Resources If you are Living with
Vision Loss or Blindness
WELCOME!!!
Everything on this website is related to your IEP page 2, the Transition Plan. But this page has resources that specifically benefit only students who are Visually Impaired or Blind. You are highly encouraged to use these services as the addition of their assistance will help make you successful as you transition to your post-high school goals.
CLICK ON THE FIRST LINE OF WORDS or the words "click here" to connect to the resource.
Please note that this site is still "in progress" so please let us know what would make it better! Click on the button on top of each page called "COMMENTS & REQUESTS" to submit your comments, suggestions for improvement, requests, or anything else you would like to tell us!!!
IF you want to return to the main pages, please do so below:
If you are receiving a diploma, click here.
If you are receiving a certificate, click here
connect with these services to help you get ahead!
VISTA CENTER for the BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
To go to their website, Click here
Located in Palo Alto, they provide workshops for both high schooler and adults that support skill building in all areas of independent living. They also have fun social events.
Connect to their social media for the latest events:
for Facebook - click here
for Instagram - Click here
for Twitter - Click here
LIGHTHOUSE for the BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
To go to their website, click here
Located in San Francisco, they also provide workshops and training for high school and adults that support skill building in all areas of independent living.
They also have Employment programs.
Connect to their social media for the latest events:
For Facebook - click here
For Instagram - Click here
For Twitter - Click here
For YouTube - Click here
Department of Rehabilitation Blind Field Services
To go to their general website, click here
California Department of Rehabilitation helps with employment.
You must have a social security card to be eligible for this service.
For the DOR Blind Field Services - Youth Transition Services (Ages 16-25)
pdf Flyer in English - Click here
pdf Flyer in Spanish - Click here
Para el folleto en español en pdf sobre DOR Blind Field Services - Servicios de Transición para Jóvenes (Edades 16-25) - Haga clic aquí
For the DOR Blind Field Services - Adult Services
Flyer in English - Click here
Flyer in Spanish - Click here
Para el folleto en español en pdf sobre DOR Blind Field Services - Servicios de adultos - Haga clic aquí
California Deaf Blind Services (at San Francisco State University)
To go to their website, click here
CDBS serves individuals from birth through age 21 who have combined hearing and vision problems, with or without additional disabilities.
Braille
Signing Forms and Writing Your Name
VisionAware
Read this article titled "Signing your name and Handwriting when you are blind or have low vision" - To read it click here.
Accessibility
LIBRARY ACCOMMODATIONS
Most libraries can accomodate individuals with disabilities.
City of Menlo Park Library provides the following for FREE:
Magnifyers for TV for check out
Handheld magnifyers for check out
Books on CD for check out
Large Print Reading Materials for check out
Wheelchair van for transport to the library
Assistance to bring your books to your vehicle.
More information click here.
All San Mateo County Public Libraries provides the following for FREE:
Audiobooks and e-audiobooks (compatible with different software)
Large Print Reading Materials for check out
Sound Descriptive Videos (DVDs with narrative tracks)
Braille Books for check out
Choice Magazine Listening (audio recordings of different magazines)
Assistance to retrieve your library items for you
Interpretation services
Printing and Photocopy for you
Proxy borrowing (Allowing a person of your choice to pick up your library items fo you)
Extending your loan period
Web accessibility and other services
More information click here.
NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR THE BLIND AND PRINT DISABLED
National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials.
More information click here.
BOOKSHARE
Bookshare is a free service for people with all types of learning abilities.
Customize your reading experience with ebooks in audio, audio + highlighted text, braille, large font, and other formats.
More information click here.
VisionAware
This website has a lot of great tools and strategies for living independently and working independently.
To go to their website click here
NATIONAL CODING SYMPOSIUM
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 through Friday, May 14, 2021
You’re invited to a free, virtual National Coding Symposium to demonstrate how the world of coding, programming, and related careers are available and accessible to students who are blind and visually impaired.
Read our National Coding Symposium blog to learn more about this free virtual event
For more details, Click here
Register here
College Scholarship
Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award (SAA) scholarship
Each year, the Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement awards are presented to Learning Ally members who are completing undergraduate or graduate degrees, and who are blind or visually impaired, in recognition of academic achievement, outstanding leadership, and service to others.
Applicants should be aware that:
All scholarship awardees must be capable and willing to publicly share their story and represent Learning Ally as a spokesperson and advocate at various local, virtual and national events. Costs associated with these events will be covered by Learning Ally.
For more information, click here.
For other college scholarships and Financial Aid, click here.
PARENTS!
Click here for ways you can help your student become successful as they transition to adulthood!