
needs."