Can I search the catalog with key terms?
Yes! There have been tags added to each item to make navigation faster for you!
As you explore the different categories, please use the search function in your browser by using the key shortcut Ctrl-F. Then, enter one of our helpful key terms to find all products that fall into that category on the page you're currently viewing.
The following categories listed here
➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️
Braille Support
CVI Support
Communication Support
Beginning Concepts
Low Vision ELA
Low Vision Mathematics
Motor Skills Support
Daily Living Support
What is the cost?
All items provided by the ALMC are free of charge to students, teachers, and parents. The only requirement is that the individual who placed the order completes a brief feedback form. This form will be sent via email a few weeks after the order is fulfilled. This form takes less than two minutes to complete.
Your feedback is essential! It helps us improve our product offerings and is also used in our annual reporting to the USDB Foundation which generously funds the ALMC.
Who can order from the ALMC?
The following individuals may place orders with the ALMC, provided they are actively working with a student (ages 0–21) who is visually impaired or Deafblind:
Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), both district-based and USDB
Teachers of the Deafblind
Interveners
Paraprofessionals supporting students with visual impairments or Deafblindness
District-based Special Education Teachers
Related Service Providers (e.g., Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists/Technicians, Adaptive P.E. Teachers, Orientation & Mobility Specialists)
Parent Infant Program (PIP) specialists
Parents or legal guardians of eligible students
Note:
Some roles may require you to list the name of the student's vision specialist or Teacher of the Deafblind. This is necessary for tracking and accountability purposes.
How many items am I allowed to ask for?
The primary mission of the ALMC Project's to assist students in learning by creating materials that meet their needs. Providing materials that support current IEP goals, as well as broader related service minutes which fall within the scope of the Expanded Core Curriculum, is the overarching goal. The amount of products one person can order is currently not limited, as we are aware that some professionals have case loads as high as 45. However, it is unacceptable for products to ordered in bulk, or ordered just to be used as incentives. Products should not be used as a take home "prize" following instruction. If patrons demonstrate lack of respect for our primary aims, fulfilling orders for said patron could possibly be scaled back. Further, USB could be asked to become involved in requesting documentation of the specific purpose of each item ordered and for which student the item will be used with. The vast majority of patrons have proven respectful over the last four years of operation and we look forward to meeting all orders in this up coming 5th year of operation.
What if I don't know what to use for a specific student?
The ALMC project manager is happy to meet with you upon submission of a consultation request (CLICK HERE). Meetings typically range from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the teacher's needs. This process often results in the creation of custom products tailored to specific requests.
Please note that the feedback requirement still applies to all custom one-of-a-kind orders.
How long do I have to wait?
Turnaround times vary depending on the item and order complexity. Most orders are fulfilled within three weeks or less. Many products, especially 3D-printed materials, typically arrive within two weeks or less.
If your order requires more time, we’ll communicate directly with you. We appreciate your patience as we work to deliver high-quality customized materials.
What happens if my order never comes?
Please, always double-check your shipping address when submitting your order form. We use the address exactly as entered—if it’s missing or incorrect, we’ll need to contact you for clarification, which can delay your order. If you’re in a hurry, ensuring accuracy upfront is the fastest way to receive your items.
Orders are shipped via standard U.S.P.S. All ALMC items qualify for “Free Matter for the Blind” shipping, which does not always receive first-class service. However, delivery is generally reliable—of more than 3,500 orders last year, only about 8 went missing.
If your order has not arrived after three full weeks, please let us know. This is the only way we know something might be missing. While we don’t send shipping confirmation emails (we found most users preferred fewer emails), we’re happy to follow up and will remake and reship your order as soon as we hear from you. Please note that this places the order back into the production queue, so there may be additional wait time.
Occasionally, orders may arrive in multiple packages. Don’t worry—this is normal, and all items typically arrive well within the three-week window.
Lastly, we appreciate your kindness and patience. ALMC is supported by a small team working hard to meet a high volume of requests. We’re committed to getting you what you need as quickly as possible.
