As background, about a year ago my father was given an immunosuppressant medication and two weeks later he was totally blind. As his medical advocate, I didn't know who to turn to for help or advice. I reached out to both the medical community and local government and was given this list of resources. These might be a 'given' to some of you, but as this came upon us rather suddenly I can confirm that many were godsend. I could write a book on what services are lacking, but in the interim, I hope this helps someone. Biggest help was Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind - BUT - we had to be proactive. That is, we had to be persistent in order to stay on their radar.

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29974

Services For People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32305

Bureau of Blind Services- DHS 4678

http://www.afb.org/directory/profile/illinois-department-of-human-services-division-of-rehabilitation-services--bureau-of-blind-services-and-business-enterprise-program-for-the-blind/12

Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services: Bureau of Blind Services & Business Enterprise Program for the Blind- AFB Directory Profile

http://www.friedmanplace.org/resources.aspx

Blind Service Resources

http://www.blindserviceassociation.org/

Blind Service Association

http://chicagolighthouse.org/

The Chicago Lighthouse

http://www.chicagodisabilitytransit.com/resources/

City Agencies and Organizations

http://www.second-sense.org/about/overview/

Second Sense Beyond Vision Loss