Vision Resources
Those who are blind or low vision can benefit from any of our Independent Living or Employment Services, as well as resources we offer specifically for those with vision needs.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services are used by individuals with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions to complete tasks that might be otherwise difficult or impossible to do. Universal design is a term that refers to devices that were developed so they can be used by a wide variety of people with different abilities.
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An individual with a vision loss may need an assistive technology solution from more than one category depending on their needs. Most individuals are interested in devices that help them read and write, but AT devices can help individuals organize their schedules, manage their medication, find a nearby restaurant in a new neighborhood, manage their money, and much more. Of course, individuals who are blind or have low vision do benefit from AT devices designed specifically for their needs.
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Some examples of common AT solutions for vision loss and blindness include:
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Reading – video magnifiers, screen magnification software, screen reader software, CCTVs, DAISY books and readers
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Writing – 20/20 pens, CCTVs, Braillers
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Cooking – hot shot pot, splatter guards, talking microwave
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Personal Care – talking blood pressure cuff, talking scales, talking glucometer
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Travel – Mobile GEO, Trekker Breeze, BrailleNote GPS
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Organization – BrailleNote, Pac Mate, Voice Sense
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Recreation – textured dominoes, Braille bingo cards, beep balls, partner scopes
Older Individuals Who Are Blind
Beyond Barriers provides independent living services for persons age 55 or older who experience blindness or visual impairments. These services are designed to teach the skills necessary to acquire, maintain, and increase independence.
Some examples of these services include:
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Marking appliances for ease of use
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Identification and use of household products
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Household organization
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Evaluation of technology needs
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Obtaining funding for needed visual aids
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Training in use of equipment and software
Peer support and groups are also available from the following organizations:
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Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired – www.kabvi.com
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Northwest Kansas Low Vision Association Southwest Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
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Topeka Association for the Visually Impaired
National Associations
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American Association for the Deaf-Blind – www.aadb.org
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American Council of the Blind – www.acb.org
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American Foundation for the Blind – www.afb.org
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National Association of Blind Students – www.nabslink.org
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National Association for the Blind Veterans – www.nabv.org
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National Federation of the Blind – www.nfb.org
Low vision support groups in Kansas
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Emporia – Ann Pearce, 629 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan
785-776-4741
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Fort Scott – Shelia Marque, 320 S Broadway, Pittsburg
620-231-5300
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Garden City – Western Kansas Low Vision
620-275-7248
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Great Bend – Paul Berscheidt CKAVI, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend
620-792-1232
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Hays – NKAVI, 2502 Sherman Ave., Hays
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Hutchinson – Barb Mashak, Beyond Barriers
620-259-5432
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Independence – Shelia Marque, 320 S Broadway, Pittsburg
620-231-5300
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Iola – Shelia Marque, 320 S Broadway, Pittsburg
620-231-5300
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McPherson – 500 W Bluestem, North Newton
316-284-2900
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Ottawa – East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging
785-242-7200
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Pittsburg – Shelia Marque, 320 S Broadway, Pittsburg
620-231-5300
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Topeka – KABVI, 603 SW Topeka Blvd # 304, Topeka
785-235-8990
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Wichita – Envision, 610 N Main Wichita
316-440-1600
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Yates Center – Shelia Marque, 320 S Broadway, Pittsburg
620-231-5300