Download Print Resource Guide - (VIS) Group of Cumberland County

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
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VIS Group Info
VIS Group Contact Info
Welcome to the VIS Group
VIS Group Meetings
VIS Group Programs
CHAPTER I
Common Eye Diseases
Cataract
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
Hemianopia
Histoplasmosis
Macular Degeneration
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Stargardt Disease
Usher’s Syndrome
Amsler Grid
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CHAPTER II
Ophthalmologists
&
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Optometrists
Who are our Eye Professionals?
Boyd Family Eyecare
Cumberland Eye Center
Eye Centers of Tennessee
Eye M.D. – Ophthalmology
Low Vision Network
Low Vision Optometry
Politzer & Ho Vision Group
Rhyne, Patton & Gilliland, Optometrists
Southeastern Retina Associates
Vanderbilt Eye Institute
CHAPTER III
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Rehabilitation & Education
Christian Counseling Center of Cumb. County
Crossville Lions Club
Fairfield Glade Lions Club
Fairfield Glade Resident Services
Hadley School for the Blind
Technology Access Center
Tennessee Deaf-Blind Services
TN Library for the Blind/Physically Handicapped
TN Rehabilitation for the Blind/Visually Impaired
TN School for the Blind
TN Vocational Services
VA: TN Valley Healthcare System
Upper Cumb. Human Resource Agency
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CHAPTER IV
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Eye Information
AMD Alliance
American Diabetes Association
Community for Vision Rehabilitation
EyeSmart
Focus on Low Vision @ Hadley
Lighthouse
Macular Degeneration Foundation
MD Partnership
MD Support
Web-RN Macular Degeneration
Vision Aware
CHAPTER V
Research Foundations
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Macular Degeneration Research
Research to Prevent Blindness
Schepens Eye Research/MA Eye & Ear
Scripps Research Institute
Southeastern Retina Clinical Research
Vanderbilt Eye Institute Research
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CHAPTER VI
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Agencies & Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Council of the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind
Prevent Blindness America
American Society on Aging Health Finder
Council of Citizens with Low Vision Intern’l
National Eye Institute
National Federation of the Blind
Tennessee Commission on Disability
Tennessee Council of the Blind
Tennessee Organization of the Deaf-Blind
Visually Impaired Support Group of
Cumberland County, TN, Inc.
CHAPTER VII
Equipment, Devices & Aids
AbleData
AdaptiveWare
American Printing for the Blind
Berryessa Designs
Blinksoft, Inc.
Enhanced Vision
Eschenbach Optik
Freedom Scientific
GuideLights and Gadgets
HIMS
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HumanWare
Independent Living Aids, Inc.
Indigo Logix
KustomCane
LL&S
Maxi Aids
Optelec
Optogon
Stephens Development Company
Tennessee Low Vision
CHAPTER VIII
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Law & Advocacy
Disability Law and Advocacy Center
Tennessee Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
CHAPTER IX
Guide Dogs
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Pilot Dogs, Inc.
The Seeing Eye, Inc.
Southeastern Guide Dogs
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CHAPTER X
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Religious Organizations & Bibles
AudioBook Ministries
Aurora Ministries
Bartimaeus Bible Institure
Braille Bible International
Care Ministries, Inc.
Chaplains on Hand
Christian Record Services
Gospel Association for the Blind
Jewish Heritage for the Blind
Lutheran Blind Mission
Lutheran Braille Evangelism Association
Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc.
Xavier Society for the Blind
CHAPTER XI
Intertainment & Other
ACB Radio
Android
Association of Blind Citizens
Audio Newspaper Service
Benefits Check-up
Bold Lead Designs, LLC
Choice Magizine Listening
Computers for the Blind
Custom Jewelry & Gifts
EARS
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Hadley School for the Blind Newsletter
Hallucinations: Am I going Crazy?
Info Eyes
Mac for the Blind
Owl Radio
Robo Braille
Schwans’
Serotek: iBlink Radio
Sight Into Sound
Silver Angels
Travel One
CHAPTER XII
SmartPhone Apps
iPhones & iPads
Androids & Tablets
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INTRODUCTION
This Resource Guide is meant to help with
some of the problems associated with the loss of
sight. Hopefully, this resource should also be
useful to professionals for educating and
counseling persons with vision loss.
You are not alone. There is help available in
our state. Sometimes, it is very frustrating to try
to find out what is available and where to search
for assistance. Do not give up! Our hope is that
this resource guide will be helpful to you.
VIS Group Goals: Improve the lives of the blind
and visually impaired in Cumberland County, TN,
through Education, Communication,
Transportation, CCTVs (Closed Circuit TVs), as
well as other visual aids, support group
meetings, and socializing.
The Visually Impaired Support Group of
Cumberland County, TN and its members are
affiliated with the American Council of the Blind
ACB, Tennessee Council of the Blind (TCB) and the
Crossville Chamber of Commerce. We are an
active partner of the United Fund of Cumberland
County, TN. Our dues are $25 per year from
September – August, making you a member of
TCB and ACB.
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We are a 501 © 3 tax exempt non-profit
organization. The VIS group works with city,
county, and state leaders, as well as local
business leaders, to improve the lives of the blind
and visually impaired in Cumberland County, TN.
Although the VIS group is located in Cumberland
County, our services are not limited to
Cumberland County.
VIS GROUP MEETINGS
When: 2nd Thursday each month, Sept. -June
Where: Sonshine Soup Kitchen
69 Neecham Street
Crossville, TN. 38555
Time:
9:30AM-11:30AM
After the business meeting, we usually have
a speaker. The VIS Group always has social time
with Coffee, Tea, & Pastries.
We have an annual summer picnic at Obed
River Park, Crossville, on the 2nd Thursday in
July. Membership dues is $25 per year.
We are the visually impaired……who reach
out and support the visually impaired!! Come –
Join us!! We try to look upon our disability as a
mere nuisance.
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VIS GROUP PROGRAMS
Equipment On-Loan: VIS Members in goodstanding may borrow aids & devices from our VIS
Group Inventory. They must sign a contract to
return the item(s) when no longer in use.
Community EVM Program: The VIS Group
purchases EVM’s (Electronic Video Magnifiers)
and donates them to Institutions, (such as;
libraries, assisted living facilities and senior
centers) to be used by our community. This
project awards the use of low-vision equipment
to a larger populace.
“InSight on Vision” Conference: The VIS Group
presents a biennial conference which consists of
several speakers including; Blind & Visually
Impaired Agencies, Ophthalmologists, Low Vison
Specialists, and vendors of specialty low-vision
devices. This event is open to the public and
provided Free of Charge.
Transportation Fund: Socialization is important
for the visually impaired. Oftentimes, poor vision
prevents a person from ‘getting out and about’.
We offer occasional bus trips whereby the VIS
Group covers the cost of transportation.
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CHAPTER I
COMMON EYE DISEASES
CATARACT
A Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.
The lens is a clear oval structure with three
layers: the Nucleus, the Cortex, and the Capsule.
It may help to think of the lens structure as a
peach, where the Nucleus is the peach pit, the
Cortex is the flesh of the peach that surrounds
the pit, and the Capsule is the peach skin, or
elastic covering of the lens. You have a Cataract
when the nucleus becomes opaque (that is, it is
no longer clear) or when small opacities develop
in the Cortex that block or scatter light. There are
three types of Cataracts that affect different
parts of the lens, have different symptoms and
cause different vision problems:
Nuclear Cataract is the most common type
of Cataract, and is due to the aging process. The
nuclear gradually hardens and becomes opaque,
causing difficulty identifying colors and seeing at
a distance.
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Cortical Cataract is the next common type,
often affecting people who are diabetic. Webshape opacities develop in the cortex, interfering
with passage of light. This can result in problems
with glare and loss of contrast, as well as
difficulty with distance and near vision.
Sub Capsular Cataract develops under the
back of the capsule or elastic covering of the lens
and is common in people with significant Myopia,
Diabetics who have high Myopia, adults with
Retinitis Pigmentosa, and in people taking
Cortisone medication. This type of cataract can
cause glare sensitivity and blur. In the early
stages, only a doctor can detect a cataract
because there may not be any symptoms. When
you do start to notice changes in your vision,
they may include: Blurry distance vision,
especially outdoors, streaks or rays of light
seeming to come from headlights and stop signs.
Instinctively shading your eyes form the sun or
feeling more comfortable wearing a visor. Print
appearing faded and lacking in contrast. Colors
appearing faded or changed in hue. Blue may
appear to be green and yellow may look white.
Because these may also be symptoms of other
eye conditions, it is important to see your eye
doctor annually, or when you notice a persistent
change in vision. Cataracts are treated with
surgery. Cataract surgery is an outpatient
procedure performed by an Ophthalmologist.
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Surgery can often be postponed until the cataract
begins to seriously affect our ability to function.
There is no medicine or treatment that can
dissolve or remove cataracts.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye disease caused by
complications of Diabetes. Diabetes cause
damage to the blood vessels that nourish the
retina, the seeing part at the back of the eye.
In people with Diabetes, the retinal blood vessels
may expand and leak fluid. Abnormal new blood
vessels may grow, and blood vessels may break
and cause bleeding. These changes may result in
vision loss or blindness. Every person with
Diabetes is at risk of developing Diabetes
Retinopathy. The longer a person has Diabetes
the more likely the person is to develop Diabetic
Retinopathy. Regular eye exams are essential
when first diagnosed with Diabetes, and then at
least every two years will reduce your risk of
vision loss and blindness. There are no symptoms
in the early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy. Vision
may not change until the disease is advanced.
Vision loss due to Diabetic Retinopathy can be
prevented if detected and treated early. Tight
control of your Diabetes will delay the
development of Retinopathy.
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GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that
gradually steals sight without warning and often
without symptoms. Vision loss is caused by
damage to the optic nerve. The nerve acts like an
electric cable with over a million wires and is
responsible for carrying the images we see to the
brain. The two main types of Glaucoma are Open
Angle Glaucoma and Angle Closure Glaucoma.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form of Glaucoma,
affecting about three million Americans. It
happens when the eye’s drainage canals becomes
clogged over time. The inner eye pressure (also
called Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) raises because
the correct amount of fluid can’t drain out of the
eye. With Open Angle Glaucoma, the entrances to
the drainage canals are clear and should be
working correctly. The clogging problem occurs
inside the drainage canals, like the clogging that
is inside a pipe below the drain in a sink. Most
people have no symptoms and no early warning
signs. If Open Angle Glaucoma is not diagnosed
and treated, it can cause a gradual loss of vision.
This type of Glaucoma develops slowly and
sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many
years. It usually responds well to medication,
especially if caught early and treated.
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Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This type of glaucoma is also known as acute
glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma. It is much
rarer and is very different from open-angle
glaucoma in that the eye pressure usually rises
very quickly.
This happens when the drainage canals get
blocked or covered over, like a sink with
something covering the drain.
With angle-closure glaucoma, the iris is not as
wide and open as it should be. The outer edge of
the iris bunches up over the drainage canals,
when the pupil enlarges too much or too quickly.
This can happen when entering a dark room.
A simple test can be used to see if your angle is
normal and wide or abnormal and narrow.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma may
include headaches, eye pain, nausea, rainbows
around lights at night, and very blurred vision.
Secondary Glaucoma
Glaucoma can occur as the result of an eye
injury, inflammation, tumor, and in advanced
cases of Cataract or Diabetes. It can also be
caused by certain drugs, such as steroids. This
form of Glaucoma may be mild or severe. The
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type of treatment will depend on whether it is
Open Angle Glaucoma or Angle Closure
Glaucoma.
Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
Normal Tension Glaucoma is also known as Low
Tension Glaucoma, or Normal Pressure Glaucoma.
In this type of Glaucoma, the Optic Nerve is
damaged, even though intraocular pressure (IOP) is
not very high. Those at higher risk for this form of
Glaucoma are people with a family history of
Normal Tension Glaucoma, people of Japanese
ancestry, and people with a history of Systemic
Heart Disease, such as irregular heart rhythm.
Normal Tension Glaucoma is usually detected after
an examination of the optic nerve.
Pigmentary Glaucoma
This is a form of secondary Open Angle Glaucoma.
It occurs when the pigment granules in the back of
the Iris (the colored part of the eye) break into the
clear fluid produced inside the eye. The tiny
pigment granules flow toward the drainage canals
in the eye and slowly clog them, causing the eye
pressure to rise. Treatment usually includes
medication or surgery.
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HEMIANOPIA
Blindness affecting half of the field of vision.
Hemianopia, also known as hemianopsia, may be
caused by various medical conditions, but usually
results from a stroke or brain injury. It may affect
either the right or left side of the visual field and is
usually permanent. Hemianopia can produce
various effects, from minor to severe. For example,
a person may be able to see only to one side when
looking ahead, or objects that the person sees may
differ in clarity or brightness. Such visual
impairment can make it difficult to perform daily
tasks, from reading to crossing streets. There is no
specific treatment for hemianopia, but low vision
rehabilitation specialists can help people learn to
make the most of the sight that they have. In
addition, some people with hemianopia benefit from
the use of magnifiers or special prism lenses.
HISTOPLASMOSIS
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused when airborne
spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum are
inhaled into the lungs, the primary infection site.
This microscopic fungus, which is found throughout
the world in river valleys and soil where bird or bat
droppings accumulate, is released into the air when
soil is disturbed by plowing fields, sweeping chicken
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coops, or digging holes. Histoplasmosis is often so
mild that it produces no apparent symptoms. Any
symptoms that might occur are often similar to
those from a common cold. In fact, if you had
histoplasmosis symptoms, you might dismiss them
as those from a cold or flu, since the body’s immune
system normally overcomes the infection in a few
days without treatment. However, histoplasmosis,
even mild cases, can later cause a serious eye
disease called ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
(OHS), a leading cause of vision loss in Americans
ages 20 to 40.
OHS develops when fragile, abnormal blood vessels
grow underneath the retina. These abnormal blood
vessels form a lesion known as choroidal
neovascularization (CNV). If left untreated, the CNV
lesion can turn into scar tissue and replace the
normal retinal tissue in the macula. The macula is
the central part of the retina that provides the
sharp, central vision that allows us to read a
newspaper or drive a car. When this scar tissue
forms, visual messages from the retina to the brain
are affected, and vision loss results.
Although only a tiny fraction of the people infected
with the histo fungus ever develops OHS, any
person who has had histoplasmosis should be alert
for any changes in vision. Studies have shown the
OHS patients usually test positive for previous
exposure to histoplasmosis.
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In the United States, the highest incidence of
histoplasmosis occurs in a region often referred to
as the “Histo Belt,” where up to 90 percent of the
adult population has been infected by
histoplasmosis. This region includes all of Arkansas,
Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and West Virginia
as well as large portions of Alabama, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and
Virginia. Since most cases of histoplasmosis are
undiagnosed, anyone who has ever lived in an area
known to have a high rate of histoplasmosis should
consider having their eyes examined for histo spots.
More info on this topic may be found at the National
Eye Institute: www.nei.nih.gov/
Ocular histoplasmosis requires no treatment except
when abnormal blood vessels develop in the central
retina. For these patients, laser treatment,
intraocular injections, or vitrectomy surgery may be
necessary. Regular eye exams and routine use of an
Amsler Grid to monitor central vision is recommended for anyone with histo spots. For your
convenience, there is an Amsler Grid at the end of
this chapter – page 26.
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MACULAR DEGENERATION
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a
disease that blurs the sharp, central vision you
need for “straight ahead” activities such as
reading, sewing, and driving. AMD affects the
macular, the part of the eye that allows you to
see fine details. In some cases, AMD advances so
slowly that people notice little changes in their
vision. In others, the disease progresses faster
and may lead to loss of vision in both eyes. AMD
is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60
years of age and older.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels
behind the retina start to grow under the macula.
These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile
and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and
fluid raise the macula from its normal place at
the back of the eye. Damage to the macula
occurs rapidly. With Wet AMD, loss of the central
vision can occur quickly. Wet AMD is considered
to be advanced AMD and is more severe than the
dry form. An early symptom of Wet AMD is that
straight lines appear wavy.
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Dry AMD
Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in
the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring
central vision in the affected eye.
As Dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred
spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as
less of the macula functions, central vision in the
affected eye can be lost gradually. The most
common symptom of Dry AMD is slightly blurred
vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces.
You may need more light for reading and other
tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but
vision can be lost in one eye while the other
seems unaffected. Dry AMD has three stages, all
of which occur in one or both eyes.
Early AMD
People with Early AMD have either several small
drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. At this
stage, there are no symptoms and no vision loss.
Intermediate AMD
People with Intermediate AMD have either many
medium-sized drusen or one or more large
drusen. Some people see a blurred spot in the
center of their vision. More light may be needed
for reading.
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Advanced Dry AMD
In addition to druse, people with Advanced Dry
AMD have a breakdown of light- sensitive cells
and supporting tissue in the central retinal area.
This breakdown can cause a blurred spot in your
vision. Over time, the blurred spot may get
bigger and darker, taking more of your central
vision. You may have difficulty reading or
recognizing faces until they are very close to you.
*If you have vision loss from Dry AMD in one eye
only, you may not notice any changes in your
overall vision, only if AMD affects both eyes.
Juvenile Macular Degeneration
Other less common types of Macular
Degeneration, which are hereditary and affect
younger people: Best, Stargardt and Sorsby
diseases. Other diseases of the retina, and
extreme Myopia(near- sightedness) can also
result in degeneration of the Macula. These
conditions are not to be confused with AMD, but
the end result, loss of central vision, can be the
same. *Use the Amsler Grid at the end of this
chapter, page 26, to check for wavy lines and
missing areas.
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RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
Retinitis Pigmentosa is an eye disease that affects a
person’s night vision and peripheral vision. It is a
genetic disorder that is usually hereditary.
Symptoms start with decreased night vision and
later progresses to a diminishing of peripheral
vision. The rate of decline varies depending on the
genetic makeup of the disorder, and also varies
somewhat in individuals.
You will find the Amsler Grid at the end of this
chapter – page 26. If you have been diagnosed
with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and whether you have
noticeable impaired Peripheral Vision, you should
periodically use this Amsler Grid to note changes in
your eyesight. Make note of any wavy lines or
missing areas. While keeping your eye on the
center dot, can you see all four corners of the
Amsler Grid?
SARGARDT DISEASE
Sargardt Disease is the most common form of
inherited Juvenile Macular Degeneration. It is
characterized by the reduction of Central Vision
with a reservation of Peripheral (side) Vision.
Stargardt Disease is usually diagnosed in
individuals under the age of 20 when decreased
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central vision is first noticed. On examination, the
retina of an affected individual shows a macular
lesion surrounded by yellow-white flecks, or spots,
with irregular shapes. The progression of visual loss
is variable.
Eventually, almost all with Satargardt disease are
expected to have visual acuities in the range of
20/200 to 20/400. The reduced visual acuity due
to Stargardt Disease cannot be corrected with
prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. In late
stages of the disease, there may also be noticeable
impairment of color vision.
Stargardt Disease is almost always inherited as an
Autosomal Recessive Disorder. It is inherited when
both parents, called carriers, have one gene for the
disease paired with one normal gene. Each of their
children has a 25% chance of inheriting the two
copies of the Stargardt gene (one from each parent)
which is needed to cause the disease. Carriers are
unaffected because they have only one copy of the
gene.
Although there is currently no treatment of
Stargardt Disease, individuals may benefit from the
use of low vision aids, plus orientation and mobility
training. *Please check the Amsler Grid following
the end of the Macular Degeneration section.
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USHER SYNDROME
Usher syndrome is the most common condition that
affects both hearing and vision. A syndrome is a
disease or disorder that has more than one feature
or symptom. The major symptoms of Usher
syndrome are hearing loss and an eye disorder
called retinitis pigmentosa, or RP. RP causes nightblindness and a loss of peripheral vision (side
vision) through the progressive degeneration of the
retina. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the
back of the eye and is crucial for vision. As RP
progresses, the field of vision narrows—a condition
known as “tunnel vision”—until only central vision
(the ability to see straight ahead) remains. Many
people with Usher syndrome also have severe
balance problems.
*Please use the Amsler Grid on the following page.
Can you see all four corners?
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Instructions for using Amsler Grid
1. Hold approximately 12 – 14 inches from the eye.
2. Wear your glasses. Wear bifocals if you have
them.
3. Test one eye at a time.
4. Look at the center dot only.
5. Check for wavy lines or blank areas near the
center.
6. Keep your eye on the center dot. Do not scan.
7. Do not check more than once daily.
8. Report any change to your eye care provider.
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CHAPTER II
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS, LOW VISION CENTERS
& OPTOMETRISTS
WHO ARE YOUR EYE PROFESSIONALS?
Ophthalmologist: A practitioner in the medical
science of surgery and care of the eye and its
related structures. An M.D. degree is required.
Retina Specialist: A medical doctor trained as an
ophthalmologist, who has received additional
training in diseases and surgery of the retina and
vitreous. Ophthalmologists may also specialize
in particular eye diseases or surgeries, such as:
Corneal Transplant, Glaucoma, etc.
Optometrist: A degreed (O.D.), independent,
primary health care provider skilled in the comanagement of eye health and vision care,
including examination, diagnosis, treatment,
management of diseases/disorders, prescription
of eyeglasses/contact lenses, and provision of
low vision aids and therapy.
Optician: A person who designs or manufactures
Ophthalmic appliances or optical instruments
“Ophthalmic optician” or deals in prescriptions
“Dispensing optician”.
*The following eye care services are used by VIS members.
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Boyd Family Eyecare
Lori M Boyd, O.D.
Zachary T Boyd, O.D.
3309 Miller Avenue
Crossville, TN 38555
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 931-484-4861
Cumberland Eye Care
Stewart Galloway, M.D.
Janis Holt, M.D.
57 Fairfield Blvd.
Fairfield Glade, TN. 38558
Phone: 931-484-3344
Website: www.cumberlandeye.com
Eye Centers of Tennessee
Larry E. Patterson, M.D.
Cory J. Bosanko, O.D., FAAO
15 Iris Lane
Crossville, TN. 38555
Phone: 931-456-2728
Website: www.ecotn.com
Eye M.D. - Ophthalmology
Ben Mahan, M.D. (Glaucoma)
Benyamin Ebrahim, M.D. (Cornea)
Sandra T. Duckworth, O.D.
926 N. Jackson Street
Tullahoma, TN 37388-2300
Phone: 931-393-6004
888-393-6004
Fax: 931-393-4795
Website: www.mdeyeconsultants.net
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Low Vision Network
Signal Centers Assistive Technology, Southeastern Vision, & Siskin Hosp. Low Vision Rehab.
Chattanooga, TN.
Phone: 423-321-8233
Website: www.siskinrehab.org
Low Vision Optometry
John M. Pino, OD, PhD
404 N Castle Heights Ave, Ste. A
Lebanon, TN. 37087
Phone: 615-449-0541
855-405-8800
Website: www.lowvisiontn.com
Politzer & Ho Vision Group
Michael Politzer, O.D. (Neuro-Optometrist)
Jamie Ho, O.D, FAAO
5300 Maryland Way, Suite 160
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: 615-604-2949
Fax: 615-376-0083
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.drpolitzer.com
Website: www.hovisiongroup.com
Rhyne, Patton & Gilliland, Optometrists
Bruce D. Gilliland, O.D.
715 Callahan Drive
Knoxville, TN 37912
865-687-1232
Phone: 865-522-2449
Fax: 865-522-6453
Website: www.rhyneandpatton.com
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Southeastern Retina Associate
Tod A. McMillan, M.D.
Keith Shuler, M.D.
Crossville Office:
1051 Genesis Road
Suite 103
Crossville, TN. 38555
Phone: 931-337-0522
Knoxville Office:
1124 E Weisgarber Road Ste. 207
Knoxville, TN. 37909
Phone: 865-588-0811
888-566-9738
Website: www.southeasternretina.com
Vanderbilt Eye Institute
2311 Pierce Avenue
Nashville, TN 37232-8808
Phone: 615-936-2020
Fax: 615-936-1540
Website: www.vanderbilteyeinstitute.com
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CHAPTER III
REHABILITATION & EDUCATION
Christian Counseling Center of
Cumberland County
348 Taylor St. Suite 105
Crossville, Tn. 38555
Carol J. Donalson, LPC-MHSP
Executive Director
Phone: 931-707-8200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mycounselingcenter.org
This is a non-profit organization which is
supported by local churches.
Crossville Lions Club
Gary Laura, President
PO Box 3277
Crossville, TN. 38557
Phone: 931-788-6924
Lions’ Clubs visit local schools to evaluate vision
& hearing of students. They also help lowincome people receive glasses or hearing aids.
The Crossville chapter participates in the National
Lions’ White Cane Project, which funds many
programs.
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Fairfield Glade Lions Club
Fred Mundt, President
PO Box 1675
Fairfield Glade, TN. 38558
Phone: 931-484-3138
Lions’ Clubs visit local schools to evaluate vision
& hearing of students. They also help lowincome people receive glasses or hearing aids.
The Fairfield Glade chapter participates in the
National Lions’ White Cane Project, which funds
many programs.
Fairfield Glade Resident Services
4929 Peavine Rd, Ste. 102
Fairfield Towne Center Mall
Crossville, TN. 38571
Phone: 931- 456-7272
Website: www.FGRServices.org
FGRS presents many educational programs of
interest. They have a program “Way to Go”,
which is a transportation program for the
residents of Fairfield Glade who can no longer
drive. They have facilitated the VIS Group’s
“InSight on Vision” Conference in 2012 and 2016.
Office is open Monday – Friday 9:00am – Noon.
Hadley School for the Blind
700 Elm Street
Winnetka, IL. 60093
Phone: 800-323-4238
Website: www.hadley.edu
33
Technology Access Center
Linda B. Judeich, Director of Services
475 Metroplex Drive, Suite 301
Nashville, TN. 37211
Phone: 615-248-6733
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tacnashville.org
Assessments help individuals make decisions as
to what equipment may be most useful for their
needs. The VIS Group held an iPhone class here
to teach the blind how to use Voice Over,
primarily to use LowViz, an indoor navigation
program, at conventions for the vision impaired.
TAC’s newsletter is offered in Large print,
braille, or audio tape copies are available upon
request. Please call the Center.
TN Rehab. Services for theDeaf,
Deaf-Blind & Hard of Hearing
Lana Bazemore, Director
311 E. MLK Blvd. Suite #301
Chattanooga, TN. 37403
Phone: 423-634-6706
Email: [email protected]
Lana can advise those who are deaf, deaf-blind,
and hard-of-hearing seek employment or those
who need Independent Living Skills.
34
Tennesse Library for the Blind
& Physically Handicapped
403 Seventh Ave. North
Nashville, TN. 37243
Phone: 800-342-3308 (in TN)
Email: [email protected]
The library provides audio books, magazines, and
materials in large print and Braille.
The Library of Congress provides all reading
materials and playback equipment, and free
mailing is provided through the U.S. Post Office.
If you cannot see to read standard print, hold a
book, or turn pages of a book - you are eligible to
receive talking books.
Eligible persons must complete an application
for the library service.
A partnership with the National Library of
Congress and the Bureau of Engraving & Printing
supplies U.S. Currency Readers to all who belong
to the TN affiliate. If you do not belong to the TN
Library of the Blind, but you wish to receive a
FREE Currency Reader, please call the BEP tollfree
at
844-815-9388
or
email:
[email protected]
35
Tennessee Rehabilitation Services
for the Blind & Visually Impaired
955 E. 20th Street
Cookeville, TN. 38501
Sharon Driver, TN Supervisor
Phone: 931-526-9783
Email: [email protected]
This program is not income based. Anyone with
vision loss prohibiting them from driving is
eligible. This should be your first step to receive
services, unless you are a veteran. (see VA below)
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN. 37214
Martin Monson, Education Director
Phone: 615-231-7316
Website: www.tsbtigers.org
Tennessee Vocational Rehab. Services
Tonya Cherry
Phone: 931-526-9783
Veteran’s Affairs:
Tennessee Valley Health Services
Isaac York,
1310 24th Ave. South C-411
Nashville, Tn. 37212
Phone: 615-873-7338
Email: Isaac.ork@vagov
Veterans Affairs has an excellent program for low
vision veterans. They provide needed low-vision
equipment & services.
36
UCHRA
Norm Dukes, Cumberland County Coordinator
73 Methodist Campground Loop
Crossville, TN 38555
Phone: 931-456-0691
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency
offers many services including: Public Transport
(everyone eligible); Commodities (income based
emergency food & nutrition); Job Access
Transportation; Rural Commuter “Van Pool”;
Juvenile Community Intervention; Child and
Adult Care Food Program; Homemaker Aide and
Chore Services for Older Persons and Adults with
Disabilities; Rent, Utilities, and Prescription
Assistance; Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance, and Weatherization Assistance.
37
CHAPTER IV
EYE INFORMATION
AMD Alliance
Phone: 416-486-2500 x-7505
www.amdalliance.org
American Diabetes Association
Tennessee Affiliate
4205 Hillsboro Rd. Suite 200
Nashville, Tn. 37215
Phone: 800-342-238
Website: www.diabetes.org
Diabetes can cause blindness. This may be
avoided with the proper diet. Check-out this
website or call the Nashville Chapter.
Community Services
for
Vision Rehabilitation
Joe Fontenot, MD
600 BelAir Blvd, Suite 110
Mobile, AL. 36606
Phone: 251-476-4744
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.csvrlowvision.org
Dr. Fontenot is dedicated to supplying affordable
low-vision equipment for the visually impaired.
The VIS Group has received two Tony’s
(Electronic Reading Aids which are used with a
TV) through this non-profit center. These devices
are in our Equipment On-Loan Inventory.
38
EyeSmart
Website: www.geteyesmart.org
Website lists a complete Eye Diseases &
Conditions A – Z and other helpful material.
Focus on Low Vision @ Hadley
www.lowvisionfocus.org
Sign-up for Newsletters and Web Seminars on
various topics.
Lighthouse International
111 East 59th Street
New York, New York 10022
Phone: 800-829-0500
www.lighthouse.org
Lighthouse International has free low vision
pamphlets and other materials. Call to get on
mailing list.
Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc.
Liz Trauernicht, CEO
P.O. Box 531313
Henderson, Nevada 89053
Phone: 888-633-3037
Website: [email protected]
This foundation offers a wonderful free
newsletter called the Magnifier. It is available
via email or US mail. Call or go on their website
to order. You may also call to ask questions and
receive support.
The Macular Degeneration Foundation is
funding the MD Support, who is facilitating a
program which provides an Indoor Navigation
System (LowViz) for any convention that is for
39
the Blind or Visually Impaired. This App will be
downloaded on a SmartPhone, and utilized at
these events if requested.
MD Partnership
Phone: 888-430-9898
www.amd.org
Subscribe to receive the "AMD Update" and keep
up-to-date with the latest research & treatment
options.
MD Support
Dan Roberts, Director
www.mdsupport.org
Macular Degeneration Support has a program to
start local low vision support groups. They
supply monthly programs for presentations. Web
visitors may watch a wide variety of videos on
pertinent topics. MD Support also offer a
monthly Telephone Support Program for those
who cannot attend a Visually Impaired Support
Group. Facilitates LowViz mentioned in the
Macular Degeneration Foundation summary.
MD Support and Prevent Blindness America
Establish New On-Line Resource. The new
resource provides an extensive list of searchable
resource directories, a database of 1,500
municipal paratransit services, a library of selfhelp guides and workbooks, and up-to theminute news.
40
Web-RN Macular Degeneration
www.webrn-maculardegeneration.com
A free newsletter is offered, plus everything you
always wanted to know about MD.
Vision Aware
www.visionaware.org
This website is supported by the American
Foundation of the Blind. This is another good site
for researching eye disease, etc.
41
Chapter V
RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Phone: 888-394-3937
www.blindness.org
This is a wonderful site for finding Trial Studies,
Genetic Testing and other information. They also
have materials on their website in Spanish.
Glaucoma Research Foundation
251 Post Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, Ca. 94108
Phone: 800-826-6693
www.glaucoma.org
The Glaucoma Research Foundation’s mission is
to preserve the sight and independence of
individuals with glaucoma through research and
education with the ultimate of finding a cure.
Macular Degeneration Research
www.brightfocus.org/macular/
Research to Prevent Blindness
www.rpbusa.org
They boast the Latest Vision Research News, plus
they support vision research with grant funding.
42
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
20 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-912-0100
www.schepens.harvard.edu/
Affiliated with the Massachusettes Eye & Ear
Institute.
Scripps Research Institute
www.scripps.edu
Southeastern Retina Clinical Research
www.southeasternretina.com/research
Research happening right here in Tennessee.
Vanderbilt Vision Research Center
www.my.vanderbilt.edu/vvrc/
Research is happening right here in Tennessee.
The VIS Group had Milam A. Brantley, Jr., MD,
PhD as the Keynote Speaker at our 2012 “InSight
on Vision” Conference. He especially focused on
Macular Degeneration Research.
43
Chapter VI
AGENCIES & ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Ophthalmology
655 Beach St.
San Francisco, CA 94109 Phone: 415-5618500
Website: www.aao.org
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th NW Suite 1004
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 800-424-8666
Website: www.acb.org
American Foundation for the Blind
Website: www.afb.org
This organization supports many websites for
every stage of life. Visit: FamilyConnect,
CareerConnect, VisionAware & “AccessWorld”
Magazine on their website.
CCLVI
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Email: [email protected]
www.cclvi.org
Hold monthly meetings over webcam/phone on
particular topics. You can also have access to
educational videos. Group affiliated with ACB.
44
National Eye Institute
Clinical Trial Information
Phone: 800-411-1222
Website: www.nei.nih.gov
Clinical trials have guidelines called “inclusion”
and “exclusion” criteria. The scriteria (age,
gender, type and stage of disease, etc.) keep
participants safe and ensure researchers will be
able to answer the questions they plan to study.
National Federation of the Blind
Phone: 866-504-7300
Website: www.nfb.org
Offers Newsletter/Request a free white cane.
Prevent Blindness America
Phone: 800-331-2020
Website: www.preventblindness.org
Tennessee Commission on Disability
Website: www state.tn.us/comaging/
Tennessee Council of the Blind
Linda Allison—President 2015
6010 Lily Wood Lane
Knoxville, Tn. 37921
Website: www.acb.org/tennessee/
45
Tennessee Organization
of the
Deaf-Blind
314 Cool Springs Blvd.
Franklin,, TN 37067
Phone: 615- 656-1213
Email: [email protected]
A support Group for those who have hearing
and sight impairment. TODB usually hold a
wonderful camp with athletic, gaming, craft and
social activities… with supportive aides for those
who need them.
Visually Impaired Support Group
Full Member dues: $25. Includes voting rights
and participation in On-Loan Equipment program.
Free Associate Membership. The VIS Group
compiled this Resource Guide. *Please read our
Contact Info on the Introduction chapter – page
10.1t
46
CHAPTER VII
EQUIPMENT, DEVICES & AIDS
AbleData
Website: www.abledata.com
AdaptiveWare
Kathy Lamb, Owner
Phone: 615-884-8904
Fax: 615-469-4891
Email: [email protected] Website:
www.AdaptiveWare.net
The owner of this company is blind. She knows
her stock and will loan the equipment for one
month before purchase. She will also set-up
payment plans, if needed.
American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Ave.
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Ky. 40206
Phone: 800-223-1839
Website: www.aph.org
APH offers “Reader’s Digest” and “News Week”
on 4-track cassette tapes. Other items available
includes textbooks, music, crafts and cookbooks.
Berryessa Designs
Phone: 408-657-9229
Website: www.berryessadesigns.com
They sell lighting that reduces eye fatigue no UV.
47
Blinksoft, Inc.
Jerry Retzloff
12 E Rolling Acres
Weaverville, NC 28787
Phone: 425-430-8800
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Blinksoftinc.com
This company carries ZoomText, Windows Eyes,
Fusion software and other low vision & braille
devices. The VIS Group has several ZoomText
software in our Equipment On-Loan Program.
Many of us would not be able to use our
computers without it!
Enhanced Vision
Phone: 888-811-3161
Website: www.enhancedvision.com
This US based manufacturing company is in
Huntington Beach, CA.
Eschenbach Optik
Stacy Fortney
Phone: 800-487-5389 x303
Email – [email protected]
Website – www.eschenbach.com
Stacy Fortney has supplied the VIS group and
many members with the highest quality lowvision desktop Electronic Video Magnifiers,
Monocular Telescopes, handheld & digital
magnifiers, plus a Magnilink Voice reading
machine - it scans a page of text and reads it out
loud! Many of these items are available through
the VIS Group’s Equipment On-Loan Program.
48
Freedom Scientific
Phone: 800-444-4443
Website: www.freedomscientific.com
Freedom Scientific develops the highest quality
video magnifiers, braille displays, screen
magnification software, and the #1 screen
reader, JAWS® for Windows. The VIS Group
inventory has the Portable 15” TOPAZ HD video
magnifier, an Eye-Pal Ace Plus scanning,
magnifying & reading device with WiFi, a SARA
scanning & reading text-to-speech appliance, the
MAGic magnifying screen software, and MAGic
large-print Keyboard.
GuideLights and Gadgets
Barry Scheur
15 Island Hill Avenue
Melrose, MA. 02176
Phone: 617-969-7500
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.guidelightsandgadgets.com
These products are for pet, service & guide dogs,
plus their people. The gadgets are high-tech and
low-tech products that are practical, unique or
just plain fun to use.
HIMS
Phone: 888-520-4467
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hims-inc.com
HIMS has been a global leader in development
and manufacturing of assistive technology since
1999, located in Austin, TX. They hire the blind &
visually impaired.
49
HumanWare
Phone: 800 722-3393
Website: www.humanware.com
HumanWare has search categories as to your
vision… from 20/30 – 20/1000. This saves time
– not looking through items that are not
appropriate. HumanWare products have a
profoundly positive impact on the lives of visually
impaired and learning disabled people of every
age. From advanced Braille products and
electronic magnifiers to digital talking book
players and beyond. Website states, “Our tools
help end-users to live independently and
compete effectively in today's world.”
Independent Living Aids, Inc.
200 Robins Lane
Jericho, New York 11753-2341
Phone: 800-537-2118
Website: www.independentliving.com
This supplier has watches, clocks, canes, kitchen
items, styluses, household & recreation items,
voice activated TV remote, large button cordless
phones, and more.
Indigo Logix
Sonja Morgan, Sales
3135 Tyree Springs Rd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: 615-822-3465
FAX: 615-822-2090
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.indigologix.com
50
KustomCane.com
James Boehm
Phone: 901-483-1515
Email: [email protected]
Website: KustomCane.com
The owner and craftsman has 17 years’
experience and spouts “Limitless Customization”
for your cane.
LS&S Group
Box 673
Northbrook, Illinois 60065
Phone: 800-468-4789 ext. 218
Website: www.lssproducts.com/
Items include talking watches, scales, clocks, and
computer & TV screen enlarger, etc.
Maxi Aids
42 Executive Blvd.
Farmingdale, New York 11735
Phone: 800-522-6294
Website: www.maxiaids.com
This company sells products for independent
living. They have catalogs available in print, CDROM and audio cassette.
Optelec
3030 Enterprise Ct Ste C
Vista, CA. 92081
Phone: 800-826-4200
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.optelec.com
This company provides a wide assortment of lowvision aids from small – large. The VIS Group has
51
the new light-weight Traveler HD in our
inventory. The Traveler HD allows you to
comfortably read printed text wherever you are;
home, office, school, vacation. Catalog available.
Optogon
Website: www.optogon.com
They carry an inexpensive Digital Magnifier
Mouse that is used with a TV.
Stephens Development Company
6303 Thorndon Cir.
University Park Florida 34201
941-355-8696
Phone: 888-714-4419
Website: stephensdevelopmentco.com
This company publishes large print music, a
series of classical, popular, religious, and other
music printed especially for those who have
visual impairment.
Tennessee Low Vision
Paul Day
Phone: 866-999-1927
Fax: 615-224-0922
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tennesseelowvision.com
Paul Day has supplied the VIS Group and many of
our members with EVM (Electronic Video
Magnifiers. Paul travels throughout Tennessee,
serving his clients in their homes. The VIS Group
has a Enhanced Vision’s DaVinci All-in-One EVM
in our office. This machine also reads print.
52
CHAPTER VIII
LAW & ADVOCACY
Disability Law & Advocacy Center
2416 21st Avenue, Suite 100
Nashville, TN. 37212
Angela Webster
Phone: 615-298-1080 ext. 112
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.DLACTN.org
East Tennessee Office:
9050 Executive Park Drive, Suite A-220
Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone: 865-670-2944
Fax: 865-470-7028
The VIS Group has had Ms. Webster speak at
afew of our meetings. The main topic was Voting
Machines, plus other advocacy questions were
asked.
Tennessee Protection & Advocacy, Inc.
Disability Rights
2416 21st Ave. South
Nashville, Tn.37212
Dan Suggs, Jr.
Advocacy Program Coordinator
Phone: 615-298-1080 ext. 17
Email: [email protected]
53
CHAPTER IX
GUIDE DOGS
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT. 06002
Phone: 860-243-52003
Fax: 860-769-0567
Website: www.fidelco.org
Guide Dogs for the Blind
California Campus
P.O. Box 151200
San Rafael, California 94915-1200
Oregon Campus
32901 SE Kelso Road
Boring, Oregon 97009
Phone: 800-295-4050
Website: www.guidedogs.com
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights, NY. 10598
Phone: 914-243-2210
800-942-0149
Website: www.guidingeyes.org
54
Leader Dogs for the Blind
P.O. Box 5000
Rochester, Michigan 48308-5000
248-651-9011
Phone: 888-777-5332
Website: www.leardedog.org
Pilot Dogs, Inc.
625 W. Town Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4496
Phone: 614-221-6367
Website: www.pilotdogs.org
The Seeing Eye, Inc.
P.O. Box 375
Morristown, New Jersey 07963-0375
Phone: 973-539-4425
Website: www.seeingeye.org
Southeastern Guide Dogs
4210 77th Street E
Palmetto, FL. 34221
Phone: 941-845-1866
Fax: 941-729-6646
Website: www.guidedogs.org
55
CHAPTER X
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS & BIBLES
AudioBook Ministries
840 S. 192nd Street
Seattle, WA 98148-2208
Phone: 206-243-7377
Email: [email protected]
www.tapeministries.org
AudioBook Ministries are a non-profit Christian
organization that lends tape and digital
cartridges to the blind, legally blind and others
with print disabilities free of charge. Receive
wholesome books for your listening pleasure.
You may sign-up for Billy Graham's Decision
Magazine, a monthly devotional.
Aurora Ministries
P.O. Box 1848
Bradenton, Florida 34206
Phone: 941-748-3031
Website: www.auruaministries.org
Aurora Ministries, through its Audio Scripture
Ministry, provides the Bible on cassettes or print
to every visually impaired person free of charge.
Bartimaeus Bible Institute
Stewart Overbey, III, Director
Phone: 706-474-1336
Email: [email protected]
Wedsite: www.bartimaeusinstitute.org
56
Braille Bible International
P.O. Box 378
Liberty Mo. 64069
Phone: 800-522-425
Website: www.braillebible.org
Offers the King James version of the Bible in
various forms. In large print, Braille, solar pocket
Bible, Bibles on CD’s or MP3. Call for application.
Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1830
Starkville, Mississippi 39760
Phone: 800-336-2232
Website: [email protected]
Care Ministries offers a variety of services to
people who are blind of visually impaired, their
families and their churches.
Chaplains on Hand
Phone: 844-242-7524
www.Chaplainsonhand.org
Call for spiritual support.
Christian Record Services
444 South 52th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
Phone: 402-488-0981
Website: www.christianrecord,org
This service provides free lending library with
audio, large print, and Braille books. They offer a
Bible Correspondence course. Most services are
nondenominational, but materials come through
the publishing house of the Seventh Day
57
Adventist Church. They provide free camp for
visually impaired children.
Gospel Association for the Blind
P.O. Box 1162
Bunnell, Florida 32110
Phone: 386-587-5885
This non-denominational organization has a free
lending library of books on cassette and in
braille. Contact them for a catalog.
Jewish Heritage for the Blind
1655 East 24th Street
Brooklyn, New York, New York 11229
Phone: 800-995-1888
The Jewish Heritage for the Blind is a non-profit
organization which prints and distributes free
reading material for children and adults with
limited vision.
Lutheran Blind Mission
7550 Watson Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63119
Phone: 800-433-3954 Ext.1322
Website: www.lbwinc.org
The library has over 4,000 Braille, large print and
audio cassette books, which it loans free of
charge through the mail. *The Lutheran Blind
Mission has merged with Lutheran Braille
Workers, Inc.
58
Lutheran Braille Evangelism Assoc.
1740 Eugene Street
White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110
Phone: 615-426-0469
Website: [email protected]
Their mission is to provide scripture and other
Christian materials to the blind and visually
impaired persons all over the world.
The LBEA ministry offers a small hand held
digital talking bible, the Bible Courier, to the
blind and sight impaired in the USA. Call for the
cost and the versions available.
Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc.
P.O. Box 5000
Yucaipa, California 92399
Phone: 909-795-8977
Website: www.lbwinc.org
This non-profit Christian organization, which
provides the New International Version of the
Bible, is free in Braille and large print.
Xavier Society for the Blind
154 E. 23rd Street
New York, New York 10010
Phone: 800-637-9193
Website: www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
The society provides free spiritual and
inspirational reading materials and lending
library services in Braille, large print, and audio
cassette formats. Xavier Society for the Blind is
affiliated with the Catholic faith.
59
CHAPTER XI
ENTERTAINMENT & OTHER
Android
www.google.com/accessibility/products/
This is a link to information provided by
Google on accessibility of their products.
Association of Blind Citizens
www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm
Personal Grants for Assistive Technology
Audio Newspaper Service
www.nfb.org/audio-newspaper-service
BenefitsCheckUp
www.benefitscheckup.org
Are you missing out on Benefits? If you’re
struggling to pay for health care, food, or
utilities, help may be closer than you realize.
Bold Lead Designs, LLC
Phone: 303-856-3012
Email: [email protected]
www.BoldLeadDesign.com
Choice Magazine Listening
Phone: 888-724-6423
60
CFTB
Computers For The Blind
Phone: 214-293-8819
Donate Computer: 214-340-6328
www.computersfortheblind.net
Practically Free Computers for the Blind or
Visually Impaired. Their goal is to help the blind
& visually impaired to communicate in the
Information Age. $110 - $160 Shipped.
Custom Braille Jewelry & Gifts
www.brailledesign.com
Alice Woodside Lynch
Phone: 870-219-0176
EARS
Phone: 800-843-6816
Free Tapes to live life with confidence and
dignity.
Hadley School for the Blind
www.hadley.edu/eNewsletter.asp
Offers Free Newsletters & Web Classes
Hallucinations: Am I going Crazy?
Phone: 888-633-3937
AMD and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. DVD
available on request. Free DVD.
Info Eyes
www.infoeyes.org
You can ask a question about anything! Info
Eyes is a question-and-answer service provided
by professional librarians at braille and talking
61
book libraries for people with visual or other
print limitations.
Mac for the Blind
www.macfortheblind.com
Useful info for Apple iPad & iPhone. You might
also want to sign up for the Top Tech Tidbits
email newsletter from Flying Blind.
www.flying-blind.com
Owl Radio
www.owlradio.org/
Robo Braille
www.robobraille.org
Send them any document and they will send it
back to you in any format… even PDF to Word.
Schwans’
Phone: 888-724-9267
www.schwans.com
Shopping should be easy. Schwan’s Fine Foods
Delivery Service has catalogs produced on tape
cassette disk, large print and online.
Serotek: iBlink Radio
www.serotek.com/iblink
Sight Into Sound
Phone: 713-622-2767
Email: [email protected]
A recorded copy of “Macular Degeneration, “The
Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your
62
Sight”, by Lylas G Mogk,M.D. is now available on
CD upon request.
Silver Angels
Doug Watts, Director Bus.Dev.
112 Pierce Street
Rockwood, TN 37854
Phone: 865-235-8261
Fax: 865-245-8295
www.SilverAngels.com
Big benefit… they home deliver frozen meals for
the week, besides homecare, daycare.
Travel One
Dave Kronk
1308 Rachael Lane
Waterloo, IL. 62298
Phone: 618-409-0143
Email: [email protected]
Travel with other blind & vision impaired.
63
CHAPTER XII
SMARTPHONES
Blindness and Visual Impairment
 VisionConnect: American Foundation for the Blind
 VisionAssist: Slinkyware
 iSimulator: CNIB
Books
 BARD Mobile: Library of Congress
 Kindle: AMZN Mobile LLC
 Nook: Barnes and Noble
 Audiobooks from Audible: Audible, Inc.
 OverDrive – Library eBooks and Audiobooks:
OverDrive, Inc.
 Learning Ally Audio: Learning Ally
 Read2Go: Benetech
 Voice Dream Reader: Voice Dream LLC
 TellMeWhen – my favourite authors publish
new books: Raymond McKaig
Calendars and Reminders
 Fantastical 2 for iPhone – Calendar and
Reminders: Flexibits, Inc.
 Our To Do List: Evan Marks
 OmniFocus 2: The Omni Group
64
 VO Calendar: Devista B.V.
 Seize the Day - To-do List: Functional
 Delights LLC
Color Identifiers
 aidColors: Tilenus Consultores, S.L.
 ColorVisor: visorApps
 Color Inspector: Aaron L’Heureux
Cooking
 BigOven 350,000+ Recipes and Grocery List:
BigOven.com
 Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods Market
Services, Inc.
 iFood.tv - Video Recipes and Food Diary:
Future Today, Inc.
 Allrecipes Dinner Spinner: Allrecipes, Inc.
 Smmoothies: Deborah Hoffman
 Epicurious Recipes and Shopping List: Conde
Nast Digital
 Mixology Drink and Cocktail Recipes: Cocktail
Recipes LLC
Date and Time
 Westminster Chimes: LutherSoft
 Sunrise Sunset Alarm: Labosu K. K.
 World Clock—Time Zones: timeanddate.com
 Chime: Blacktree
 Alarmed - Reminders + Timers:
YoctovilleVoiceOver Timer: Takafumi AMANO
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Device Control
 Nest app: Nest Labs
 iGrill: iDevices, LLC
 TrakDot Luggage Tracker: Globatrac, LLC
 Tile - Find your Keys, Track Your Wallet and
Never Lose Anything Again: Tile, Inc.
 WeMo: Belkin International
 ServerAuditor - SSH Shell / Console /
Terminal: Crystalnix
Editors
 Drafts – Quickly Capture Notes: Agile
Tortoise
 AccessNote: American Foundation for the
Blind
 Voice Dream Writer: Voice Dream LLC
Education
 iTunes U: Apple
 Snapguide – How-tos, Recipes, Fashion,
Crafts, iPhone Tips and Lifehacks: Heavy
Bits, Inc.
 TED: TED Conferences
 Coursera: Coursera
 Duolingo - Learn Languages for Free:
Duolingo
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File Managers
 Filer: Dan Leehr, L.L.C.
 Dropbox: Dropbox
 Google Drive - Free Online Storage from
Google: Google, Inc.
Financial
 EyeNote: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
 LookTel Money Reader: IPPLEX
Games
 Dice World: Pangia Games, Inc.
 Papa Sangre: Somethin’ Else
 Blindside: epicycle LLC.
 Blindfold Solitaire: Kid Friendly Software
 Audio Archery - Archery for Your Ears: Liam
Erven
 Naval Combat: Jonas Eckhardt, Tobias
Muehlbauer, Wolf Roediger GbR
 Blindfold Sudoku: Kid Friendly Software
 Accessible Mndsweeper: Typhlos Accessible
Software
 Four Down: Andy Wilkinson
 7 Little Words: Blue Ox Technologies, Ltd
 Nebula - War of the Planets (nebulous): Duc
Phuong Tran
 StarTrader: Fernando Pereira
 Godville: Michael Platov
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Stem Stumper: Ananse Productions
True or False Quiz Battle: LOTUM one GmbH
iAssociate 2: TicBits Ltd
A Dark Room: Amirali Rajan
Ordet: Everyone’s Favorite Little Word Game:
La Nausée
GPS and Navigation
 BlindSquare: MIPsoft
 Ariadne GPS: Giovanni Ciaffoni
 Seeing Eye GPS: Sendero Group LLC
 Google Maps: Google, Inc.
 NAVIGON: Garmin Wuerzburg GmbH
 LowViz: Macular Degeneration
Foundation(MDF) is funding the MD Support
to facilitate an Indoor Navigation System for
future conventions for the blind and visually
impaired. The guidance system works by
sending audible instructions and location
descriptions to the user's SmartPhone. The
information is electronically transmitted by
beacons placed at conference rooms, exhibit
booths, restrooms, elevators, etc. MDF and
the MD Support organizations are willing, as
part of their joint mission, to design and set
up such systems for events on a free loan
basis. This is the technology that Liz
Trauernicht (Macular Degeneration
Foundation) and Dan Roberts (MD Support)
will be using at future Blind and Visually
68
Impaired events. This App will be a pleasant
experience for those who use smartphones
when attending future conferences. App:
LowViz Guide. www.mdsupport.org
Health
 WebMD – Trusted Health and Wellness
Information: WebMD
 Lose It: Weight Loss Program and
CalorieCounter: FitNow
 Sleep Cycle alarm clock: Northcube AB
 Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker by my
Fitness Pal: My Fitness Pal
 Calorie Counter and Weight Loss by
SparkPeople: SparkPeople
 CARROT Fit - 7 Minute Workout - Step
Counter and Weight Tracker: Grailr LLC
Mailing
 Envelope Maker: Boon Leng Cheong
 Slice, Automatic Package Tracker: Project
Slice, Inc.
 UPS Mobile: UPS
 Deliveries - A Package Tracker: Junecloud LLC
Music
 Talking Tuner: HotPaw Productions
 Spotify Music: Spotify Ltd.
 Shazam: Shazam Entertainment Ltd.
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 Say Play – Voice Search and Play Background
Music from tube: Tal Bereznitskey
 SoundHound + Live Lyrics – Search, Discover,
 and Play Music and Videos: SoundHound, Inc.
 UPS Mobile: UPS
 UPS
 Deliveries - A Package Tracker: Junecloud
LLC
News
 BBC News: BBC Worldwide
 NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile: National Federation
of the Blind
 Instapaper: Instapaper Holdings, Inc.
 Umano – Listen to news, articles, podcasts,
and more: SoThree, Inc.
 USA Today for iphone: USA Today
 CNN App for iPhone: CNN Interactive Group,
Inc.
 Breaking News+: NBC News Digital LLC
Newspapers and Magazines
 AccessWorld: American Foundation for the Blind
 Newspapers: David Earnest
Photography
 CameraSharp – Anti Shake, Burst, Time
Lapse, Self Timer Camera: screensmudge
 ClearCam: Occipital, Inc.
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Podcatchers
 Overcast – Podcast Player: Overcast Radio LLC
 Downcast: Jamawkinaw Enterprises LLC
 Stitcher Radio for Podcasts: Sticher, Inc.
 iCatcher - Podcast Player: Joeisanerd.com
Radio and Television
 Public Radio Player: Public Radio Exchange (PRX)
 iBlink Radio: Serotek Corporation
 ooTunes Radio – Recording and Alarm Clock:
Oogli LLC
 TuneIn Radio: TuneIn
 Pandora Radio: Pandora Media, Inc.
 Netflix: Netflix, Inc.
 TV Guide Mobile: TV Guide
 iHeartRadio - Listen to Free Music:
iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc.
Recording
 DropVox - Record Voice Memos to Dropbox:
Irradiated Software
 HT Professional Recorder: Applied Voices LLC
 Audio Memos – The Voice Recorder: Imesart
S.a.r.l.
 RecorderHQ: Audio Recorder for Cloud Drive:
SHENG TA TSAI
 AudioNote - Notepad and Voice Recorder:
Luminant Software, Inc.
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Reference
 American Heritage Dictionary, 5th edition:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
 Roget's II – The New Thesaurus: Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt
 Wikipedia Mobile: Wikimedia Foundation
 WolframAlpha: Wolfram Group LLC
 Terminology 3 - Extensible Dictionary and
Thesaurus: Agile Tortoise
 NAGDU Guide and Service Dog Advocacy
Information: National Association of Guide
Dog Users, Inc.
 iThesaurus: Desire Life Software
Restaurants
 Food Truck Finder USA: Food Truck Finder
 Yelp: Yelp
 Urbanspoon – Restaurant and Food Reviews:
Zomato Media Pvt. Ltd.
 GrubHub Food Delivery and Takeout:
GrubHub.com
 Allmenus: Dotmenu
 Foodler – Food Delivery and Takeout: Foodler
 DoorDash - Food Delivery: DoorDash
Scanning Barcodes
 Digit-eyes: Digital Miracles, L.L.C.
 RedLaser – Barcode Scanner, Shopping
Assistant and QR Code Reader: eBay Inc.
72
Scanning Text
 knfbReader: Sensotec nv
 Prizmo – Scanning, OCR and Speech:
Creaceed SPRL
 TextGrabber - Translator, OCR, Recognize,
Translate and Save editable text from any
printed material: ABBYY
Shopping
 Amazon App, shop, browse, scan, compare,
and read reviews, AMZN Mobile LLC
 Instacart: Instacart Inc.
 Etsy – Shop Handmade, Vintage and Creative
Good: Etsy, Inc.
 Starbucks: Starbucks Coffee Company
 Seamless – Free Food Delivery and Takeout
Service: Seamless North America, LLC
 TaskRabbit: TaskRabbit
 SayShopping: Conversant Labs
 Walmart - Saving Catcher, Shopping,
Pharmacy and Gift Registry: Walmart
Social Networking
 HeyTell: Voxilate
 Twitterrific 5 for Twitter: The Iconfactory
 Skype for iPhone: Skype Communications
S.a.r.l
 Hangouts – free messaging, video, and voice:
Google, Inc.
73
 Flipboard – Your Social News Magazine:
Flipboard Inc.
Sports
 MLB.com At Bat: MLB.com, Essentials
 Yahoo Fantasy Sports – Baseball, Football,
Basketball, Hockey, and Tourney Pick’em:
Yahoo Cricket – most popular cricket app:
Kuchbi Inc.
 First Pitch – Live the Baseball Fantasy:
Chunky Apps
Text Entry
 MBraille: MPaja
 Fleksy Keyboard – GIFs, Stickers andEmoji:
Fleksy, Inc.
Travel
 GateGuru – Airport Info and Flight Status:
Mobility Apps LLC
 Amtrak: Amtrak
 Uber: Uber Technologies
 Lyft – Taxi and Bus App Alternative: Lyft, Inc.
Utilities
 Workflow – Powerful Automation Made
Simple: DeskConnect, Inc.
 Launch Center Pro: Contrast
74
 Easy Dial: SESTEK Ses ve Iletisim Bilgisayar
Teknolojileri A.s.
Visual Identification
 LookTel Recognizer: IPPLEX
 CamFind - Visual Search, QR Reader, Price
Comparison & Barcode Scanner: Image
Searcher
 TapTapSee, Blind and Visually Impaired
Camera: Image Searcher
 Be My Eyes - Helping Blind See: Be My Eyes
VoiceOver
 LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial: IPPLEX
 DoItWrite: Michael Kannard
 VO Starter: Michael Doise
Weather
 Dark Sky – Weather Radar, Hyperlocal
Forecasts, and Storm Alerts: Jackadam
 Weather Radio by WDT: Weather Decision
Technologies, Inc.
 Weather Motion: Presselite
What's Around
 Where To? – Find the best places around you
– wherever you are: FutureTap GmbH
 AroundMe: Flying Code Ltd.