Resources: Visually Impaired
Resources are routinely updated . . . please check back often.
Note: resource links open in a new window:
- Access World
Access World is an American Foundation for the Blind publication with product comparisons and reviews of assistive technology for people with visual impairments; archives are fully searchable.
- Adaptive Technology Consulting Resource Portal
ATC "has assembled a collection of resources to benefit the person, or family member of someone who may be coping with low vision or loss of sight." The focus is on the New England region.
- American Foundation for the Blind--Technology
The technology page of the AFB website provides a side bar of links of relevance for people who are legally blind or have low vision. Categories of information include: cell phone access, assistive technology, Web accessibility, electronic books, buying a computer, screen reader tips, and tips for computer users with low vision.
- DAISY Consortium
Learn about the DAISY standard for digital talking books at the DAISY Consortium website and access tools and software. The DAISY Consortium was formed in 1996 by talking book libraries to lead the worldwide transition from analog to Digital Talking Books. DAISY denotes the Digital Accessible Information System.
- del.icio.us
This social bookmarking webpage was compiled by computer specialist Wendy Buckley, of Perkins School for the Blind. The site features links to software companies, hardware vendors, and useful websites focused on teaching cause and effect, early language, literacy and authoring tools.
- Described and Captioned Media Program
The DCMP provides a library of described and captioned educational media for free to students who are deaf, blind, hard of hearing, visually impaired, or deaf-blind; also a clearinghouse of information related to education, accessibility, deafness, blindness, and other related topics; and an internet Gateway to the largest database of accessible media in the world. The Described and Captioned Media Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the National Association of the Deaf.
- Low Vision Gateway
"The Low Vision Gateway to the Internet is your starting point to the world's resources for vision loss, vision-impairment, blindness, low vision aids and low vision rehabilitation services."
- Massachusetts Vision Resources Library
This state library provides specialized instructional materials, including Braille and large print, to visually impaired students.
- National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
NLS administers a free library program of braille and recorded materials circulated to eligible borrowers through a network of cooperating libraries.
- Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D)- Boston Unit
RFB&D, a nonprofit volunteer organization, is a national educational library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia or other physical disability.
- The Talking Book Library
Free services to Massachusetts residents of any age who are unable to read traditional print materials due to a visual or physical disability.
- VIBUG
VIBUG is the Visually Impaired and Blind User Group, serving blind and visually impaired computer users in Massachusetts. Membership costs $20 per year per person.
