The resources listed in this reference guide are designed to assist disabled veterans, their families, and other caregivers.
Except where noted, the information and organizations found in this guide are not part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled or the Library of Congress (NLS), and their inclusion does not imply endorsement of any kind.
According to Public Law 89-522, NLS patrons who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States receive preference in the lending of books, recordings, playback equipment, musical scores and instructional texts, and other specialized materials.
Contents
- Resources for Disabled Veterans and Their Caregivers
- Quality of Life Resources
- Resources for Veterans who are Blind or Visually Impaired
- Federal Resources
- General Resources
Resources for Disabled Veterans and Their Caregivers
Employment and Rehabilitation Resources
abilityJOBS
PO Box 10878
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
[email protected]
www.abilityjobs.com External
Provides a free service for people with disabilities to search for jobs online and to post resumes that companies can browse. It connects business, government, and nonprofit organizations with the disabled community jobseekers. Charges a fee to employers for posting their employment opportunities and for advertising online.
CareerOneStop Veteran and Military Transition Center
200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20210
877-US2-JOBS (877-872-5627)
877-889-5627 TTY
[email protected]
www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/default.aspx External
A program of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration that assists individuals in search of jobs, training, and contact information for local job centers. Bilingual website with information to help veterans and their families develop effective strategists to obtain an apprenticeship, a job, academic development, and additional resources related to health care, housing, food, and taxes. Specific menu options for disabled veterans that includes disability compensation and Vocational Rehabilitation and employment program.
Careers Support Solutions (formerly Careers for People with Disabilities)
Carmel Office
1961 Rte. 6
Ste. 12
Carmel, NY 10512
845-225-8007
Valhalla Office
400 Columbus Ave., Ste. 123 South
2nd Fl.
Valhalla, NY 10595
914-741-JOBS (5627)
www.careersforpeoplewithdisabilities.org External
Helps individuals with learning, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, and/or physical disabilities find jobs at no cost to them, their families, or employers. Provides extensive on-the-job training and ongoing support services.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV National Headquarters
860 Dolwick Drive
Erlanger, KY 41018
859-547-3391
www.dav.org External
Helps veterans with service-connected disabilities regain health, learn new trades or professions, rejoin the civilian world, and secure disability benefits. Works with Congress and federal agencies to ensure veterans’ preferences are upheld and veterans receive priority access to employment services.
Disabled Businesspersons Association (DBA)
Interwork Institute
6367 Alvarado Ct., Ste. 350
San Diego, CA 92120
619-594-8805
www.disabledbusiness.org External
Offers free self-employment and rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, and assists professionals in rehabilitation, career, and business counseling nationwide. “Dedicated to advancing vocational rehabilitation and enhancing the competitive performance of the enterprising disabled in the workplace.”
Easter Seals
141 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1400A
Chicago, IL 60604
312-726-6200
800-221-6827 toll-free
312-726-4258 TTY
www.easterseals.com External
Provides job training and employment services to adults with physical and mental disabilities. Helps individuals learn skills to enter the workforce or to return to work after an illness or injury. Provides a job-search portal that lists postings from more than 800 employers.
Feds Hire Vets
Office of Personnel Management, Veterans Services
1900 E St. NW, Rm. 7439-AF
Washington, DC 20415-1000
202-606-7304
[email protected]
www.fedshirevets.gov External
A division of the Office of Personnel Management that helps veterans secure employment in the Federal Government. The Feds Hire Vets' site provides information for veterans, transitioning military service members and their families to access Federal employment and to understand the intricacies of the federal government hiring process.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
304-293-7186
800-526-7234 toll-free
877-781-9403 TTY
[email protected]
https://askjan.org External
Facilitates the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing information on job accommodation options through case-by-case evaluations and the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) system. Offers technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related legislation.
National Business and Disability Council
Viscardi Center
201 I.U. Willets Rd.
Albertson, NY 11507
516-465-1400
[email protected]
www.viscardicenter.org/nbdc External
Helps businesses create accessible work conditions for their employees and accessible products for consumers. Responds to inquiries about Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, building and product accessibility, reasonable accommodations, and staff training. Areas of expertise include Employment Service, Career Placement, and Case Management.
National Veterans Foundation Job Board
5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 350
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310-642-0255
https://jobs.nvf.org/veterans-job-board-listings External
Lists jobs that are specifically looking for veterans and facilitating the transition from military to professional civilian life.
Office of Veterans Business Development
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd St. SW
Washington, DC 20416
800-827-5722 toll-free
855-440-4960 ASL customer support videophone
800-877-8339 TTY
[email protected]
www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses External
This office facilitates the use of all Small Business Administration programs by veterans, service-disabled, and others to help start and grow small businesses.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
1875 Eye St. NW, Ste. 1100
Washington, DC 20006-3517
800-424-8200
[email protected]
www.pva.org External
Provides vocational rehabilitation for paralyzed veterans seeking employment, as well as assisting them with health benefits, grants for housing, and other benefits.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (OSERS)
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202-7100
202-245-7488
www.rsa.ed.gov External
Administers grant programs and service projects that help individuals with disabilities obtain employment and support, such as job training and medical and psychological services. Provides funds to state vocational rehabilitation agencies for employment-related services.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M St. NE
Washington, DC 20507
800-669-4000 toll-free
800-669-6820 toll-free TDD/TTY
844-234-5122 ASL videophone
[email protected]
www.eeoc.gov External
Enforces Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, the law that prohibits employment discrimination based on disability.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
800-983-0937 technical assistance
800-827-1000 toll-free
www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab External
Provides services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services including assisting veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20210
866-4-USA-DOL (866-487-2365)
[email protected]
www.dol.gov/vets External
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service provides employment resources such as American Job Centers, Veterans Employment Center, and the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.
Financial and Support Resources
Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP)
1015 15th St., NW, #600
Washington, DC 20005
217-522-7985
217-522-9966 TTY
[email protected]
https://ataporg.org/contactwww.ataporg.org External
ATAP facilitates the coordination of state and territory AT Act Programs nationally and provides technical assistance and support its members.
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
1769 Jamestown Rd., Ste. 109
Williamsburg, VA 23185
703-291-4605
888-447-2588 toll-free
[email protected]
www.saluteheroes.org External
Helps severely wounded veterans and families of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn recover from their injuries and illnesses, including providing emergency financial aid.
Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
3201 Cross Timbers Rd Bldg. 4 Ste 300
Flower Mound TX 75028
214-888-0220
214-888-0230 fax
[email protected]
www.ktef.org External
Offers direct access to medical eye care, often at no out-of-pocket cost, for underserved older Americans through the Seniors Eye Care and Glaucoma programs. Funds research into nonsurgical treatments for strabismus.
New Eyes
PO Box 332830 Morris Turnpike, Ste. 401
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-376-4903
[email protected]
https://new-eyes.org/about-us External
Provides vouchers to low-income U.S. residents to obtain new prescription eyeglasses. Distributes reusable eyeglasses to medical missions and welfare agencies in developing nations.
Operation First Response Inc.
20037 Dove Hill Rd.
Culpeper, VA 22701
888-289-0280
[email protected]
www.operationfirstresponse.org External
Serves all U.S. disabled veterans and their families with personal and financial needs.
Salute, Inc.
PO Box 2663
Palantine, IL 60078-2663
847-359-8811
[email protected]
www.saluteinc.org External
Works to meet the financial, physical, and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans, and their families.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
PO Box 555193
715 Broadway St.
Quantico, VA 22134
760-725-3680
760-725-3685
www.semperfifund.org External
Provides direct financial assistance for combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members and their families during hospitalization and recovery.
USA Cares
11760 Commonwealth Dr.
Louisville, KY 40299
800-773-0387 toll-free
[email protected]
https://usacares.org External
Provides financial and advocacy assistance to post-9/11 active duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans, and their families.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Unmet Needs Grant
406 W. 34th St.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
866-789-6333
[email protected]
www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants External
Offers the Unmet Needs Financial Grant program that provides up to $2,500 to assist with basic life needs.
VetsFirst
United Spinal Association
120-34 Queens Blvd., Ste. 320
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
800-404-2898
www.vetsfirst.org External
VetsFirst is a program of the United Spinal Association that assists veterans with spinal cord injuries in advocating for the benefits to which they are entitled.
Wounded Warrior Family Support
11218 John Galt Blvd., Ste. 103
Omaha, NE 68137
402-502-7557
www.wwfs.org External
Provides support to families of service members wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations.
Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington (POB)
415 2nd St. NE, Ste. 200
Washington, DC 20002
202-234-1010
www.youreyes.org External
Demonstrates various assistive technologies that are available for purchase. Offers community outreach services and educational opportunities. Provides referrals to physicians, assistive technology products, and social services.
Housing Resources
Building Homes for Heroes
4584 Austin Blvd.
Island Park, NY 11558
516-684-9220
www.buildinghomesforheroes.org External
Builds and/or modifies homes and donates them to veterans who were injured while serving during the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.
Homelessness Programs and Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
5600 Fishers Ln.
Rockville, MD 20857
877-SAMHSA-7 (877-726-4727) toll-free
800-487-4889 TTY
[email protected]
www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources External
Provides grants in support of behavioral health treatment and recovery-oriented services to homeless individuals.
Homes for Our Troops
6 Main St.
Tauton, MA 02780
866-787-6677 toll-free
[email protected]
www.hfotusa.org External
Builds and donates specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post-9/11 veterans.
Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
877-827-3702 toll-free
[email protected]
www. va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants External
Provides grants programs to service members. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant helps veterans with certain service-connected disabilities live independently in a barrier-free environment. The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant helps veterans with certain service-connected disabilities adapt or purchase a home to accommodate the disability.
HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th St. SW
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-1112
202-708-1455 (TTY)
www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash External
Combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Ste. 840
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 546-1969
800-VET-HELP (800-838-4357) toll-free
[email protected]
www.nchv.org External
Provides emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for homeless veterans.
Operation Homefront
17319 San Pedro Ave., Ste. 505
San Antonio, TX 78232
210-659-7756
800-722-6098 toll-free
210-566-7544 fax
[email protected]
www.operationhomefront.org External
Offers various types of aid to veterans and their families, including transitional and permanent housing programs.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
1875 Eye St. NW, Ste. 1100
Washington, DC 20006
800-424-8200
[email protected]
www.pva.org External
Provides vocational rehabilitation for paralyzed veterans seeking employment, as well as assisting them with health benefits, grants for housing, and other benefits.
Legal Resources
Department of Veterans Affairs
Legal Help for Veterans
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
www.va.gov/ogc/legalservices.asp External
Certain VA facilities host non-VA legal services on site to assist veterans pro bono.
Disability Rights Section
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20530
800-514-0301 toll-free
833-610-1264 TTY
www.justice.gov/crt/about/drs External
Provides information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Certifies building codes that meet or exceed the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Offers ADA publications online in English and Spanish.
Federal Communications Commission: Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office
45 L St., NE
Washington, DC 20554
202-418-2517
888-835-5322 toll-free TTY
844-432-2275 videophone
[email protected]
www.fcc.gov/general/disability-rights-office External
Seeks to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met as telecommunications technology advances. Offers technical advice and assistance to agencies, consumers, and those in the telecommunications field.
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
1100 Wilson Blvd. Ste. 900
Arlington, VA 22209
202-265-8305
[email protected]
www.nvlsp.org External
Works to provide veterans and active-duty service members the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M St. NE
Washington, DC 20507
800-669-4000 toll-free
800-669-6820 toll-free TDD/TTY
844-234-5122 ASL videophone
[email protected]
www.eeoc.gov External
Enforces Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, the law that prohibits employment discrimination based on disability.
Veterans Legal Institute
1231 Warner Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
714-852-3492
[email protected]
www.vetslegal.com External
Provides pro bono services to disabled, homeless, at-risk, and low-income current and former service members to aid in housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
Physical and Psychological Health Resources
Disabled American Veterans
860 Dolwick Dr.
Erlanger, KY 41018
877-426-2838
www.dav.org External
Helps provide disabled veterans with rides to medical appointments and with filing insurance claims.
National Veterans Foundation – Lifeline for Vets
5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 350
Los Angeles, CA 90045
888-777-4443 toll-free (crisis hotline)
Aids in crisis management, as well as informational and referral needs to all U.S. veterans and their families.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Ln.
Rockville, MD 20857
240-276-2420
877-SAMHSA-7 (877-726-4727) toll-free
800-487-4889 TTY
www.samhsa.gov External
Promotes behavior and substance abuse treatment to Americans who need assistance.
Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
800-698-2411 Main Information line
877-222-VETS (877-222-8387) toll-free
800-273-8255 toll-free (suicide hotline)
www.va.gov/health/ External
A nation-wide health care system that provides service to veterans through medical and outpatient centers.
Quality of Life Resources
Adaptive Sports Center
PO Box 1639
Crested Butte, CO 81224
970-349-2296
[email protected]
www.adaptivesports.org External
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities through outdoor adventure activities. Therapeutic recreation practices and state-of-the-art equipment are combined with professional, dedicated staff to provide unique experiences.
American Legion
700 N. Pennsylvania St.
PO Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-630-1200
800-433-3318 toll-free
317-630-1223 fax
www.legion.org External
Encourages camaraderie with other veterans through volunteer activities, sports (such as American Legion Baseball), and other support services.
Hope for the Warriors
877-246-7349 (877-2HOPE4W) toll-free
[email protected]
www.hopeforthewarriors.org External
Provides veterans with support focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community.
The Mission Continues
1141 S. 7th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-588-8805
[email protected]
missioncontinues.org External
Empowers veterans to continue their service through volunteer work in their communities and connects veterans with under-resourced communities.
Operation Second Chance
20251 Century Blvd., Ste. 130
Germantown, MD 20874
301-972-1080
888-672-4838 toll-free
888-672-4838 fax
www.operationsecondchance.org External
Serves wounded, injured, and ill veterans through building relationships and supporting veterans’ needs. This included counseling services, as well as retreats and hospital visits and outings.
Team Red, White & Blue, Inc (RWB)
P.O. Box 127
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
Team RWB works to enrich the lives of United States veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity and providing opportunities for leadership and service. There are different chapters of Team RWB located throughout the United States.
Team Rubicon
6171 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 310
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310-640-8787
www.teamrubiconusa.org External
Pairs the skills and experiences of veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and others providing relief to areas affected by natural disasters.
Veterans of Foreign Wars USA (VFW)
406 W. 34th St.
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-756-3390
www.vfw.org External
Aims to foster camaraderie among all veterans of overseas conflicts. Also aids through grants, VA benefits assistance, and advocacy.
Service and Guide Dog Resources
America’s VetDogs
371 E. Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
631-930-9000
866-838-3647 toll-free
[email protected]
www.vetdogs.org External
Specialize in placing service and guide dogs at no cost to individuals with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures.
Canines for Service
221 Old Dairy Rd., Unit 1
Wilmington, NC 28405
910-362-8181
[email protected]
https://caninesforservice.org External
Provides trained service dogs at no-cost to veterans who have mobility limitations, traumatic brain injury, and clinically diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
860-243-5200
[email protected]
www.fidelco.org External
Connects people who have visual impairments with Fidelco guide dogs, a special breed of German shepherd. Offers “in-community” placement wherein the person is trained in their own neighborhood to use the guide dog.
Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind
1210 Hardscrabble Rd.
Cassville, NY 13318
315-822-5132
[email protected]
www.freedomguidedogs.org External
Breeds, raises, trains, and places guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Program is based in upstate New York and is offered to people in the Eastern United States at no cost.
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
371 E. Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787-2976
631-930-9000
800-548-4337 toll-free
[email protected]
www.guidedog.org External
Provides intensive two-week, on-campus, customized training program with the guide dog and blind partner. Offers a program that matches guide dogs with a person’s mobility, personality, lifestyle, and physical needs in mind.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
PO Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915-1200
415-499-4000
800-295-4050 toll-free
www.guidedogs.com External
Offers training for the appropriate use of guide dogs by people with visual impairments and continuing-education courses for orientation and mobility instructors. Provides specialized services to children and seniors.
Guide Dogs of America
13445 Glenoaks Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
818-362-5834
800-459-4843 toll-free
[email protected]
www.guidedogsofamerica.org External
Offers breeder program, volunteer foster homes, formal training, and three weeks of on-campus training between the guide dog and blind partner.
Guide Dogs of the Desert
PO Box 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92263
760-329-6257
www.guidedogsofthedesert.org External
Provides four-week intensive training for guide dogs and their blind partners. Maintains a puppy development center and guide dog and puppy training programs.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Rd.
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
914-245-4024
800-942-0149 toll-free
[email protected]
www.guidingeyes.org External
Provides guide dogs, user training for people who are blind or visually impaired, and support for the team throughout the lifetime of the dog at no charge.
K9s for Warriors
114 Camp K9 Rd.
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
904-686-1956
888-819-0112 toll-free
[email protected]
www.k9sforwarriors.org External
Provides service dogs to post-9/11, disabled veterans.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
1039 South Rochester Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48307-3115
248-651-9011
888-777-5332 toll-free
[email protected]
www.leaderdog.org External
Maintains a breeding program, volunteer puppy raisers, and four months of formal harness training with a professional guide dog mobility instructor. Offers specialized programs for people who are deaf-blind. Partners with Lions Clubs International.
National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) - World Class Service Dogs
PO Box 1100
Princeton, MA 01541
978-422-9064 Voice or TDD
neads.org External
NEADS matches service dogs with veterans from any U.S. conflict who have a permanent physical disability, are deaf or who have profound hearing loss, or have MS or other progressive conditions (these disabilities do not need to be combat related). There are no fundraising requirements. The Trauma Assistance Dog program (TAD) is designed for OIF/OEF/OND veterans with diagnosed combat-related post-traumatic stress.
Next Step Service Dogs
921 S. Andreasen Dr.
Escondido, CA 92029
760-607-9964
888-867-1690 fax
[email protected]
www.nextstepservicedogs.org External
Provides service dogs to active military members, veterans, and first responders with PTSD
OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
PO Box 45857
Madison, WI 53744
608-772-3787
[email protected]
www.occupaws.org External
Trains guide dogs for visually impaired residents of Wisconsin at no charge. Provides an in-home training program. An International Guide Dog Federation-accredited school.
Operation Freedom Paws
777 First St., PMB 515
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-683-9010
operationfreedompaws.org External
Matches dogs with individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Complex-Post Traumatic Stress (CPTS) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms, or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs.
Patriot Paws
254 Ranch Trail
Rockwall, TX 75032
972-772-3282
[email protected]
https://patriotpaws.org External
Trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans with mobile disabilities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PAVE (Paws Assisting Veterans)
PO Box 871
Cornelius, OR 97113
[email protected]
www.paveusa.org External
Trains and provides service dogs for veterans suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities.
Pilot Dogs, Incorporated
625 W. Town St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-221-6367
www.pilotdogs.org External
Offers a one-year in-home puppy training program, formal guide dog training, and a four-week on-campus training session with the guide dog and blind partner.
Puppies Behind Bars
263 W. 38th St., 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10018
212-680-9562
[email protected]
https://puppiesbehindbars.com External
Puppies Behind Bars supports prison inmates who train and raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and first responders.
Retrieving Freedom
1152 230th St.
Waverly, IA 50677
319-505-5949
www.retrievingfreedom.org External
Retrieving Freedom focuses on training dogs to serve the specific needs of veterans and children with autism.
The Sam Simon Foundation
30765 Pacific Coast Hwy., #113
Malibu, CA 90265
310-457-5898 (ext:2)
[email protected]
www.samsimonfoundation.com External
Provides service dogs trained for post-9/11 veterans diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and/or TBI (traumatic brain injury) produced because of their military service.
Smoky Mountain Service Dogs
110 Tooweka Circle
Loudon, TN 37774
[email protected]
www.smokymountainservicedogs.org External
Provides custom-trained service dogs at no-cost to veterans with physical and psychological disabilities.
The Seeing Eye
PO Box 375
Morristown, NJ 07963-0375
973-539-4425
[email protected]
www.seeingeye.org External
Trains guide dogs and provides instruction to their partners. Services are provided at cost.
Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.
4210 77th St. E.
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-729-5665
[email protected]
www.guidedogs.org External
Trains dogs for veterans and people who are blind at no cost. Offers puppy training, and dog training classes for individuals who are interested in donating time and funds to the national nonprofit program.
Veterans Moving Forward
44225 Mercure Circle, Ste. 130
Dulles, VA 20166
866-375-1209
https://vetsfwd.org External
Provides service dogs, facilities dogs, and emotional support dogs to veterans with physical and mental health challenges at no cost.
Resources for Veterans who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Eye Disease and Injury Resources
American Diabetes Association
2451 Crystal Dr., Ste. 900
Arlington, VA 22202
800-342-2383 toll-free
[email protected]
www.diabetes.org External
Seeks to prevent and cure diabetes and to help people live and manage its complications. Provides information to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals, and the public. Develops materials to help people understand diabetes and the need for diabetic retinopathy screening. Maintains a national call center. Advocates for the rights of people with diabetes. Funds research and publishes scientific findings in journals for physicians specialized in diabetes and general practitioners.
American Macular Degeneration Foundation
PO Box 515
Northampton, MA 01061-0515
413-268-7660
888-622-8527 toll-free
www.macular.org External
Works for the prevention, treatment, and cure of macular degeneration by educating the public, supporting scientific research, and raising funds. Provides educational videos on the Internet.
BrightFocus Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Dr.
Clarksburg, MD 20871
800-437-2423 toll-free
301-258-9454 fax
[email protected]
www.brightfocus.org External
Offers educational services pertaining to conditions that affect vision or brain function, including glaucoma and macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. Hosts and records online chats.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness
6925 Oakland Mills Rd. #701
Columbia, MD 21045
410-423-0600
800-683-5555 toll-free
[email protected]
www.blindness.org External
Funds research to find treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. Provides information and referral services.
The Glaucoma Foundation
80 Maiden Ln., Ste. 700
New York, NY 10038
212-285-0080
[email protected]
www.glaucomafoundation.org External
Funds research to determine the causes of glaucoma, improve methods of treatment, and develop cures. Provides resources and support groups.
Glaucoma Research Foundation
251 Post St., Ste. 600
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-986-3162
800-826-6693 toll-free
[email protected]
www.glaucoma.org External
Seeks a cure for glaucoma through research and education. Provides resources and free publications on glaucoma.
Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness
Wills Eye Institute
840 Walnut St., Ste. 1130
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5598
215-928-3190
215-928-3194
www.willseye.org External
Funds research on glaucoma. Provides glaucoma support contact, articles, blogs, chat highlights, and free videos on glaucoma on their website.
Macular Degeneration Foundation
PO Box 531313
Henderson, NV 89053
702-450-2908
888-633-3937 toll-free. Main Office U.S.
www.eyesight.org External
Seeks to develop cures for macular degeneration and to educate patients, professionals, and the public about methods of prevention and treatment.
Macular Degeneration Partnership
The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - University of California, Irvine
850 Health Sciences Rd.
Irvine, CA 92697
949-824-2020
https://ophthalmology.uci.edu/patient-care/specialties/age-related-macular-degeneration External
Provides the latest news related to macular degeneration. Funds research into new treatments and possible cures for the disease. Gives advice on living with macular degeneration and improving daily life.
MD Support (Macular Degeneration Support)
460 SW Tower Park Dr., Apt 412
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
816-761-7080
888-866-6148 toll-free
[email protected]
www.mdsupport.org External
Offers information for people with macular degeneration and similar retinal diseases. Provides accessible reading materials, lists of agencies, organizations, eye-care hospitals, and distributors of low-vision aids.
Ocular Melanoma Foundation
1717 K St. NW, Ste. 900
Washington, DC 20006
202-684-9380
800-663-5930 toll-free
[email protected]
https://ocularmelanoma.org External
Promotes awareness of ocular melanoma and advocates for funds to research the condition.
Research to Prevent Blindness
360 Lexington Ave., 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10017
212-752-4333
800-621-0026 toll-free
[email protected]
www.rpbusa.org/rpb External
Maintains an online research library of material relating to visual disorders and a directory of practitioners who work with people with visual disabilities. Provides eye research-grant support to scientific institutions in the United States. Seeks to develop treatments and cures for diseases that damage sight.
Federal Resources
Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
400 Maryland Ave. SW
PCP, Rm. 5155
Washington, DC 20202
Main Phone: 800-872-5327
202-245-2600
[email protected]
www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-special-populations/grants-individuals-disabilities/independent-living External
Offers adults with vision loss training in independent living skills, assistive technology, and orientation and mobility through state agencies. Provides counseling to individuals and families. Administers the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind.
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
800-860-8747 toll-free
[email protected]
www.niddk.nih.gov External
Responds to inquiries regarding diabetes and vision disorders that result from diabetes. Distributes professional and patient education publications including factsheets and booklets. Material is available in English and Spanish.
National Eye Institute
Information Office
31 Center Dr. MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892
301-496-5248
[email protected]
www.nei.nih.gov External
Conducts and supports research on eye diseases and vision disorders. Offers professional and public education programs, including a school curriculum on vision for grades 4–8 and a traveling exhibit.
Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Blind Rehabilitation Service, Rm. 117B
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-461-7317
855-574-7286 toll-free
www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab External
Offers training in skills for daily living such as orientation and mobility and home care. Provides counseling services to veterans with visual disabilities and their families.
General Resources
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
225 Reinekers Ln., Ste. 660
Alexandria, VA 22314
202-467-5081
800-424-8666 toll-free
[email protected]
www.acb.org External
Advocates on behalf of people with visual impairments on issues related to civil rights, educational opportunities, vocational training, Social Security benefits, and health and social services. Serves as an information clearinghouse on blindness and provides advisory services on federal legislation. Has a special interest group for veterans, the Visually Impaired Veterans of America.
American Foundation for the Blind
2900 S Quincy St., #200
Arlington, VA 22206
212-502-7600 External
www.afb.org External
Provides information on blindness for people who are visually impaired, professionals, schools, organizations, corporations, and the public. Conducts research and mounts programs to promote inclusivity, especially in the areas of literacy, technology, and aging and employment services. Advocates for services and legislation. Maintains the Directory of Services—a database of agencies and service providers.
Association of Blind Citizens
PO Box 246
Holbrook, MA 02343
781-961-1023
[email protected]
www.blindcitizens.org External
Works to enhance the social, political, and economic well-being of individuals with visual impairments by increasing opportunities in education, employment, culture, and recreation. Offers the Assistive Technology Fund, which covers 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices and software.
Blinded American Veterans Foundation
PO Box 65900
Washington, DC 20035
202-670-1038
https://bavf.org External
Maintains a nationwide volunteer corps to offer employment networking and rehabilitation counseling for veterans with visual disabilities. Supports medical research on sensory disabilities.
Blinded Veterans Association
PO Box 90770
Washington, DC 20090
800-669-7079
[email protected]
www.bva.org External
A national membership organization of veterans with visual impairments and their families that assists veterans in obtaining benefits through its Field Service Program. Offers rehabilitation training and access to technology through local resources. Advocates on behalf of veterans with visual disabilities before Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Offers the Kathern F. Gruber and Thomas H. Miller scholarships to assist children of blinded veterans in paying for higher education tuition. Provides free hockey lessons for veterans who are blind in the Washington, D.C., area.
Blind Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Health Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW, Rm. 117B
Washington, DC 20420
877-222-8387 (877-222-VETS) General Health Care
202-461-7317 (Blind Rehabilitation Service Program Office)
www.rehab.va.gov/blindrehab External
This area of the VA provides support to veterans and service members who are blind or who have low vision. They work with the veteran or service member, their families and others caregivers to aid them in regaining their independence. This program includes rehabilitation services, Visual Impairment Service Team (VIST) Coordinators, and other resources.
Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre St.
Newton, MA 02458
617-969-6200
800-852-3131 toll-free
www.carroll.org External
Live-in vocational rehabilitation center offers courses in independent-living skills for people with visual impairments. Includes assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, employment training, senior services, and recreation.
Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
180 Livingston St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-522-2122
www.helenkeller.org/hknc External
Offers free, self-paced courses that teach people with visual impairments of any age how to use a computer, tablet, and smartphone. Provides individualized instruction on accessible devices and curates a list of accessible apps. Also provides braille production, web usability testing, and scripting services for a fee.
Envision, Inc.
610 N. Main St.
Wichita, KS 67203
316-440-1600
866-319-4646 toll-free
[email protected]
www.envisionus.com External
Provides vocational rehabilitation services and occupational and physical therapy. Offers training in independent living skills, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, and braille.
Hadley
700 Elm St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
800-323-4238 toll-free
[email protected]
www.hadley.edu External
Offers free distance-education courses to people with visual disabilities, their relatives, and the professionals who work with them. Courses include adjusting to blindness and braille reading and writing. Course materials are available in a number of formats including podcast, digital audiobook, large print, English Braille American Edition, and Unified English Braille.
Lighthouse Guild
250 W. 64th St.
New York, NY 10023
800-284-4422 toll-free (use ext. 711 for TTY)
www.lighthouseguild.org External
Offers a range of vision rehabilitation services for children, working-age adults, and older adults as well as a distance continuing-education program for professionals. Provides evaluations and instruction to prepare children with visual impairments to transition to public education. Maintains Vision Health, an online resource on vision impairment and rehabilitation.
Lions International
300 W. 22nd St.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
630-571-5466
www.lionsclubs.org External
Initiates service projects such as sight conservation and diabetes education through more than 46,000 clubs in 200 countries. Provides free glaucoma screenings and devices, including braillewriters and white canes. Collects used eyeglasses to distribute in developing countries and sponsors guide dogs. Supports eye research centers worldwide and Lions Club camps for people with visual disabilities.
National Association of Blind Merchants
7450 Chapman Hwy., #319
Knoxville, TN 37920
888-687-6226 toll-free
blindmerchants.org External
Organization of people with visual impairments who work with the Randolph-Sheppard vending program or are self-employed offers information pertaining to the needs of blind merchants, such as taxes, Social Security Disability Insurance, and rehabilitation.
National Federation of the Blind
200 E. Wells St.
at Jernigan Pl.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-659-9314
[email protected]
www.nfb.org External
Monitors state and federal laws and regulations affecting people with visual impairments. Informs members of services available to them and of their rights under the law. Maintains the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind. Developed the KNFB Reader App, which takes a photo of text and reads it aloud. Offers NFB-NEWSLINE, a telephone service that provides audio versions of print newspapers and magazines free to subscribers with visual disabilities. Sells assistive devices and publications.
National Industries for the Blind
3000 Potomac Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305
703-310-0500
www.nib.org External
Increases opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. Develops business opportunities in the federal, state, and commercial marketplaces for NIB’s network of associated nonprofit agencies. Allocates federal government contracts for SKILCRAFT, a line of products created largely by individuals who are visually impaired or severely disabled, and for other products and services produced through the AbilityOne Program.
National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision
205 Morgan St.
PO Drawer 6189
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
[email protected]
www.blind.msstate.edu External
Enhances employment and independent living outcomes for individuals with visual impairments and agencies that serve them through research, training, and education. Provides a National Technical Assistance Center website for businesses, service providers, and consumers. Publishes studies on successfully navigating transitions into higher education and employment.
Wayfinder Family Services
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
323-295-4555
800-352-2290
[email protected]
www.wayfinderfamily.org External
Offers independent-living skills, orientation and mobility instruction, and assistive technology training. Courses include financial management and pre-vocational training. Provides recreational learning opportunities and braille instruction.
Resources for Accessing Reading Materials
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
1839 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
502-895-2405
800-223-1839 toll-free
[email protected]
www.aph.org External
Provides educational texts (primary through secondary level) in large print and braille for visually impaired students in the United States and its territories. Maintains the Louis Database of Accessible Materials and APH File Repository. Offers assessment, a bookstore, and articles on daily living and family life. Catalogs are downloadable in multiple formats.
BrailleWorks
813-654-4050
[email protected]
brailleworks.com External
Offers braille production services, including tactile graphics and Nemeth code. Transcribes documents in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Also offers large print, audio, accessible PDFs, and Section 508 document remediation. Fee-for-service.
Horizons for the Blind
125 Erick St., A103
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815444-8800
[email protected]
www.horizons-blind.org External
Converts material into accessible formats upon request. Offers assistance to businesses and organizations seeking to make themselves more accessible.
International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS)
7101 Newport Ave. Ste. 205
844-218-8430 toll-free
[email protected]
https://iaais.org External
Consults with services that produce audio programming for people with a print disability. Provides a Facebook conversation group, mentoring, and updates on critical issues for audio programming personnel. Maintains state listings of audio information services.
Learning Ally
20 Roszel Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
[email protected]
https://learningally.org External
Lends digitally recorded textbooks for all academic levels from kindergarten through graduate school to individuals with a documented visual, physical, or learning disability that substantially limits reading. There is a one-time registration fee and annual membership fees at the individual or institutional level. Catalog and ordering system on the website.
National Braille Association
21 Goodway Drive # 142
Rochester, NY 14623
585-427-8260
www.nationalbraille.org External
Standardizes braille and supports transcribers through a help-message board and professional development activities. Offers a wide range of materials for braille transcribers in the fields of mathematics, computer notation, textbook formats, tactile graphics, music, and computer-assisted production.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542-4962
202-707-5100
888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) toll-free
[email protected] (general reference)
[email protected] (music section)
www.loc.gov/nls
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. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats, that are instantly downloadable to a personal device through the “Braille and Audio Reading Downloads” (BARD) or delivered by mail free of charge with free playback equipment. Individuals who are blind or have a print disability and who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States receive special priority.
NLS Music Section is the largest music collection of its kind in the world, with more than 25,000 titles including braille and large-print scores and recorded instructional materials about music and musicians. Music-related magazines in audio and braille are also available. The collection ranges in levels from beginning to advanced and can be searched online through the NLS Catalog. Many braille and recorded works are available for immediate download via BARD. All large-print materials must be delivered by postal mail. Musical recordings intended solely for listening pleasure are not included in the music collection.
OrCam North America
1115 Broadway, 11th Fl.
New York, NY 10010
800-713-3741
www.orcam.com/veterans External
Veterans who have VA health coverage are eligible for an OrCam device. This device can be clipped onto glasses, and can read text, identify products, and recognize barcodes.
Have a question? Need assistance? NLS librarians are here to help you. Email [email protected] or visit the Ask a Librarian! page.
Updated February 2025