In this section you'll find lots of resources related to day-to-day living with for those with visual or other impairments, including technology, advocacy and all kinds of services. They are divided up into several categories organized by the tabs that follow.

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Tab/Accordion Items

ABLEDATA - provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment.

AppleVIS - community-powered website for blind and low-vision users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV and Apple Watch. AppleVis also offers resources and mechanisms for raising awareness of the accessibility of Apple products and related applications, and for promoting further advancement in accessibility.

CapTel NC - a service that allows anyone who uses hearing aids or who has difficulty hearing independently to use the telephone. Offers a telephone and a captioning service.

How to Select Assistive Technology -  Some helpful guidelines and definitions for choosing assistive technology.

North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) - NCATP serves people of all ages and abilities, children, adults, and older adults with disabilities and their families. Anyone experiencing difficulty with daily activities.Professionals in disability related fields such as health care, social services, education, rehabilitation, or other human services. Employers and employees in private and public settings. NCATP provides services at AT Centers and satellite sites.

AMIS DAISY Player - a free DAISY audio player for your computer. Works with Bookshare and other DAISYcompatible books. Will NOT play NLS or Learning Ally materials.

AroundMe - iOS app - Android app - Find out about different businesses near your location 

Be My Eyes - iOS app - Android app - Every day, sighted volunteers lend their eyes to solve tasks big and small to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives.

ColoredEye - iOS app - identifies the colors from your camera in real-time or you have identify colors within a saved photo.

DeskTopZoom - is an easy-to-use free screen magnifier utility that offers a magnification tool on the desktop. It includes a bunch of useful options for all types of users, regardless of their skill level. For Windows.

Digit-EyesLite - iOS app - a unique iOS app that enables people who are visually-impaired or who have problems reading to identify items using their iPhone, iPod or iPad

EyeNote - iOS app - a free mobile device application to identify denominations of Federal Reserve Notes (U.S. paper currency) as an aid for the blind or visually impaired.

Magnifier - Android app - Use your camera to magnify small text, see object details, or zoom in on faraway text like street signs or restaurant menus behind a service counter. Apply visual effects to make low contrast text more visible. In low light environments brightness is automatically adjusted. You can also take photos and zoom in as much as you need.

Magnifixer - is a free screen magnifier utility. Place your mouse anywhere on your screen, make it any size you want and select a zoom level, and even invert colors.

NaviLens - iOS app - Android app - a unique use of Quick Response (QR) codes are made large size and colorful so they stand out for all. Use the NaviLens app on your phone to read them. Very useful for prescription bottles. Some transit systems have begun using them to help visually impaired passengers navigate their system.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) - a free screen reader which enables blind and vision impaired people to use computers. It reads the text on the screen in a computerized voice. You can control what is read to you by moving the cursor to the relevant area of text with a mouse or the arrows on your keyboard. NVDA can also convert the text into braille if the computer user owns a device called a “braille display”. Works with Microsoft Windows.

PowerTalk - a free program that automatically speaks any presentation or slide show running in Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows.

WebbIE Web Browser - WebbIE is a free Windows-based web browser that lets you browse web pages, search the web, fill in forms, do ecommerce, and use online email, all in a highly-usable text-only display that works with any screen reader.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is the replacement program for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program for families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers, if available. 

Here are some resources to learn more about the program:

ABLEDATA - provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment.

American Printing House for the Blind - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Catalog of accessible books available in print and on computer disk. Catalog of instructional aids available in print, on computer disk and on cassette tape. Catalog of instructional aids includes auditory products, braille/writing supplies, computer products, educational games, math aids, low vision materials and measurement aids.

Carolyn’s Catalog - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Reading aids, magnifiers, lamps, C.C.T.V.’s, computer products, writing supplies, canes, household items, games and talking items.

Independent Living Aids - Free catalog. Accepts credit cards. Catalog available in print, on cassette tape and on disk. Lighting supplies, games, magnifiers, tactile household items, kitchen supplies, canes and hearing accessories.

Innovative Rehabilitation Technology, Inc. (IRTI) - Free catalog. Credit card orders accepted. Catalog available in print. Sells adapted 4-track tape players, talking watches, talking appliances, computer hardware and software for the visually impaired and mobility aids.

L.S. & S. Group - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Catalog available in print and on cassette tape. Braillers, C.C.T.V.’s, computer accessories, hardware, software, magnifiers, lighting supplies, canes, kitchen/household items and games.

Maxi-Aids, Inc. - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Catalog available in print, on cassette tape and on CD-ROM. Computer software/hardware, calculators, kitchen supplies, household items, canes, writing supplies, games, instructional aids, magnifiers and lighting supplies.

Magnifiers.com - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Household supplies, braille/writing supplies, teaching aids, computer products, C.C.T.V.’s, magnifiers, sunglasses and games.

National Center for the Blind - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Sells personal items, household items, recreational products, magnifiers, medical supplies, mobility and related items.

NoIR Medical Technologies - Free catalog specializing in sunglasses for ultraviolet, infrared, laser and industrial protection with enhanced contrast vision.

Perkins Products (formerly The Howe Press) - Free catalog. Accepts credit card orders. Catalog available in print and braille. Braillers, braille/writing supplies, measuring devices and brailler parts and tools.

Speak To Me - Free catalog of talking products.

North Carolina Council of the Blind

National Federation of the Blind of North Carolina

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick - from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

What do older adults and people with disabilities need to know about COVID-19 - by the Administration for Community Living

NCIL Advocacy Monitor - COVID-19 information and action alerts from the National Council on Independent Living

Practical ideas for health and safety at home with a disability during COVID-19 - Information from the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

A-Z to Deafblindness - a site that offers help to Blind or deaf people, and especially deafblind people, and those who provide specialised services for those who are deafblind, to make people more aware about deafblindness. Has guide to the Deafblind Manual Alphabet and, the Two-Handed Manual Alphabet used by sighted Deaf people.

Blind Voter's Guide from NFB (overview) - this site promotes full participation of blind people in the election process. It explains The Help America Vote Act. 
Download a copy of The Guide to Voting (choose your format) - MSWord - braille - audio

FEMA Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities

iBill Currency Reader - from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). This is a project available to all citizens/legal residents of the United States who are unable to read regular print because of blindness or a visual impairment meeting eligibility requirements.

iCanConnect.org - National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP). Their goal is to ensure that every person with combined hearing and vision loss has access to modern telecommunication tools and the training necessary to use them.

IRS (Internal Revenue Service) Online Accessible Tax Forms and Services - Download accessible forms, publications and other products from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) accessibility page.

Joes Helpline.org - a website created to help the physically challenged, elderly and those less fortunate in finding information about services and activities at no cost via the Internet or an adaptive phone system.

Lighthouse Guild - provides a full spectrum of integrated vision + healthcare services helping people who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities or chronic medical conditions lead productive, dignified and fulfilling lives.

Mortgageloan.com - Mortgages for Disabilities - This guide has been created to help individuals living with disabilities, and their family members, in the process of buying a home of their own.

RoboBraille - a 24/7 free self-service e-mail and web-based service that automatically transforms documents into a variety of alternate formats for the visually and reading impaired.

Service Animals for People with Disabilities - from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Includes the Service Animal registration form and ADA defined definitions of what is a service animal, along with a helpful tip sheet for businesses for welcoming customers with service animals.

Online Meeting Guides

Google Meet Accessibility -  a look at Google Meet's accessibility features.

ZOOM Guide for New Users - a basic guide to get you started using ZOOM.

ZOOM Guide for Phone-only Users - a basic guide to using ZOOM with just a phone.

ZOOM Hot Keys and Keyboard Shortcuts - how to use Zoom without a mouse.

ZOOM Accessibility FAQ - common questions about Zoom's accessibility.

Social Media

YouTube Channel for VoiceOver Training - a YouTube Playlist to help with training on the gestures used

Guide to Homeownership Programs for People with Disabilities - a listing of programs at the federal, state, and local level that provide assistance with homeownership if you have a disability.

Home Modifications and Selling Your Home - things to consider with accessibility modifications of a home and the impact on resale value.

Mortgageloan.com - Mortgages for Disabilities - This guide has been created to help individuals living with disabilities, and their family members, in the process of buying a home of their own.

Moving for Seniors and People with Disabilities - a guide to help educate seniors, disabled adults, and/or their loved ones, and provide the helpful information necessary to plan and execute a safe, well-organized, and stress-free move.

Renters’ Rights for Tenants with Disabilities - Under federal law, disabled tenants and prospective tenants with a disability have the right to apply for and live in a rental unit regardless of their impairment. When a landlord rejects disabled tenants based on the use of a discriminatory housing practice, they have violated the law.

Special Needs' Safety Near Construction Sites - a comprehensive guide designed to provide safety best practices for seniors, disabled adults, and their caregivers, to help them safely navigate construction sites. Also, it outlines the ADA’s recommended construction zone safety standards.

NFB Newsline is an automated, dial-in newspaper service. Using Newsline, one can listen to more than 150 newspapers being read by a computerized voice. In North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News and Observer are provided. To sign up for Newsline, email the library (ncabls@dncr.nc.gov) or call toll free 1-888-388-2460.

Radio Reading Services - these are radio stations which have volunteers read local newspaper selections, magazines, stories, recipes, etc. A special receiver is given to RRS patrons to receive the broadcasts. There is no cost for the service, but donations are accepted and appreciated. Here is the list of all North Carolina Radio Reading Services by NCARRS. Raleigh and the Triangle are served by North Carolina Reading Service.

Consumer Champion - an organization which works closely with consumers to ensure that fairness, transparency, and truth exist in the marketplace. Apart from our rigorous research, consumer advocacy and expert reviews, we also work with other organizations to feature the latest consumer related news and the latest products.

Disability Rights NC - help with cases involving discrimination or violations of the rights of people with disabilities. Provides advocacy and legal services at no charge to people with disabilities throughout North Carolina.

Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) - DSB helps people with vision problems learn how to adjust so that they can lead full, productive lives. The agency provides a wide variety of services that range from post-secondary education to assistive technology and social services.

Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing - contact this division for information about services for the deaf. Sites containing linkages and information concerning a variety of fields and topics related to Deaf and Blindness.

Family Support Network of North Carolina - families benefit from the help and support that other families can provide and from information about their child's special needs and available resources. With this information, families can make informed decisions about services and support. The Family Support Network of North Carolina is a statewide network of affiliated local programs.

FamilyConnect: For Parents of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired - FamilyConnect is a service offered by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) to give parents and other family members of children who are visually impaired–and professionals who work with them–a supportive place for sharing and finding resources on raising their children from birth to adulthood.

NCDHHS People with Disabilities Services - Disability Services helps people who have disabilities find employment, find care providers and gain access to technology to help people continue to live independently.

Blind Voter's Guide from NFB (overview) - this site promotes full participation of blind people in the election process. It explains The Help America Vote Act. 
Download a copy of The Guide to Voting (choose your format) - MSWord - braille - audio

Help for Voters with Disabilities - guidance from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Voting, Accessibility, and the Law - The Help America Vote Act - information about the Help America Vote Act from the National Federation of the Blind.

Voter Registration Deadlines for all over from Vote.Org

Voter Registration Guidance for North Carolina

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