Visual Disabilities

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  • American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB)
    The AADB is a national consumer organization of, by, and for deaf-blind Americans and their supporters. “Deaf-blind” includes all types and degrees of dual vision and hearing loss.AADB’s mission is to ensure that all deaf-blind persons achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and integration into the community For more information please visit www.aadb.org or call (301) 495-4402 (TTY) or (301) 495-4403 (Voice).

  • American Foundation for the Blind
    For nearly a century AFB has been expanding possibilities for people with vision loss by setting trends and devising innovative initiatives. For more information please visit www.afb.org or call (404) 525-2303.

  • Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI)
    Located in Atlanta, the mission of the CVI is to empower people impacted by vision loss to live with independence and dignity. For more information please visit https://cviga.org/ or call (404) 875-9011.

  • Georgia Academy for the Blind
    The Georgia Academy for the Blind was founded in 1852 to serve the needs of Georgia's students with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Academy is committed to providing the highest quality of educational services to their students and families across the state. The Academy offers day and residential programs on its campus, as well as outreach services and professional learning opportunities. For more information please visit www.gabmacon.org/.

  • Georgia Council of the Blind
    The Georgia Council of the Blind is a non-profit consumer organization affiliated with the American Council of the Blind. The Council strives to elevate the social, economic, and cultural levels of the blind. For more information please visit www.georgiacounciloftheblind.org or call 1 (877)-667-6815.

  • Georgia Library Services for the Print and Blind Disabled
    Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled is a free braille and talking book library service for individuals who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio, braille or other adapted formats. For more information please visit https://gls.georgialibraries.org/.
  • Georgia Lions Lighthouse
    The mission of the Lighthouse is to foster sight conservation and restoration, and hearing conservation, with a particular emphasis on youth. For more information please visit http://lionslighthouse.org or call (404) 325-3630 or 1 (800) 718-SITE (7483).
  • Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) - Blind and Low Vision Field Services 
    The Blind and Low-Vision Field Services division provides customized, comprehensive vocational rehabilitation to Georgians who are visually impaired. The staff is specially trained to secure the employment of, and enhance independence and self-sufficiency for, visually impaired Georgians. GVRA clients with visual impairments receive vision-loss counseling as well as all other necessary vocational rehabilitation. Organizations that employ the visually impaired may be trained in creating a successful work environment for individuals with blindness or low vision.   Services Include: 
  • Worksite Assessments
  • Daily Living Skills Training
  • Orientation and Mobility Training
  • Access Technology Training
  • Braille
  • Adjustment to Blindness Counseling

    For more information please visit https://gvs.georgia.gov/sensory-services/blind-and-low-vision-field-services.
     
  • Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
    Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence. For more information please visit www.guidedog.org.

  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind
    Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to enriching the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and new horizons of opportunity. For more information please visit www.guidingeyes.org.

  • Hadley Helps
    Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who "get it." And you don't need to come to Hadley. Hadley's help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail. For more information please visit https://hadleyhelps.org/. 

  • Learning Ally
    Learning Ally, a national nonprofit, volunteer organization, has been the leading accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities such as visual impairment or dyslexia that make reading standard print difficult or impossible for the last 60 years. With titles available in every subject area and grade level, Learning Ally's digitally recorded audio textbooks on CD and downloadable audio textbooks help students challenged by the printed page. For more information please visit https://learningally.org/ or call 800-221-4792. 

  • National Eye Institute (NEI)
    The NEI conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision. For more information please visit www.nei.nih.gov or call (301) 496-5248.

  • National Federation of the Blind of Georgia, Inc. (NFBGA)
    The NFBGA, Inc., is a 501-C(3) non-profit volunteer organization of blind people improving the quality of life for all who are blind. Members of the NFBGA possess the knowledge, skills and life experience that work toward making a positive difference in the future of all blind adults and children. For more information please visit www.nfbga.org or call (404) 371-1000 (Voice) or 1(866) 316-3242.

  • Project Independence
    Administered by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), Project Independence (also referred to as the Older Blind Program) is a vision program for seniors that provides services that can help you remain independent. Services may include:

  • comprehensive low vision evaluations by qualified professionals to assess your needs
  • skills training in your home community by certified rehabilitation specialists
  • mobility training by certified instructors
  • support groups that offer opportunities to learn from and interact with peers
  • assistive devices such as talking watches, big button phones and magnifiers
  • The GVRA contracts with Project Independence Service Providers across the state to provide services. The Georgia Vision Program Resource Guide includes descriptions and contact information for these providers as well as advocacy/education organizations, the Centers for Independent Living, Georgia public library services, and hearing and vision loss resources. Contact the one closest to where you live. For more information please visit http://gvs.georgia.gov/project-independence. 
  • Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia (VRS)
    VRS is dedicated to assisting individuals who are blind or visually impaired so they may function independently in all of their environments. VRS provides practical tools and proven techniques to help their clients carry out their daily activities. Their certified instructors build a custom plan of service based on the needs of each individual client. For more information please visit https://vrsga.org/.
     
  • Vistas Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
    Promoting initiatives for change in public policy and expanded resources that lead to greater self-determination among persons who are blind or visually impaired. Services include Daily Living Skills and Peer Support Group Meetings. These meetings may include sessions on a variety of lively topics including legal affairs, entitlements, assistive living and the Arts. Workshops are lead by VISTAS and other facilitators from grassroots organizations, public agencies and the private sector. Computer, Braille Instruction, Daily Living Skills, Orientation and Mobility training are also available. For more information please visit https://www.vistascenter.com/.
  • Visually Impaired Foundation of Georgia (VIFGA)
    VIFGA's mission is to ensure that all visually impaired Georgians receive the tools and services they need to develop their full potential. For more information please visit http://vifga.org/. 
  • WonderBaby.org
    WonderBaby.org is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. WonderBaby.org has a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they’ve learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links to meaningful resources and ways to connect with other families. For more information please visit: https://www.wonderbaby.org/