Vision Resource Guide

This guide contains national and state resource information for individuals who are visually impaired.

Vision Resource Guide (Large Print 18 point)

Vision Resource Guide (PDF regular print 12 point)

Education

We provide education and awareness to family members, caregivers, civic groups, businesses, and other service providers on topics related to vision loss, including:

• Low vision aids, talking aids, and other adapted aids to assist people with vision loss. Contact a Social Worker for the Blind.
• Technology available to assist people with vision loss. Call your district office.
• Travel techniques for sighted people assisting people with vision loss. Contact a Social Worker for the Blind or a district office.

Braille Translation

For a minimal fee we can translate material from print to Braille. By putting restaurant menus and other documents into Braille, those who read Braille can have the same access to information as those who read print. To speak with someone about translating material, contact our Communications Unit Supervisor, Susan Barnes at 919-733-9700.

Support Groups

In many communities groups have formed to provide support to people who have lost vision and to their family members. These groups focus on educational, recreational, and social activities. To learn if there is a support group in your area, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county.

Library Services

We can assist you in applying for books on tape, in Braille, or in large print from the NC Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. A descriptive video service is also available. For more information, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county.

Camp Dogwood

For many years we have supported the involvement of people who are blind or deaf blind in camping experiences at Camp Dogwood. The Camp is located near Lake Norman and is supported through the Lions Foundation of North Carolina. For more information, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county, e-mail the Lions Foundation of North Carolina or call the Foundation at 800-662-7401.

Handicapped Placard

If we have an eye report on file, or if you can provide one documenting legal blindness, we can verify your eligibility for a Handicapped Parking Placard. You can then get the placard locally. For more information, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county or contact the Registrar, Sherry Pauley, in Raleigh at 919-733-9822.

Tax Deduction

With an eye report documenting legal blindness, we can verify that you are eligible for a tax deduction based on blindness. For more information, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county or contact the Registrar, Sherry Pauley, in Raleigh at 919-733-9822.

NC Fishing License

In North Carolina people with blindness are eligible for free fishing license. With an eye report, we can assist you in applying. For more information, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county or contact the Registrar, Sherry Pauley, in Raleigh at 919-733-9822.

VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Fishing Tournament

The VIP Fishing Tournament, the largest gathering of blind and visually impaired people in North Carolina, is held annually in October on the Outer Banks. Participants from across the State attend the event. The tournament is sponsored by the Outer Banks Lions Clubs. For more information, contact the Social Worker for the Blind in your county.