San Francisco public library website detailing the services they offer to the seeing-imparied community. Includes info on Reading machines, braille embossers, audio described DVDs, catalogs, Talking Books and Braille Center, events like “audio described film nights” and yoga.
NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to more than 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more. The newsline is available through a variety of media, including smart speakers, laptops, smartphones, and the telephone.
For more information, please call us at 866-504-7300 or 410-659-9314, extension 2317, or email us atnfbnewsline@nfb.org.
Information on how to design accessible websites
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call. This website includes a section with audio testimonials detailing the stories of people’s experiences making connections through this service.
A program run out of San Francisco State University, department of Special Education. Access emergency onsite technical assistance. Provides a variety of liaison services, including: regionally, and locally based on individual needs conducted in-person, using the Zoom meeting platform (provided at no cost by CDBS), and/or utlizing the Open Hands Open Access modules; intervener training in collaboration with San Diego State University training on identification and effective practices for early intervention agencies; University guest lectures for VI, D/HH, ESN, ECSE, and O&M California credential programs
“Also provides training services. CDBS staff can provide training to educational teams, school systems, family organizations, and others. Training is most effective when it is paired with technical assistance or when it is longitudinal (i.e., multiple training activities over a period of time) but there might be situations when single training activities might be effective. You can get information about CDBS training at our website (http://www.cadbs.org/services-servicios/trainings/)”
A national organization with focusing on retinal diseases with local chapters. The website can be used to find local chapters as well as access medical research, doctors who can diagnose, inspirational videos by members, and details on specific retinal diseases.
“The Foundation funds innovative and cutting-edge research in promising areas such as genetics, gene and stem-cell therapies, retinal cell transplantation, and pharmaceutical and nutritional therapies.
Foundation funding often provides the critical bridge between discovery research, proof of concept, and corporate investment in clinical trials and commercialization.
The mission of the Foundation’s Clinical Consortium is to accelerate the development of treatments for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) through collaborative and transparent clinical research”
Foundation funding often provides the critical bridge between discovery research, proof of concept, and corporate investment in clinical trials and commercialization.
The mission of the Foundation’s Clinical Consortium is to accelerate the development of treatments for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) through collaborative and transparent clinical research”
Bay Area based organization that offers training and services to people with diminishing amounts of sight. In addition they offer employment opportunities and adaptive resources. They host a summer camp and also offer “tactile maps.”
“There are many ways to ensure that you get the training and information you need with as little headache and cost to you as possible. In California, we serve many working-age youth and adults through the California Department of Rehabilitation, which supports blind and low vision individuals who want to work. Individuals who apply for services through DOR can often benefit from our programs without charge and will be supplied needed equipment, fees for training and guidance. There is also funding available for Older Individuals who are Blind, and OIB funding often covers adults over the age of 55 who want to acquire skills to improve their lives.
When it comes to funding and accommodations, this is just the beginning. The important thing to remember is that we can walk you through this process.
Call 415-694-7323 or email info@lighthouse-sf.orgto join the thousands of people already benefiting from what the LightHouse has to offer”
When it comes to funding and accommodations, this is just the beginning. The important thing to remember is that we can walk you through this process.
Call 415-694-7323 or email info@lighthouse-sf.orgto join the thousands of people already benefiting from what the LightHouse has to offer”
A basic list of resources. Can’t tell if this is updated regularly.
Blindness Resources in the San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond
“This organization offers help with training, finding disability resources, and help with student and school curriculum needs. They offer youth services, publications and local events. In Addition they offer The Health Library at Vista Center is an affiliate of The Stanford Health Library.
The Health Library is designed to help address the needs of individuals with vision loss, with comprehensive information about:
Eye conditions – Causes of vision loss
Consumer and caregiver information
General information about health and diseaseThe library is staffed by visually impaired volunteers trained in researching health-related questions. Our volunteers are equipped to provide information, not medical advice. Although they are happy to help clients by researching questions, we recommend that users contact their doctor or other health care professional when medical advice is needed.
The Health Library produces three e-mail research lists:
AMD – Retina – monthly
Glaucoma – Optic Neuropathy – monthly
Diabetes – monthlyThese newsletters are compiled of research reports and excerpts from professional sources including Medline, Medscape, Nature and ophthalmology journals.”
The Health Library is designed to help address the needs of individuals with vision loss, with comprehensive information about:
Eye conditions – Causes of vision loss
Consumer and caregiver information
General information about health and diseaseThe library is staffed by visually impaired volunteers trained in researching health-related questions. Our volunteers are equipped to provide information, not medical advice. Although they are happy to help clients by researching questions, we recommend that users contact their doctor or other health care professional when medical advice is needed.
The Health Library produces three e-mail research lists:
AMD – Retina – monthly
Glaucoma – Optic Neuropathy – monthly
Diabetes – monthlyThese newsletters are compiled of research reports and excerpts from professional sources including Medline, Medscape, Nature and ophthalmology journals.”
Vista Center empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education and training.
Over 100 listings of agencies, groups, and government entities: Directory of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in California
A resource of testimonials from people living with vision loss. Also includes some other links and resources for people living with vision loss.
Beautiful Vision Project is a collection of inspiring stories and essential resources to help those living with vision loss
Audio Internet reading service based in Los Angeles. A list of streaming services, podcasts, and media channels to listen to.
The blind, low-vision and print-impaired people of the greater Los Angeles area are in constant need of current information that they are unable to obtain from conventional sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and books. An increasing number of those individuals have and use computers. AIRS, The Audio Internet Reading Service of Los Angeles, brings to that community – adults and children – the information and entertainment they seek through the audio signal from their computers – at no cost to them.
Provides assistance with people accessing state and other aid for their vision loss. Includes Braille, audio books, music instruction and scores, overseas servcices, reference publications, braille transcription and proofreading courses,
Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations may receive service through NLS. This includes those who are blind or have a visual or physical disability that prevents them from reading or handling print materials. NLS serves patrons of all ages. Some schools and medical facilities are also eligible to apply for service as institutions.
“WordPress and other sites speech plugin. A text-to-speech reader featuring: 27 LANGUAGES & NATURAL SOUNDING VOICES, 3 READING SPEEDS, CONVERT PLAIN TEXT, E-BOOKS & PDFS TO SPEECH
Utilize our Online TTS Converter, there is no need for installation, just sign up and start converting,
DOWNLOAD AUDIO IN MULTIPLE FORMATS”
Utilize our Online TTS Converter, there is no need for installation, just sign up and start converting,
DOWNLOAD AUDIO IN MULTIPLE FORMATS”
Read mode for Safari
HTML reader code
“Offering Braille classes and access tothe Center’s extensive Braille and audio book library.
Technology:EBCB offers free assistive technology instruction. We approach technology training in an innovative fashion, gearing lessons to a consumer’s specific needs. We offer iPhone and Android workshops and individualized training. Do you own or want to buy a Victor Reader Stream or other note taking device? We can work with you to maximize the benefits of this accessible technology.
Do you want to learn how to work with a Braille display, use a screen reader to access your PC or laptop computer, explore the Internet, read and reply to emails, shop online, pay bills, do research, or download movies and books?
Other Classes and Events:
EBCB offers opportunities for socializing and educational enrichment. Join us for such classes as ceramics, low impact exercise, memory enhancement and music appreciation. We also offer a book club and creative writing group. EBCB organizes multiple social events throughout the year, including an annual Mardi Gras party, field trips, summer picnic, fall Harvest Festival and winter Holiday Party.
Other Activities:
Each year EBCB holds quarterly business meetings. We also offer vision loss support workshops and adaptive technology presentations.”
The East Bay Center for the Blind offers services and social activities to a diverse group of people who are blind or low vision, many of whom are not assisted by other agencies. We give particular attention to individual needs and circumstances. Members and non-members may attend classes and events. Members are also eligible to vote, run for office and serve on the Board of Directors.