Physicians and staff caring for blind and visually impaired individuals should be familiar with the many services and programs available from local, state, and national organizations. Video and computer technology has made an enormous difference in education of blind and low-vision students. The availability of information through websites has changed the way basic information is transmitted for everyone. Although braille is still useful for teaching blind children how the printed page is formatted and for personal tasks such as marking clothing, taking notes, and making checkbook entries, in competitive employment the voice output computer and scanner fill the gap in performance. Large print and low vision magnifying devices allow a person with useful residual vision to read.

The largest and most up-to-date database for information related to blindness and low vision is maintained by The Lighthouse at 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022. The Lighthouse Information & Resource Service, which provides current names, addresses, and contact numbers from on-site files as well having the capacity to locate other information sources, can be reached at 1-800-334-5497, Fax: 212-821-9705, TTY: 212-821-9713, or website: www.lighthouse.org.

INFORMATION SOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE

Fifty State Commissions for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Information can then be requested directly from the state for specific subjects such as state schools for the blind, libraries, special education programs, Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) information, low vision services, reader services, rehabilitation services, vocational services, social services, and funding.

Local agencies for the blind and visually impaired throughout the United States. Information can be obtained directly from the agency.

Location of low vision services and low vision specialists around the United States and abroad.

Information in the files on a variety of eye disorders and medically related conditions.

Pamphlets on specific eye diseases, requests for resource information, individualized answers to questions about ocular and related conditions. Access to the major eye resource organizations such as the National Eye Institute (research, pamphlets), American Academy of Ophthalmology (informational material about eye conditions and treatment), American Academy of Optometry (informational pamphlets about many eye conditions).

Guide dog organizations around the United States.

Recordings for the Blind, including Choice, Library of Congress, Reader's Digest, and Recording for the Blind, Inc.

Printed and recorded material from American Printing House for the Blind, Howe Press of Perkins School for the Blind, Library of Congress, Reader's Digest, large print publications.

Home study courses, braille from The Hadley School for the Blind.

Information specifically for blind people from the American Foundation for the Blind as well as various sources for braille material, textbooks on low vision, mobility, education of visually impaired children, and rehabilitation of visually impaired persons.

Consumer catalogs for products for the blind and visually impaired.

Veterans Blind Rehabilitation Centers throughout the United States. Get information on available programs, funding, and transportation directly from the center.

Statistics on blindness and low vision.

Printouts and detailed information on the latest high-tech computer and closed-circuit television models.

SELECTED NATIONAL AGENCIES & ORGANIZATIONS

Administration on Aging. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 300 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, DC 20201; 202-245-0724.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 1909 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20049; 202-872-4700.

Association for Macular Diseases, 210 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021; 212-605-3719.

Center for Independent Living (CIL) Publications and Audio Books for People Who Are Visually Impaired Home Page hftp://www.cilpubs.com.

Descriptive Video Service, WGBH-TV, 125 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134; 617-492-2777. (Monthly catalogue of programs that carry descriptions for the visually impaired.)

Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 1291 Taylor Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20542; 800-424-9100 or 202-287-5100.

10.1036/1535-8860.appendix3

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