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Resources

Blind or Visually Impaired

American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life, for all blind and visually-impaired people.


American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind removes barriers, creates solutions, and expands possibilities so people with vision loss can achieve their full potential.


Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD): Transition Resources
AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education.


Bookshare
An Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities.


Cortical Visual Impairment: Special Topics (WVDE)
A series of video presentations on Cortical Visual Impairment, presented Christine Roman-Lantzy, Ph.D., the Director of the Pediatric VIEW (Vision Information and Evaluation at West Penn Hospital) Program in Pittsburgh, and a private consultant for CVI Resources.


Described and Captioned Media Program
Our mission is to promote and provide equal access to communication and learning through described and captioned educational media.


FamilyConnect
On FamilyConnect you'll find videos, personal stories, events, news, and an online community that can offer tips and support from other parents of children who are blind or visually impaired


Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools


Guide to Visual Disabilities: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed
This guide explores how visual impairments impact the educational experience, what colleges are doing for the visually impaired, and includes numerous resources, as well insight and tips from experts and a list of scholarships and grants.


I'm Determined
The I’m Determined project, a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior.


National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.


Pacer's National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment provides relevant information and resources to parents, youth, and professionals through a variety of services: a website that inspires, educates, and engages families around transition; technical assistance and training to professionals on best practices for engaging families, including those who are underserved; in-person and online workshops for parents on youth on topics such as assistive technology, postsecondary supports, and finding work in the community.

WV Division of Rehabilitation Services: Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Specially trained DRS rehabilitation counselors meet the needs of West Virginia workers with significant vision impairments. Services for people with vision impairments cover a wide range of individual needs, from basic mobility training to assistive technologies. Like all services provided through DRS, these services are tailored to individual need. DRS services to people with vision impairment may be more easily understood if they are separated into the following three categories.

  • Essential Services address a broad spectrum of skills needed to work and to live independently with vision impairment.
  • Visually Impaired Seniors In-home Outreach and Networking Services, an innovative program aimed at helping senior citizens to remain active and independent with vision impairment.
  • Bioptic Driving, a training program that assists drivers with moderate non-progressive vision loss.

If you or someone you know has a significant permanent visual impairment that keeps you from getting or keeping a job, you may be eligible for rehabilitation services. The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services has counselors throughout the state who are experts in working with people who are blind or visually impaired.

http://www.wvdrs.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displaystory&groupID=84&itemid=12

Perkins School for the Blind eLearning: Paths to Transition
Explore ideas and resources related to the transition from school to adult life for youth who are blind or visually impaired, including those who are deafblind or who have multiple disabilities.


Project Aspiro
Project Aspiro is a comprehensive career planning and employment resource for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. You’ll find everything you need to achieve your career goals including career planning advice, information about education, profiles of people enjoying meaningful careers, and much more.


Teaching Students with Visual Impairments: Career & Vocational Skills


U.S. Department of Education: Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators


Usher Syndrome Coalition
Learn about Usher Syndrome - the most common genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness. The Usher Syndrome Coalition is working to raise awareness and accelerate research, while providing information and support to impacted individuals and families.

Click to view presentation.


West Virginia Library Commission Special Services Library
Available Materials: Braille and Web-Braille, Large Print Books, NLS Downloadable Books, Digital Talking Books, Magazines in Special Format, NFB – Newsline
Applications Available From: West Virginia Library Commission Special Services
Toll Free Watts Line - 1 800 642 8674
Toll Free WVLC - 1 800 642 9021 #9
In Charleston - 1 304 558 4061
talkbks@wvlc.lib.wv.us


WV SenseAbilities
WV SenseAbilities offers a series of webcasts to meet the needs of people who work with children with sensory impairments. Each webcast offers a certificate of participation after completion of the evaluation.