Links to Hope
Below are links to websites and support services designed for blind and visually impaired individuals.
Products for Blind and Visually Impaired
MaxiAids has been an established special-needs provider for over three decades. In that time, the company has evolved into the world’s leading provider of adaptive products, products for independent living and products designed to enhance the lifestyle of those who are visually-impaired (as well as those who have other special needs such as the hearing-impaired) by making every-day tasks easier.
The Maxi-Aids online catalog is filled with over 9,000 items and has been designed specifically for special needs. Products are based on input from customers and the company has an ever-growing, ever-changing line of products based on what customers express they need and want.
https://www.maxiaids.com/
Education
Hadley Institute For the Blind and Visually Impaired
The mission of Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower people to thrive – at home, at work and in their communities.
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley and Dr. E.V.L. Brown, Hadley offers courses free of charge to its blind and visually impaired students and their families, and affordable tuition to blindness professionals. Today, Hadley is the largest provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired around the world, serving more than 10,000 students annually in all 50 states and in 100 countries. Hadley is also the largest educator of braille worldwide. A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, the school relies on contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations to fund its programs.
Support Networks
VisionAware is a a free, easy-to-use informational website for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. It offers content on every topic related to vision loss from dealing with its emotional ramifications to learning practical tips for everyday living. A strong component of the site is its goal to unite people dealing with low vision or blindness into a supportive community through dynamic social networking and customized guidance for adults of all ages living with vision loss.
The site offers practical tips and resources for adults with vision loss, their families, friends, caregivers, and related professionals, information on eye diseases and disorders, ways to connect including message boards and social media channels like Twitter and Facebook, breaking news on the latest developments in vision loss treatment via the VisionAware blog and much more.
https://www.visionaware.org
National Federation For the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
The National Federation of the Blind is the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity, and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people. Our democratically elected leaders and our diverse nationwide membership are made up of blind people, our families, and our friends. We are bound together by our belief that the blind are capable of achieving our dreams and living the lives we want, and by the love and respect we have for one another and for all blind Americans. We support one another, act with courage and determination when we encounter barriers or experience setbacks, and engage in collective action to improve our lives.
Blogs to follow
Interested in hearing the experiences of others who are blind or visually impaired? Here are some great blogs to follow:
Seeing Possibilities
by Audrey Dermott
https://seeingpossibilities.com/
Blindsight
https://blindsightblog.wordpress.com/
Adventures In Low Vision
https://adventuresinlowvision.wordpress.com
Jalapeños in the Oatmeal
https://jalapenosintheoatmeal.wordpress.com/
Vision Through Words
https://visionthroughwords.wordpress.com/
Overcomer's Counseling Blog
by Kimberly Duff
https://www.counselingbykimberly.com/blog/
Eye Care
Listed below are links to products which may help you maintain eye health. Please consult with your licensed obstetrician before using any products on your eyes.
Eye Drops: https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ezricare-artificial-tears/