TECHNOLOGY
-Computers for the Blind– determined to bridge the digital divide for the community of the blind and visually impaired in the US by providing affordable, accessible refurbished computers
https://computersfortheblind.org
-Surf’s Up- Learn to use JAWS® screen reading software to read and navigate the Internet learn how JAWS can help you navigate the vast resources of entertainment, education, and information available on the web. Surf’s Up! – Surfing the Internet with JAWS teaches how to use JAWS to read and work with all types of HTML pages, such as web sites, Help systems, web-based applications, and more
https://support.freedomscientific.com/SurfsUp/1-StartHere.htm
-AppleVis– A go-to resource for blind and low vision users of Apple technologies. With an active, engaged user base and a vast collective understanding of accessibility on Apple’s platforms, members of our community support each other in accessing the maximum potential of Apple hardware, software, and services.
https://www.applevis.com/
-Hadley Vision Resources– Hadley provides both practical and social/emotional help to older adults adjusting to vision loss, empowering them to adapt and thrive.
https://hadleyhelps.org/welcome-hadley
-Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA)– A free and open source MS Windows text to speech screen reader, also supported in Raspberry Pi. It supports many languages. https://www.nvaccess.org/
-Dolphin Easy Reader– A free reading app connects you to libraries and makes books accessible for readers who are visually impaired, dyslexic or otherwise print impaired.
https://yourdolphin.com/EasyReader-App
ACCESSIBILITY MOBILE APPS
-EyeNote– A free mobile device application developed by US Bureau of Engraving and Printing as an aid for blind or visually impaired individuals to identify denominations of Federal Reserve notes from Series 1996 to the present. is built on the Apple iOS platform and is available to download for free in the AppStore. https://www.bep.gov/services/currency-accessibility/mobile-applications
-Seeing AI-A free mobile phone app that narrates the world. It has the capacity to read text, color identify, describe scenes, detect light, recognizes faces, objects. Scan barcodes with guided audio cues to identify products, recognize and describe people facial expressions, as well as describing scenes and currency identifier.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/garage/wall-of-fame/seeing-ai/
-Cash Reader-Created for the blind and the visually impaired; a simple solution that assists blind and VI individuals. Identifies more than 100 currencies from all over the world.
https://Cashreader.app/en/
-Be My Eyes– connects blind and low-vision users who want sighted assistance with volunteers and companies anywhere in the world, through live video and artificial intelligence.
https://www.bemyeyes.com/
-Blind Square– Widely used accessible GPS-app developed for the blind, deafblind and partially sighted. Paired with third-party navigation apps, Blind Square’s self-voicing app delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel both outside and inside.
www.blindsquare.com
-GoodMaps-Innovative AI-driven indoor navigation that enables freedom and autonomy to discover and interact with the world indoors.
https://goodmaps.com/
BRAILLE
-Volunteers of Vacaville– nonprofit organization based out of Vacaville, California. VOV’s board and volunteer base is comprised of local Lion’s Club members, teachers for the blind, and generous community members united for the cause of aiding the sight impaired community worldwide. Refurbished braille writers are sold at a significant discount. They also accept old braillers donated for parts. https://volunteersofvacaville.com/about-us/
-Paths to Literacy- Free online resources for those interested in learning Braille. These free UEB braille lessons can be downloaded by parents, families, teachers and anyone interested in supporting braille literacy.
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/dots-families-braille-lessons/
-Basic Braille By Sight (Hadley)-Free on line introduction to reading braille by sight, includes link with guidance on reading braille without sight.
https://hadleyhelps.org/workshops/basic-braille-by-sight-reading-series
SERVICE ANIMALS
-The Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA)- A program provides a monthly payment of $50 to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog to help them with their disability-related needs. The allowance is to help pay the costs of food, grooming, and health care for the dog.
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/assistance-dogs
EMPLOYMENT
–Job Accommodation Network (JAN)– JAN helps employers recognize the valuable contributions that qualified workers with disabilities add to the workforce by providing accommodation solutions, trusted strategies, and practical guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Job accommodations play a vital role in creating inclusive workplaces, advancing the goals of the ADA, and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
askJan.org
–Employment Assistance and Resource Network (EARN)– Offers information and resources to employers to recruit, hire, retain and advance the employment of people with disabilities and assist employers in building a workplace culture of inclusion, accessibility, diversity and equity.
https://askearn.org/
–Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)– ODEP’s mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep
-Partnership for Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT)- Building a future where technology and accessibility are integrated and accessible to the workforce by design.
https://www.peatworks.org/enews/
ADVOCACY
-Disability Rights California (DRC)– DRC is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. They work in litigation, legal representation, advocacy services, investigations, public policy, and provide information, advice, referral, and community outreach.
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/
-California Civil Rights Department (CRD)– The Civil Rights Department is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. The mission of the CRD is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, businesses, and state-funded programs, and from bias-motivated violence and human trafficking.
https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
-Americans with Disability Acts (ADA)– Disability rights are civil rights. From voting to parking, the ADA is a law that protects people with disabilities in many areas of public life.
https://www.ada.gov/
–Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC): DRLC is a non-profit public interest advocacy organization that champions the civil rights of people with disabilities as well as those affected by cancer. Their website features a number of disability-related “know your rights” publications.
https://thedrlc.org/
-Inter-Tribal Council of California– Creates programs and services impacting health, education, economic, social, cultural, environmental, legal, and tribal governance development for tribal people throughout California.
https://itccinc.org/
-World Institute on Disability (WID)- WID advances the inclusion, rights and advancements of people with disabilities, encouraging community engagement and design.
https://wid.org/
-California Civil Rights Department-The Civil Rights Department is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. The mission of the CRD is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, businesses, and state-funded programs, and from bias-motivated violence and human trafficking.
https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
-Victims’ Services Unit-The Victims’ Services Unit (VSU) is dedicated to serving, and empowering victims and survivors and their families, and connecting them with relevant and tailored resources.
https://oag.ca.gov/victimservices
-The Vet Center– Community-based counseling centers that provide a social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, including National Guard and Reserve branches, & families. Counseling & successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Vet Center counselors & outreach staff, most are Veterans themselves, and prepared to discuss the tragedies, loss, grief & transition after trauma.
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/
EDUCATION (funding)
-Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- FSA is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grant, work-study, and loan funds to students attending college or career school.
https://studentaid.gov/
-FastWeb– A free scholarship search platform that connects students to available college scholarships, trade schools scholarships, and other financial aid resources. The goal is to find scholarships to make college and training affordable to all.
https://www.fastweb.com/
-Scholarships– Is a free college scholarship search platform that matches students to college scholarships that they may qualify.
https://www.scholarships.com/
BLINDNESS ORGANIZATIONS
-NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR THE BLIND– is an organization of blind people. It is the oldest and largest organization led by blind people in the USA. This structure is intended to ensure that the organization is run by blind people and reflects the collective views of its blind members.
https://nfb.org/
-California Council for the Blind (CCB)– The California Council of the Blind (CCB) provides a safe place for members to express and be heard to pursue equity in our nation as a whole and specifically in our state. This organization is committed to diversity at every level.
https://ccbnet.org/drupal7/
-American Council for the Blind (ACB)– ACB advocates for equality of people who are blind and visually impaired, inspires community, and connects you with education, resources, and each other to support your independence.
https://www.acb.org/
EDUCATION (courses-training)
-Alison– Alison offers over 5000 free online courses across nine distinct categories. The types of courses across the categories include:Certificate Courses, and Diploma Courses
https://alison.com/
-Udacity-It provides 1000s of free (and paid) courses and certificated programs. Udacity works with individuals, organizations, and governments interested in upskilling. Drives favorable career outcomes for individual learners, scaled digital transformation for organizations. Numerous internal and external scholarships. Strong emphasis on artificial intelligence training.
https://www.udacity.com/about-us
-Learn Audacity– A low cost comprehensive in-depth, on demand video training course platform and training courses for podcasters, , audiobook and spoken word creators.
https://learnaudacity.com/
-Deque University-A low cost and free online learning platform. It offers training and on-demand reference materials for every level and every area of expertise in digital accessibility.
https://dequeuniversity.com/
FOOD & HOUSELHOLD & FINANCIAL
-California Food Assistance Program-The State of California provides state-funded CalFresh food benefits through the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) for qualified non-citizens who do not qualify for federal benefits. CFAP benefits are issued through the same case as federal CalFresh benefits.
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh/california-food-assistance-program
-CalFRESH -CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules. Recipients of SSI/SSP benefits may be eligible for CalFresh Food benefits for the first time. There is no change to the SSI/SSP monthly benefit.
https://calfresh.dss.ca.gov/food/
-Food Bank Directory- Food Banks throughout California provide USDA commodities for distribution to eligible individuals and households within their respective service areas. In order to be eligible for USDA commodities, an individual or household must reside in the geographical area being served and meet established income guidelines.
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-banks
-US Housing & Urban Development (Hud)- Supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people. HUD is not a direct service provider but directs to local agency administering housing assistance.
www.hud.gov/ca
-The Blind Kitchen (library)- A collection of videos about cooking as blind person or visually impaired person. Techniques, safety in the kitchen, and recipes.
https://theblindkitchen.com/library/
-ABLE Account-An ABLE Account is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for public benefits programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Contributions to an ABLE account, currently limited to $15,000 per year, can be made by family, friends, or the beneficiary themselves
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/benefits-services/more-services/calable
-PASS Plan– program is for people with disabilities who want to save money for a work-related goal that will help them become self-sufficient. You must apply for, or already be -getting, SSI benefits to qualify for the PASS program.
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm
-Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)– Helps people with disabilities and service providers understand the connections between work and benefits. DB101 will helps make informed choices and shows how work can be an important part of the life’s journey. Available tutorials, estimators, calculators and resources.
https://ca.db101.org/
ENTERTAINMENT
-LIBRIVOX– Free, non-commercial, non-profit and ad-free project. 1000s of public domain books in multiple languages. Books are read by volunteers from all over the world. Users can read/listen to any available book in the extensive library, or volunteer as a reader. Available through the web or as a mobile app.
https://librivox.org/
-BRAILLE AND AUDIO READER DOWNLOAD (BARD)-is a free Braille and Audio Reading Download service for active Talking Book Patrons with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. There are over 40,000 books, magazines, and music scores in audio and braille formats available for download from the site, with new selections added frequently. Website and mobile apps.
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/
-Magazines in Special Media-a descriptive listing of periodicals and newsletters available to people in the US who can’t use regular print materials. Available variety of formats, including digital audio, digital download, digital text, ebraille, large print, and braille (hard-copy).
https://www.loc.gov/nls/new-materials/magazines/
-Audio Vault– A free site containing the audio only portion of audio described film and TV shows. Not intended to deprive copyright holders or service providers of income. It is a small project designed to make it easier for blind people to find and access audio described content that is spread across multiple platforms and countries.
Audiovault.net
-Blind Mice Movie Vault– The site is designed for use with screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers. A collection of audio description for movies, tv shows and audio books. Low cost for users.
https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Items?storeid=82333&department=Contributions&subDepartment=Movie+Vault+Contributions%22/
-BookShare-audiobooks and ebooks make reading easy. Customize the reading experience with assistive reading features that remove reading barriers. Over one million titles, virtually any book for school, career, or leisure in one convenient place.
https://www.bookshare.org/bookshare-library
MISCELLANEOUS
-Independent Living Centers-ILC works to increase access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities b providing opportunities and advocacy. ICL serves people with all disabilities of all ages and all income levels, and are dedicated to increasing independence, access, and equal opportunity.
https://calsilc.ca.gov/independent-locator/
-National Library Service– A free braille and talking book library for people with vision loss and blindness or other disabilities that affect the ability to read and prevents access to printed material. It circulates books, magazines and other printed material.
https://www.loc.gov/nls/
-California State Library– Talking (audio) and braille books by mail, downloadable books and magazines via desktop or mobile app, descriptive videos, audio playback and braille eReader equipment are available for loan — free of charge — to Californians unable to read conventional print due to a visual, physical, or perceptual (reading) disability.
https://www.library.ca.gov/btbl/print-disabilities/
-Guiding Techniques– Illustrated guide of sighted guide techniques.
https://www.brailleinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Braille-Institute-Human-Guide-Techniques-Accessible-Final-2020-0612.pdf
-Disabled Person Placard– Process to apply for a disabled person parking placard or license plates
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/dpp-application/
-Learning Ally– A learning management platform and informed by data from ongoing research, educators, and implementations, provides solutions to individuals, students and employers in their daily practice a solutions to national literacy problem. Low cost for families and individual memberships.
https://learningally.org/about-us/overview
SAN FRANCISCO BAY & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC
-Re-Cares-A Bay Area non-profit organization that collects and freely distributes donations of medical equipment and supplies, with the aim of increasing access and reducing waste.
https://www.recares.org/
-Axis Dance Company– An acclaimed ensemble of disabled, deaf, blind and neurodiverse performers, welcoming all. It strongly works for full accessibility for the performing arts. It collaborates with local artists and organizations.
https://axisdance.org/
-Independent Living Resource Center SF (ILRC-SF)– A disability rights advocacy and support organization. The mission is to ensure that people with disabilities are full social and economic partners, within their families and within a fully accessible community.
https://www.ilrcsf.org/
-PRC- Assists those affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues realize their best selves by providing the support. Services include emergency financial assistance for short-term security; legal representation for access to basic income and healthcare benefits; and residential treatment, supportive housing, and employment training for longer-term social rehabilitation.
www.prcsf.org
–Pets are Wonderful Support (PAWS)– services designed to reduce the cost of caring for a pet as well as navigate clients through systems of veterinary care and pet support resources. PAWS offers clients pet food and supplies; veterinary care services (and supportive pet care services.
https://www.shanti.org/programs-services/pets-are-wonderful-support/
-Mobile Crisis Services in the Bay Area-Mental health professionals will consult by phone and/or come to any location, to provide emergency assessment and services.
https://myusf.usfca.edu/caps/self-help-resources/mobile-crisis
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