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Blindness & Low Vision

Blindness & Low Vision

The following lists are intended as a community resource. Please let us know if you have any updates to what we have listed, or if you know of anything not represented here, by emailing [email protected]. 

Blindness & Low Vision Product Vendors

Educational Resources

Community Resources – Washington

Community Resources – Oregon

Blindness & Low Vision Product Vendors

Most vendors of blindness and low vision equipment do not have retail outlets. However, they are often willing to demo products for you at your home or another location. We recommend that you look at several different products before making a purchasing decision. If possible, ask if you can try out the device on a 30-day approval basis.

National Vendors and Distributors

Irisvision

It’s about seeing.
It’s about connecting.
It’s about independence.

Now more than ever, IrisVision can help people with low vision to see, connect, and open up their world.

Contact Brian Murphey at Irisvision to learn more about the new Inspire low vision glasses.

Boundless Assistive Technology

Online store with a range of assistive technology devices.

EnableMart

Online store providing a wide range of assistive technology products.

  • Phone: 866-323-5465

Irie AT

Online store with assistive technology devices for individuals with low vision.

 

 

Leading Edge Vision

Leading Edge Vision is an Idaho-based company that has been serving Washington for over 20 years.  We offer in-home demonstrations and follow up training so that a person can feel confident in using their device.

The Low Vision Store

Online store that offers new and used CCTV readers and a wide range of low vision products. They also have an in-person showroom, which is open by appointment only.

  • Location: 300 NE 117th Ave
    Vancouver, WA 98684
  • Phone: 888-216-1912

Independent Living Aids, LLC

Online store that sells a variety of assistive technology devices for low vision.

  • Phone: 1-800-537-2118

National Federation of the Blind – Independence Market

NFB’s Independence Market offers blindness-related literature, resources, and products as a service to individuals who are blind or experiencing vision loss, as well as to their friends and families.

Washington Vendors and Distributors

Vision Matters LLC

Washington business that sells CCTVs and other low vision products. If you live in Washington state, you can call to set up an appointment to have technologies brought to your house so that you can try them out.

  • Location: 13510 NE 188th Place
    Woodinville, WA 98072
  • Phone: 888-281-1492
  • Email: [email protected]

Next Generation Technologies, Inc.

Custom solutions provider that offers a range of AT products and services related to computer access and assistive computer technologies, including speech input and voice output. Contact Edward S. Rosenthal, President/CEO.

  • Location: 20006 Cedar Valley Road, Suite 101
    Lynnwood, WA 98036
  • Phone: 425-744-1100
  • Email: [email protected]

The Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Nonprofit that sells CCTVs and other low vision aids to individuals in southeastern Washington.

  • Location: 628 N Arthur St.
    Kennewick, WA 99336-2128
  • Phone: 509-735-0699
  • Email: [email protected]

Olympia Host Lions Club – Low Vision Resource Center

The Olympia Host Lions Club Low Vision Resource Center accepts donations of low vision assistive devices and makes them available as loans to low vision individuals in the area, free of charge. They typically have CCTVs and other readers, smaller magnifiers and vision aids, white canes, and lamps. They also have catalogs and other resources for individuals seeking to purchase particular items or learn more about low vision.

  • Location: 2600 Martin Way East
    Olympia, WA 98506
  • Phone: 360-790-8667

Northwest Lions Foundation

The Northwest Lions Foundation provides assistance for sight-related costs including braille readers. To learn more, contact Marsha Rastatter at 1-800-847-5786 or by email at [email protected].

Vision for Independence Center (VIC)

VIC is a nonprofit that offers low vision evaluations every month and a Kids Clinic twice a year, and that sells both high- and low-tech AT for vision loss at a retail store. Serves Yakima and Kittitas counties.

  • Location: 311 N 4th St, Ste 104
    Yakima, WA  98901-2467
  • Phone: 509-452-8301
  • Email: [email protected]

Oregon Vendors and Distributors

Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation provides eyeglasses and hearing aids to state residents who do not have insurance and whose income falls at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

ViewPlus Technologies, Inc.

ViewPlus Technologies provides a range of products that make mainstream technology accessible
to people who are blind or visually impaired, including braille printers, braille translation software,
and braille math access software.

  • Location: 1853 SW Airport Avenue
    Corvallis, OR 97333
  • Phone: 541-754-4002

VisionCue

VisionCue is the national distributor of some of the most widely used products by people who are
blind or visually impaired.

  • Location: 4858-A SW Scholls Ferry Road
    Portland, OR 97225
  • Phone: 888-318-2582 or 503-297-1510
  • Email: [email protected]

Access Technologies, Inc. (ATI) – Assistive Technology Marketplace

ATI’s Assistive Technology Marketplace allows individuals to buy and sell used AT, including products for low vision and blindness. The marketplace is online, but you can call ATI if you have any questions.

  • Phone: 503-361-1201

Educational Resources

American Foundation for the Blind Senior Site

The American Foundation for the Blind Senior Site offers an excellent overview of the causes of vision loss in seniors, resources and tips for living with vision loss and information about a wide range of assistive technologies.

Hadley

Hadley’s mission is to provide personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with blindness or vision loss to thrive. Hadley offers practical help, connection, and support. They are the largest educator of braille worldwide.

SingleCare’s Guide to medication management for people with people who are visually impaired

Community Resources – Washington

Community Resources – Oregon

Government Programs

Veteran’s Administration

Depending upon their circumstances, veterans may qualify for vision rehabilitation services including adaptive technologies. Learn more about programs here.

  • Phone: 1-800-827-1000

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

DSB offers vocational and Independent Living services for individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired.

  • Location: 3411 S. Alaska St.
    Seattle, WA 98118
  • Phone: 206-906-5500
  • Email: [email protected]

Washington Department of Services for the Blind – Independent Living Program

The Independent Living Program helps individuals 24 years old and older cope with vision loss. DSB’s trained contractors provide counseling on living with vision loss and referrals to community resources. They also can provide adaptive skills training and recommend adaptive devices for use at home or in the community. These services are provided free of charge.

  • Phone: 1-800-552-7103

Government Programs

Veteran’s Administration

Depending upon their circumstances, veterans may qualify for vision rehabilitation services including adaptive technologies. Learn more about programs here.

  • Phone: 1-800-827-1000

Oregon Commission for the Blind

Oregon Commission for the Blind offers vocational and Independent Living services for state residents who experience vision loss.

Oregon Commission for the Blind – Independent Living Services

Oregon Commission for the Blind offers Independent Living programs for individuals over 55 years old as well as those under 55 years old who are not working or pursuing employment. Qualified rehabilitation teachers will visit individuals in their home to help them with daily necessities. They can also provide adaptive skills training, recommend adaptive devices, and suggest other resources. Services are free of charge.

  • Phone: 888-202-5463

Services, Assessment, and Training

Low Vision Centers

For a list of macular degeneration doctors and agencies in Washington State – most of which offer low vision assessments including assistive technology recommendations – visit this link.

Lilac Services for the Blind – Spokane Office

Nonprofit that provides assessment, demonstration, and training for AT for blind and low vision individuals.

  • Location: 1212 N. Howard St.
    Spokane, WA 99201
  • Phone: 509-328-9116
  • Email: [email protected]

Lilac Services for the Blind – Wenatchee Office

Nonprofit that provides assessment, demonstration, and training for AT for blind and low vision individuals.

  • Location: 4 Kittitas St., Suite 203
    Wenatchee, WA 98801
  • Phone: 509-888-7597
  • Email: [email protected]

Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID)

TACID offers low vision services in Pierce County.

  • Location: 6315 S 19th St.
    Tacoma, WA 98466
  • Phone: 253-565-9000

Services, Assessment, and Training

Low Vision Centers

For a list of macular degeneration doctors and agencies in Oregon – most of which offer low vision assessments including assistive technology recommendations – visit this link.

Miles Access Skills Training, LLC (MAST)

MAST provides training and consultations to individuals with blindness or low vision, including AT training. Its founders both grew up with disability, and understand that finances can be challenging for individuals with vision loss. Your first consultation is free, and they will work with you to identify funding sources and available services.

Access Technologies Inc.

Access Technologies Inc. administers Oregon’s iCan Connect program, through which they provide assessment for people with hearing and vision loss to ensure they receive the proper telecommunication equipment and training.

Oregon Commission for the Blind

The Oregon Commission assists Oregonians who are blind or visually impaired in making informed choices and decisions to achieve full inclusion and integration in society through employment, independent living, and social self-sufficiency.

  • Phone: Portland 971-673-1588 or 888-202-5463
      • Baker City 541-523-4139
      • Eugene 541-686-7990
      • Medford 541-776-6047
      • Redmond 541-504-0193
      • Roseberg 541-492-1171
      • Salem 503-378-8479
  • Email: [email protected]

Technology Resources

Special Technology Access Resource (STAR) Center

The STAR Center helps patrons develop ‘diff-abilities’ (different abilities), which enable them to complete the same computer-related tasks as those who do not need assistive devices or special softwares.

  • Location: 2600 S. Walker St.
    Seattle, WA 98144
  • Phone: 206-325-4284

Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library is a free resource for Washington State residents, offering easy access to books and other reading materials in print, Braille, and audio formats (as well as a free Digital Talking Book Machine). Individuals can apply to use this service online, by phone, or in-person at the Seattle office, which also offers a computer lab.

  • Location: 2021 9th Ave
    Seattle, WA 98121
  • Phone: 206-615-0400

Technology Resources

Oregon Commission for the Blind – Technology Center

OCB’s Technology Center contains workstations with commonly used adaptive and general software. It is open to clients and the wider community.

Oregon Talking Book & Braille Library

The Oregon Talking Book & Braille Library is a free resource for Oregon residents that offers easy access to books and other reading materials in print, Braille, and audio formats. Visit their website for an application, or contact them for help.

  • Location: 250 Winter St. NE
    Salem, Oregon 97301
  • Phone: 800-452-0292
  • Email: [email protected]

Community Organizations

Vision Loss Connections

Vision Loss Connections is an organization of blind and visually impaired individuals in the Puget Sound area that meet to address the recreational and cultural needs of the community.

  • Location: 23 West Boston St.
    Seattle, WA 98119
  • Phone: 206-282-3913
  • Email: [email protected]

Washington Council of the Blind

The Washington Council of the Blind is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting opportunity, equality and independence in the blind community through education, public awareness and advocacy. There are 17 chapters throughout the state.

  • Phone: 800-255-1147

National Federation of the Blind of Washington (NFBW

NFBW is the Washington affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of the blind in the United States.

Community Organizations

Community Vision

Community Vision’s Assistive Technology Lab provides trainings and workshops, consultations, and open hours and social groups for AT users. The organization also provides supports for independent living, employment, financial coaching, and housing services to Oregon residents who are disabled.

  • Location: 2475 SE Ladd Avenue, Suite 240
    Portland, OR 97214
  • Phone: 503-292-4964, extension 152 for the AT Lab
  • Email: [email protected]

American Council of the Blind (ACB) of Oregon

The American Council of the Blind of Oregon strive to increase the independence and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people throughout the state, providing opportunities for enrichment and social education and economic opportunities. There are chapters in Klamath, Metro Portland, Pioneer, Rogue Valley, Southwestern Oregon, and Willamette.

  • Phone: 541-404-8214

National Federation of the Blind of Oregon

The National Federation of the Blind of Oregon is the state’s affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of the blind in the United States.

Disability Rights Oregon

Disability Rights Oregon provides information, tools, and referrals that empower self-advocacy, promote awareness of civil rights, and pursue policy changes and legislation to benefit people with disabilities.

  • Phone: 503-243-2081

Hull Park Retreat Center for the Blind and Low Vision

The Hull Foundation provides a place for people with blindness or low vision – and their friends – to get away. They also offer year-round services and activities, educational workshops, and monthly gatherings.

  • Location: 43233 SE Oral Hull Rd
    Sandy, OR 97055
  • Phone: 503-668-6195

Sports & Recreation

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes

The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) changes the lives of blind and visually impaired youth and adults with sports throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

  • Phone: 360-448-7254

Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light

The mission of Ski for Light is to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility-impaired adults through cross-country skiing.

Sports & Recreation

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes

The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) changes the lives of blind and visually impaired youth and adults with sports throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

  • Phone: 360-448-7254

Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS)

OAS offers year-round adaptive sports opportunities in Central Oregon and has done so for the past twenty-three years. Sports include alpine skiing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

  • Phone: 541-306-4774