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Blind / Visually Impaired

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) – Deaf Survivors Hotline

Serves Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment. They provide services in Washington state. They operate the Deaf Hotline, which provides free and confidential education, safety planning, and referrals for people experiencing abuse. The Deaf Hotline is available 24/7, is ASL accessible, and staffed by trained advocates. The Deaf Hotline website has great information and training modules in ASL on topics like deaf culture and domestic violence, healthy relationships, consent, how to support loved ones, and more.

  • ADWAS Office: 8623 Roosevelt Way Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98115
    VP: (206) 922-7088
    ADWAS.org
  • 24/7 Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline: (855) 812-1001
    TheDeafHotline.org

American Council of the Blind Ohio (ACBO)

Strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life, for all blind and visually impaired Ohioans. The Matching Grants program provides funds for any blind or visually impaired resident of Ohio to pay half the cost of a purchase up to $1000 for new adaptive equipment (including screen readers, magnifiers, and more). They also offer post-secondary scholarships for blind or low vision entering freshman in any field of study.
3805 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 261-3561
ACBOhio.org

American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Connect Center

Provides free information and resources to support greater independence for those who are blind or low vision. Their website has a lot of information for families and professionals. They also host family support groups and educational webinars. Topics include eye conditions, support services, school and transition services, and much more. Call or use the searchable directory on their home page to find agencies and resources near you. Resources include:

  • Career Connect: This page houses informational articles and videos on searching for jobs, preparing for interviews, and more. They also have free, self-paced courses/activity guides for transition-age youth to consider and plan for college and/or the workforce.
  • Family Connect: Houses important information for families on topics like understanding your child’s diagnosis, education and IEPs, and developmentally appropriate play activities.

APHConnectCenter.org

Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio)

A device-lending library housed at the Ohio State University College of Engineering. Ohio residents of all ages with any disability can borrow devices such as AAC devices, switches, phones, magnifiers, and more. Some items may only be borrowed for professional use. The Computer Refurbishing program provides desktop computers for individuals with a disability at low cost. Programs require application and documentation, visit the website for details. They also offer virtual consultations for disability professionals in Ohio. Click on the list of Adaptive Toy Libraries to check out adaptive toys at a library in your county.
1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 292-7721
Computer Refurbishing Program: (614) 688-3222
ATOhio.Engineering.OSU.edu

Association of Blind Citizens

Their assistive technology fund provides funds to cover a percentage of the retail price of adaptive devices or software to help blind and legally blind individuals. Applicants must be legally blind, a resident of the United States, and meet income requirements to qualify for this program. Visit the website to submit a request.
PO Box 246, Holbrook, Massachusetts 02343
(781) 961-1023
BlindCitizens.org/Assistive-Technology-Fund

Bookshare

Customizable e-book library for people with dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and other reading barriers. They operate under exception to US copyright law, allowing a huge collection of copyrighted titles to be made available for readers using a tablet, computer, assistive device, or smartphone. They also offer textbooks and learning materials. Students in Pre-K-12, post-secondary, graduate, vocational, or continuing education can access the library for free. Individuals must register as members and provide proof of qualifying disability. Find program details and register on their website.
(650) 352-0198
Bookshare.org

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:

  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Adult Education:  ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.
  • Culture Pass: Use your library card to check out a Culture Pass for free admission to a variety of Columbus organizations and events; including Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Symphony, and more.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Notary Service: Free basic notary service with an Ohio Notary Public at most library locations. Schedule an appointment online.
  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snack times.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Summer Reading Challenge: Readers of all ages can win prizes for reading every June – July.

Locations:

  • Barnett: 3434 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • Canal Winchester: 123 Groveport Road, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
  • Driving Park: 1422 Esat Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • Dublin: 75 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43017
  • Franklinton: 1061 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
  • Gahanna: 310 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
  • Hilliard: 4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
  • Hilltop: 511 South Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  • Karl Road: 5590 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • Linden 2223 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
  • Main Library: 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • Marion-Franklin: 2800 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Martin Luther King: 1467 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • New Albany: 200 Market Street, New Albany, Ohio 43054
  • Northern Lights: 4093 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
  • Northside: 1423 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • Parsons: 1113 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
  • Reynoldsburg: 1402 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
  • Shepard: 850 North Nelson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
  • South High: 3540 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Southeast: 3980 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
  • Whetstone: 3909 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
  • Whitehall: 4445 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213

(614) 645-2275
Upcoming Events: Events.ColumbusLibrary.org/Events?
Website: ColumbusLibrary.org

Deaf Services Center (DSC)

Empowers the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through accessibility services. Services include ASL interpretation, peer support, case management, employment services, adaptive equipment programs, youth mentoring programs and summer camps, and early intervention services for ages 0-3 years old with a diagnosis of hearing loss.
DSC.org

  • Central: 215 North Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
    (614) 841-1991 or (614) 515-6065 VP
  • Northwest: 1002 Garden Lake Parkway, Toledo, Ohio 43614
    (419) 720-3935 or (419) 386-2627 VP

Disability Rights Ohio

Advocates for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their website has helpful resources on education, employment, abuse, neglect and exploitation, benefits, voting, and more. Rise Up is a youth advocacy guide with resources for transitioning into adulthood. Most of their resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali. Complete the online intake form to request legal help.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
Rise Up guides: DisabilityRightsOhio.org/RiseUp
Intake Form: DisabilityRightsOhio.org/Intake-Form
DisabilityRightsOhio.org

Do It For the Love – Music Wish Grants

Supports music therapy, research, and provides live music experiences. They provide Wish Grants for people with life-threatening illnesses or children with severe challenges (such as disabilities or trauma). Family members, close friends/colleagues, or medical professionals can nominate someone for a Wish Grant. Nominations must include diagnosis confirmation. Visit the website to apply for a Wish Grant or contact the organization.
DoItForTheLove.org

DWAVE (Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere)

Serves Ohio’s Deaf, Deaf Blind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing communities by offering culturally affirmative services in response to relationship and sexual violence. Call to speak to a trained advocate for individualized safety planning and case management. Referrals can be placed for material help, legal help, social services, and mental health counseling. They offer 24-hour advocacy for survivors of sexual assault at local hospital emergency rooms. They also hold trainings for volunteer advocates, professionals/providers working with Deaf clients, and Deaf Culture 101.
PO Box 1286, Worthington, Ohio 43085
Phone/Videophone: (614) 678-5476
National Deaf Hotline VP: (855) 812-1001
National 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline Voice: (800) 799-7233
DWAVEOhio.org

Easterseals Central & Southeast Ohio

Serves: Children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Provides comprehensive health services for children and adults living with disabilities. Services in Franklin County include early childhood intervention for ages 12-36 months, Chance to Dance free dance classes for families, Long-Term Care Ombudsman for long-term care support, and summer day camps for children. Adult day services are available in Lawrence, Medina, Ross, Scioto, and Summit counties.
3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Long-term Care Ombudsman: (614) 345-9198
All other services: (614) 228-5523
Easterseals.com/CentralOhio

Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) Accessibility Services

Offers several accessibility programs in the Miami Valley, Ohio area.  The Medical Equipment Loan program lends assistive-living medical equipment to anyone in need, free of charge. Wheelchairs, commodes, walkers, crutches, and more may be available. Visit the website to complete a request form. Vision services include cane training, basic navigation, workplace accessibility, and computer-assisted software for reading. They also offer adult day programs, job coaching, Project READ tutoring, and a radio reading service.
660 South Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Medical Equipment Loan Dayton: (937) 528-6357
Medical Equipment Loan Lima: (419) 228-4821
Radio Reading Service: (937) 528-6564
Vision Services: (937) 528-6340
GESMV.org/Specialty-Programs

Health Information Websites

The websites below offer helpful health information from reputable sources on topics such as healthy lifestyle, diseases, prevention, and treatment.

  • CDC: Find an A-Z library on health conditions, vaccines, current disease outbreaks, and prevention.
  • Healthy Children: Information on kids health and development, parenting, and more from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • KidsHealth and TeensHealth: Tons of important health information throughout the lifespan from Nemours.
  • Mayo Clinic: Find symptoms, treatments, and when to see a doctor for various health conditions. They also have information on clinical trials and resources for professionals.
  • MedlinePlus: Look up drugs, supplements, medical tests, and health conditions from the National Library of Medicine.
  • Nemours: Offers information on a wide range of topics from health experts for kids, teens, and parents.
  • Oncolink: Information about various types of cancer, treatments, and support from cancer experts.
  • Safe Kids Worldwide: Find safety information and toolkits on a wide range of topics including water safety, car seats, safe infant sleep, medication safety, and more. They also publish a list of recent product recalls, parent guides to safety, and safety laws for professionals.

Lighthouse Guild’s Vision Loss Tele-Support Groups

Non-profit healthcare organization for visually impaired persons. Provides free tele-support groups, including groups for high school students with vision loss and for parents of those with vision loss. Groups meet weekly by phone to share experiences and discuss related topics. The website also has helpful educational information on vision loss, scholarship opportunities, and more.
Support Groups: (212) 769-6344
All Services: (800) 284-4422
LighthouseGuild.org

National Center on DeafBlindness (NCDB) and Ohio Center for Deafblind Education (OCDBE)

A national technical assistance center. They work with state deafblind projects and other partners to improve education and quality of life for children who are deafblind. The Learning Resources section of the website has important information for families and professionals. Topics include information on assessment, education and learning, life skills, transition planning, and more. The website is available in English and Spanish.
(1-516) 366-0047
NationalDB.org/For-Families/Learning-Resources

The Ohio Center for Deafblind Education Services (OCDBE) is a technical assistance center serving deafblind children in Ohio. They work with Ohio PreK-12 schools to improve educational achievement and adult-transition. Their website has helpful information on early intervention, transition resources, and parenting. The Deafblind Technical Assistance Program (DBTAP) provides free consultation services to families and educators to identify concerns and make recommendations for education and postsecondary transition. Visit the website and complete the Consultation Services Request form to get started. They also offer a limited number of Parent Scholarships each year for parents to attend educational opportunities on topics of interest to parents of children with deafblindness.
(614) 897-0020
OhioDeafBlind.com

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Advances the lives of blind people in the United States, with chapters in each state. Their website has many resources for blind people, parents, and educators. Programs include:

  • Tools for Independence: Provides free long white canes, slates, and styluses for blind or low-vision people in the United States. Visit the website and create an account to request items.
  • NFB-Newsline: A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, dyslexic, or otherwise print-disabled offering access to books, magazines, newspapers, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more. They also have a youth version with kid and teen-friendly content. You must apply and register online for access.
    Columbus Newsline: (614) 448-1673
  • NFB Ohio Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to outstanding blind students who currently live in or are attending college in the state of Ohio each academic year.
  • Braille Reading Pals Club: Sign up for free Braille books, activities, birthday cards, and more for blind children 0-8 years old.

National: (410) 659-9314
NFB.org
Ohio Chapter: (937) 829-3368
NFBOhio.org

National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind & Print Disabled

A free library program for people with low vision, blindness, or are otherwise print disabled. NLS circulates free books and magazines in Braille or audio formats, delivered by postage-free mail or the Braille Audio Reading Download (BARD) app. Their Kids Catalog has fun books and magazines for kids. Fill out the Information Request form to get started.
(888) 657-7323
LOC.gov/NLS

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Helps individuals and families impacted by rare diseases and provides information in English and Spanish. Use the State Resource Center to find programs by state. They have several financial assistance programs to help cover costs of life-saving medication, caregiver aid or respite care, and educational support. The NORD Support Helpline offers help accessing programs from an Information and Resource Services team member. They also have information on joining a clinical trial or study.
NORD Support Helpline: (800) 999-6673
Español: (844) 259-7178
RareDiseases.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Health Information & Helping Hands

Offers educational materials for parents and caregivers from pediatric experts. Helping Hands are easy-to-read articles on topics including health conditions, caring for medical equipment at home, behavior support, medical tests, and caring for newborns. Visit the Conditions We Treat page for even more information on health conditions A-Z and how to get treatment.
Helping Hands: NationwideChildrens.org/Helping-Hands
Conditions We Treat: NationwideChildrens.org/Conditions

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Ophthalmology/Eye Clinic

Offers routine and advanced eye care for children ages birth to 21 years old. They accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Caresource, and Molina. They also offer financial assistance programs, including payment based on income (sliding scale), for those who qualify based on family size and income. Services include Eye, Glaucoma, Oculoplastics, Multidisciplinary Low Vision, and Retina Clinics. Families can also visit the website for helpful eye care information.
Nationwide Children’s Outpatient Care Center: 555 South Eighteenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-4075
NationwideChildrens.org/Ophthalmology-Eye-Clinic

OCALI Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness

This resource through OCALI works to increase access, communication, and belonging for learners who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. Families can find helpful information on medical conditions, adaptive sports and recreation, parent mentoring programs, and more. Professionals can find educational resources, learn from those with lived experience, and find CEU trainings.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0380
DeafAndBlindOutreach.org

Ohio Digital Library

Allows library members to go online and download a wide variety of popular book titles in eBook and audio format. They have curated collections such as Deaf Culture and ASL, New Adult Readers, Teens, and more. Visit the website to see if your local library participates, and sign in using your library card or Student ID.
State Library of Ohio: 274 East First Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 644-7061
OHDBKS.Overdrive.com

Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB)

The first public school for the blind in the U.S., dedicated to the education of students with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. They offer K-12 education, extracurriculars and athletics, residential programs, and a transitional postsecondary program for young adults to receive social and vocational training after high school (EDGE). Contact them for enrollment information.
5220 North High Street, Columbus Ohio, 43214
(800) 310-3317
OSSB.Ohio.gov

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Works

Provides a range of supports for people with disabilities in Ohio to gain employment and maintain independence. Call an office near you or create an account on the website to start the application process. Services are available for people with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities, including Blind/Low-Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, mental health conditions, Substance Use Disorders, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and more. OOD Works programs include:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Helps people with disabilities find or keep jobs. Individuals must apply for services and select a vocational rehabilitation provider to work with. Service providers can help with career counseling, skill training, job placement, and more.
    OOD.Ohio.gov/Information-for-Individuals/OODWorks/01-Learn-About-Vocational-Rehabilitation
  • Independent Living Services: Partners with community organizations and agencies to provide personalized independent living services. The Personal Care Assistance Program provides partial reimbursement for the cost of a personal care assistant/aide. The Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) program helps individuals at least 55years old learn new skills and use adaptive aids to remain at home in the community.
    OOD.Ohio.gov/Information-for-Individuals/Services/Independent-Living-Services/Independent-Living-Services
  • Ohio Vocational Apprentice Program: Provides paid apprenticeships for individuals with disabilities ages 18 and older. The goal of the program is for apprentices to secure permanent employment in state government after the completion of the program. Visit the website to apply.
    150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
    (614) 306-1744
    OOD.Ohio.gov/Information-for-Individuals/Services/Student-Services/Postsecondary/Ohio-Vocational-Apprentice-Program
  • College2Careers (C2C): Partners with Ohio colleges and universities to ensure students with disabilities have the support they need to complete degrees, attain credentials and earn higher wages. C2C counselors are located in the disability services or career services office at each partnership school to help students with exploring careers, writing a resume, finding employment and prepping for interviews. This program is specifically for individuals with physical, intellectual, sensory, and mental health disabilities. Financial support for tuition or educational expenses is available for those who qualify. Go online for a list of participating schools and contact information. Visit the website for detailed contact information and to apply.
    OOD.Ohio.gov/Information-for-Individuals/Services/Student-Services/Postsecondary/Ohio-College-2-Careers

Find an OOD Office Near Your: OOD.Ohio.gov/About-Us/Find+Us/Find-Us
OODWorks.com

Oracle Health Foundation Pediatric Grants

Provides financial grants to help cover costs related to children’s healthcare needs. Grants are provided for clinical costs, equipment costs, displacement, or vehicle modification. Examples of expenses covered include lodging and transportation related to a child’s care, clinical procedures, medicine, care devices/medical equipment, and assistive equipment. The grant recipient must be 21 years of age or younger, be under the care of a physician, and have no existing insurance coverage for the requested expenses. Families may request funds once per 12 months, with a maximum of three times in a child’s lifetime. Visit the website to complete an application.
OracleHealthFoundation.org/Pediatric-Grants

Paths to Literacy for Blind or Visually Impaired Students

A resource hub for parents, families, and professionals focused on fostering literacy skills in children who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired. Browse the website to find helpful information, fun family activities to try, curriculum ideas, helpful apps, and more.
PathsToLiteracy.org

Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living (SOCIL)

Assists people of all ages with disabilities to live more independently. The majority of their board and staff are people with disabilities assisting others. Services include peer support, independent living skills training, adaptive sports and wellness, help with youth school transitions, and referrals to community resources. The Assistive Technology program loans eating utensils, screen readers, magnifiers, autism sensory items, and more. They also offer free group living skills classes and support for youth with IEPs. Services are free to anyone with a disability in the Southeast Ohio region. They serve Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington counties.
418 South Broad Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 689-1494
SOCIL.org

State Library of Ohio Talking Book Program

Provides free recorded books, magazines, and playback equipment for reading disabled Ohio residents. Individuals or institutions can apply for the program online.
17121 Lake Shore Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44110
(1-800) 686-1531 or (614) 644-6895
Library.Ohio.gov/Residents/Special-Services/Talking-Books

Superspecs – Free Sports Goggles

Provides no-cost eye safety wear to protect kids’ eyes during sports and other recreational activities. Sports leagues, schools, 4-H groups, and Girl Scouts troops may apply for baseball and softball helmets, sports goggles, and safety goggles for career-technical activities. Families who meet income guidelines or have a foster child may apply to receive free prescription sports goggles. Find eligibility details and apply online.
Ohio Ophthalmological Society: 4400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 527-6799
Superspecs.org

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

Provides medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services related to a major medical condition that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be 16 years old or younger, be a U.S. citizen, and have coverage through a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Visit the website for a full list of requirements and for application instructions.
(855) 698-4223
UHCCF.org

VOICEcorps Reading Service

Service for people with a medical condition that prevents them from reading print. Volunteers read aloud from current local and national newspapers, magazines, various periodicals/journals, grocery/retail ads, and more. They use broadcasting and internet streaming to deliver readings in a 24-hour schedule. Listen live any time using the internet or contact Voicecorps for help accessing their services on a digital TV, Amazon smart speaker, or free SCA radio loan.
2955 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 274-7650
VOICEcorps.org

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