Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Do you know where I can get help finding glasses and other technology? (self.Blind)
submitted 9y ago by iheartbaconsalt
When I was a kid, it seemed like I got a new pair of glasses every year from the state. Now I'm 38, my glasses are fucked, and I don't know what to do. I've bought a few pair of glasses when a rich family member died, usually costs me about $550, so it's not something I can do easily on Social Security. If anyone knows if you can just buy a single lens, that'd be best for price for me. I don't see much out of the other eye worth needing glasses for. Also looking for a cane, you know, the black red and white ones. Where do you even get those things? I'm starting to think I need it more and more.
Also used to be Talking Books when I was a kid. Does that even exist now? I'm in Colorado Springs, CO if that helps.
Thank you all.
Also used to be Talking Books when I was a kid. Does that even exist now? I'm in Colorado Springs, CO if that helps.
Thank you all.
Zach_of_Spades 3 points
Contact the library of congress for a free digital talking book reader.
http://bard.loc.gov.
There is also an iPhone app
http://bard.loc.gov.
There is also an iPhone app
dmazzoni 3 points
I'd recommend joining your local NFB chapter - they can help you find a cane and talking books for sure. http://www.nfbco.org/
As for eyeglasses, you can buy them online for much cheaper than anywhere else. You'll need an up-to-date prescription, though. http://www.framesdirect.com/ is one site.
As for eyeglasses, you can buy them online for much cheaper than anywhere else. You'll need an up-to-date prescription, though. http://www.framesdirect.com/ is one site.
RindellFairbairn 2 points
There should be a "commission for the blind" in your area. They taught my husband braille, gave him a bunch of computer software and trained him how to use it, and gave him a cane.
iheartbaconsalt [OP] 1 points
There was, but the government shut it down. http://www.gofundme.com/bd423k
Sunshine_12 2 points
I think you should try contacting your local $1 for sure. Here in CA they provide 'blind field services'. If Colorado has the same you should be able to get a white cane and training from a mobility and orientation specialist on proper use and technique. They should also provide low vision aids in the home if needed as well as pay for and support vocational goals. Here in CA they are awesome! I'm sure the CO branches are very similar since every state has them.
Your local LIONS Club may be able to help you get a pair of glasses too. $1 is your local chapter and it says they do help people who need glasses! I would call them first actually as the process with DOR can take some weeks/months to get set up and receiving service from them.
Ninja Edit: can't spell and also to add $1
Your local LIONS Club may be able to help you get a pair of glasses too. $1 is your local chapter and it says they do help people who need glasses! I would call them first actually as the process with DOR can take some weeks/months to get set up and receiving service from them.
Ninja Edit: can't spell and also to add $1
iheartbaconsalt [OP] 2 points
oh wow, thanks!
Sunshine_12 2 points
For sure! Good luck to you! :o)
thatblindseeress 2 points
In addition to checking out the NFB http://www.nfbco.org/
Check out http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-ExecDir/CBON/1251610438527
Also check out http://coloradocenterfortheblind.org/
Even if you aren't interested in going to their programs they are a great resource especially if you already live in Colorado.
Most resources will want something from your eye doctor saying you are legally blind.
Check out http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-ExecDir/CBON/1251610438527
Also check out http://coloradocenterfortheblind.org/
Even if you aren't interested in going to their programs they are a great resource especially if you already live in Colorado.
Most resources will want something from your eye doctor saying you are legally blind.
iheartbaconsalt [OP] 2 points
Thanks for the links! I've been hitting dead ends.. finally had to see what Reddit knows :)
RindellFairbairn 1 points
There is a company called "new eyes". You can print a form for your PCP to fill out and write a letter stating how the glasses would affect your life. They will send you a voucher for free glasses if your need is high and you are out of options.
I would also contact the Commission for the Blind in your area, they can hook you up with various services.
Source: husband is legally blind
http://www.new-eyes.org
I would also contact the Commission for the Blind in your area, they can hook you up with various services.
Source: husband is legally blind
http://www.new-eyes.org
iheartbaconsalt [OP] 1 points
Wow thanks for replying to this even though it was pretty old! Checking it out now! The Colorado Commission for the Blind closed down here and became just another outdated, underfunded department of human services desk. They say they can provide services, but there's over a year and a half waiting list.
RindellFairbairn 1 points
No problem! I believe because of the "choice of care" act (or something similar) you should be able to choose another city. I would look around you and see if anything has services that are more accessible. If not, I would still get on the wait list!
I would also contact Social Security. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
Even if these organizations can't help, they may know somewhere that can.
I would also contact Social Security. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
Even if these organizations can't help, they may know somewhere that can.
jogajaja 1 points
If you search "Colorado" in the $1 website, there are some listings for talking libraries in the Denver area. One or more of those libraries are probably able to hook you up with the NLS player, and they also provide things like audio newspapers and magazines.
As far as the cane, you can buy them on websites like $1; but other posters are guiding you in a great direction- if you can find someone at Voc Rehab that can help you out, they will know the best resources locally to help you find some free or low-cost tools. Good luck- I know it's more difficult for adults than for kids to get the tools they need. =(
As far as the cane, you can buy them on websites like $1; but other posters are guiding you in a great direction- if you can find someone at Voc Rehab that can help you out, they will know the best resources locally to help you find some free or low-cost tools. Good luck- I know it's more difficult for adults than for kids to get the tools they need. =(
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